In high-stress environments, such as military or civilian life, individuals face challenges that demand resilient, proactive responses. Dr. Kristina Seymour, a clinical psychologist and U.S. Air Force veteran, developed the Optimal Response Initiative (ORI) to empower individuals to thrive rather than merely survive (Seymour, n.d.-a). ORI promotes a shift from reactive behaviors to optimal responses along a continuum, using tools to enhance resilience across all health domains (The Optimal Response Initiative, n.d.). This episode examines the role of balance and boundaries within ORI, focusing on Chapter 8, "The Power of Balance and Boundaries" (Seymour, 2025). Integrating ORI’s programs, workbooks, and health tanks, it draws on Seymour’s lecture transcript to connect prior chapters and provide practical applications. Peer-reviewed research supports ORI’s principles, emphasizing their relevance to holistic health and resilience (Kruk et al., 2015; Stoewen, 2017).
