Today’s conversation felt like a deep exhale. Nicki sits down with breathwork teacher and writer Ashley Neese, author of How to Breathe and Permission to Rest, and publisher of The Deeper Call newsletter. Together they explore what it really means to rest—beyond sleep—and how to work with your nervous system, not against it.
Ashley shares the neurobiological and emotional benefits of rest, why slowing down can feel uncomfortable at first, and how to cultivate micro-practices that soften urgency in daily life—at the stove, with our kids, and especially through the holidays. They also talk about boundaries, the power of the pause, and how lowering our standards (on purpose) can bring more ease and connection into the season.
Listen in for:• Rest vs. sleep—and why “down-regulating” isn’t the same as crashing• The urgency trap and how to unwind it• Small, real-life practices for nervous system regulation• Parenting, food, and letting the kitchen be restful• How to bring more calm and intention to the holidays
Links and resources mentioned in the show:
* Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/
* Pre-Order Nicki's new book: https://fromscratchfast.com/nicki-sizemore/
* Find Nicki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickisizemore
* Ashley’s website: https://www.ashleyneese.com/
* Ashley’s newsletter: https://thedeepercall.substack.com/
* Ashley’s book, Permission to Rest: https://bookshop.org/a/114665/9781984860743
* Nicki's podcast episode about the nervous system with Samantha Fulton: https://mindbodyspiritfood.substack.com/p/our-nervous-systems-and-food
