Abbie's Blog

What are emotions, really?

What are emotions, really?

What are emotions, really?Abbie Kaufmann
Published on: 26/01/2026

Nobody teaches us what emotions actually are. We learn to identify them—"I feel anxious," "I feel angry"—but we're never taught the foundation: emotions aren't abstract concepts or thoughts to manage. They're physical sensations in your body. This is the first post in a series breaking down what we weren't taught about emotions and what we desperately need to know. We'll explore the difference between emotional and mental health, why unprocessed emotions create chronic stress and illness, and how staying disconnected from our bodies keeps us stuck in survival mode. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or professional working with kids, understanding emotions as bodily sensations changes everything—for you and the people you serve. Next in the series: How emotions and stress are connected, and why managing stress without addressing emotions keeps us dysregulated. Read the full post to discover what your body has been trying to tell you.

mind-body-healing
Why Your Stress is Contagious to the Children You Work With (And What to Do About It)

Why Your Stress is Contagious to the Children You Work With (And What to Do About It)

Why Your Stress is Contagious to the Children You Work With (And What to Do About It)Abbie Kaufmann
Published on: 22/10/2025

Why do the kids seem more dysregulated on days when YOU'RE stressed? 🤔 It's not your imagination. Your nervous system is contagious to the children you work with. Here's the science—and a simple 60-second tool you can use right now. Read the full post

mind-body-healing
False Urgency vs Real Urgency: How to Stop Living in Constant Overwhelm

False Urgency vs Real Urgency: How to Stop Living in Constant Overwhelm

False Urgency vs Real Urgency: How to Stop Living in Constant Overwhelm
Abbie Kaufmann
Published on: 04/10/2025

Ever notice how everything on your to-do list can feel equally urgent—even when it's not? That constant hum of "I should be doing something" isn't about poor time management. It's false urgency, and it's why you feel overwhelmed even when you're technically "caught up." Learn how to distinguish what's truly urgent from what just feels that way, plus 5 practical strategies to break the cycle.

mind-body-healing
How Stress Blocks Creativity: The Science Behind Mental Blocks and Flow States

How Stress Blocks Creativity: The Science Behind Mental Blocks and Flow States

How Stress Blocks Creativity: The Science Behind Mental Blocks and Flow States
Abbie Kaufmann
Published on: 04/10/2025

Chronic stress doesn't just make you feel bad—it literally changes your brain waves and blocks creative flow. When you're stuck in survival mode, there's no space for breakthrough ideas or innovative solutions. Learn the science behind why stress kills creativity, plus a simple 5-minute nervous system reset that helps you access flow states when you need them most. Your creativity isn't lost—it's just buried under accumulated stress.

mind-body-healing