The holidays can be joyful, but for families living with Hemophilia B, they can also bring heightened stress—emotionally, physically, and logistically. In this powerful episode, Dr. Shaleen Kendrick, creator of the Neuro-Relational Integration™ model, joins Kai to offer science-backed tools to help regulate the nervous system during times of overwhelm. Whether it's managing expectations, sensory overload, or navigating emergency preparedness, this conversation offers actionable strategies to help families return to peace, presence, and hope.

This episode is made in partnership with Balancing Life’s Issues.

What You’ll Learn:

Why the holidays often trigger stress and sensory overloadThe science behind the body’s three brains—and how they relate to stressA step-by-step grounding exercise you can do anytime, anywhereHow co-regulation with loved ones builds trust and resilienceWhy preparation (like a go-bag and emergency plans) can be calmingHow shifting from perfection to wholeness-making reduces stress

Episode Highlights:

00:59 – Why holiday gatherings are so emotionally complex

03:29 – Awareness is the first step: noticing stress in the body

04:27 – A full 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to calm the nervous system

06:45 – How regulation practice improves over time

08:20 – Rewiring the brain through neuroplasticity and integration

09:38 – Creating “polyvagal partnerships” with your loved ones

11:23 – 20-second hugs, safe signals, and co-regulating with children

12:39 – Replacing perfectionism with “wholeness-making”

15:00 – Emergency preparedness tips that support nervous system calm

16:16 – A closing message of hope and dynamic balance

Meet the Guest:

Dr. Shaleen Kendrick, ThD, is the creator of the Neuro-Relational Integration™ Model (NRI), blending neuroscience, psychology, and practical wisdom to help people access their full intelligence—mind, body, and spirit. Her work supports individuals and families navigating chronic stress, trauma, and medical challenges, offering science-backed pathways to healing, integration, and wholeness.

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding TechniqueThe Neuro-Relational Integration™ Model (NRI)Polyvagal Theory and Polyvagal PartnershipsEnteric Nervous System and Gut-Brain Regulation“Wholeness-Making” as an antidote to perfectionismEmergency Preparedness Tips from Danny’s Dose

Closing Insight & CTA:

“There’s hope in every moment. As you practice integration and start to re-regulate, you create a new possibility—not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.” - Dr. Shaleen Kendrick

Take a breath, find the moment, and remember: you’re not alone in this. For more tools and stories, visit www.hemob.org

Resource Links:

The Coalition for Hemophilia B – https://www.hemob.org/

Balancing Life's Issues – https://balancinglifesissues.com/podcast-bli/

Danny’s Dose Emergency Preparedness – https://www.dannysdose.org/emergency-preparedness