Summary

In this inspiring episode of Collective Guidance, host Charla Goodnight sits down with Stacey Healy-Dooney — a wellness coach, breathwork facilitator, yoga instructor, and mom of three — to explore how mindful breathing and nervous system regulation can transform the lives of teens and teen athletes.

They dive into why awareness of breath is more than "just breathing," how athletes can use tools like box breathing to manage anxiety and enhance performance, and the crucial role parents and coaches play in supporting emotional wellness. Stacey also shares the power of social-emotional learning, two-word check-ins, and restorative practices like yoga and tense-and-release exercises for athletes to find balance both on and off the field.

Takeaways

• Breath is a tool, not just a reflex. Understanding breath awareness can regulate the nervous system and reduce anxiety in athletes.

• Box breathing can improve focus and performance — especially in high-pressure sports moments.

• Parents can model wellness through co-regulation: breathing together, using short check-ins, or practicing yoga.

• Social Emotional Learning (SEL) empowers teens to express how they feel and manage stress more effectively.

• Team wellness = team success. Coaches who prioritize nervous system regulation create safer, stronger, and more connected athletes.

• Tense and release before sleep helps athletes recover mentally and physically, improving next-day performance.

Chapters

00:00 — Stacey on why breathwork matters 01:10 — Introducing nervous system regulation and teen wellness 03:07 — Stacey's journey from mom and coach to wellness advocate 04:41 — The impact of breathwork on teen athletes 05:15 — Box breathing explained (with athlete examples) 09:30 — Panic vs breath control in running and sports 10:04 — What parents can do to help regulate their teens' nervous systems 11:15 — Social Emotional Learning and mindfulness in education 12:21 — Two-word check-ins: a tool for parents and kids 15:00 — Coaches' wellbeing and mental health in sports 17:59 — How Stacey structures wellness coaching for teens 19:41 — Team workshops: yoga, visualization, and communication 21:45 — Tense-and-release: the bedtime reset for athletes 22:51 — Building lifelong tools for wellness beyond athletics

To connect with Stacey Healy-Dooney follow her on instagram at www.instagram.com/staceyhealywellness or send her an email [email protected]

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