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 overload* The science behind the body’s three brains—and how they relate to stress* A step-by-step grounding exercise you can do anytime, anywhere* How co-regulation with loved ones builds trust and resilience* Why preparation (like a go-bag and emergency plans) can be calming* How shifting from perfection to wholeness-making reduces stressEpisode Highlights:00:59 – Why holiday gatherings are so emotionally complex03:29 – Awareness is the first step: noticing stress in the body04:27 – A full 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to calm the nervous system06:45 – How regulation practice improves over time08:20 – Rewiring the brain through neuroplasticity and integration09:38 – Creating “polyvagal partnerships” with your loved ones11:23 – 20-second hugs, safe signals, and co-regulating with children12:39 – Replacing perfectionism with “wholeness-making”15:00 – Emergency preparedness tips that support nervous system calm16:16 – A closing message of hope and dynamic balanceMeet 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 Technique* The Neuro-Relational Integration™ Model (NRI)* Polyvagal Theory and Polyvagal Partnerships* Enteric Nervous System and Gut-Brain Regulation* “Wholeness-Making” as an antidote to perfectionism* Emergency Preparedness Tips from Danny’s DoseClosing 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 KendrickTake a breath, find the moment, and remember: you’re not alone in this. For more tools and stories, visit www.hemob.org (https://www.hemob.org/podcast)Resource Links:The Coalition for Hemophilia B – https://www.hemob.org/ (https://www.hemob.org/)Balancing Life's Issues – https://balancinglifesissues.com/podcast-bli/ (https://balancinglifesissues.com/podcast-bli/)Danny’s Dose Emergency Preparedness – https://www.dannysdose.org/emergency-preparedness (https://www.dannysdose.org/emergency-preparedness)