Smile Sessions With Cristina Perri

Welcome back to Smile Sessions! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the surprising connection between hormones and mental health—because let’s face it, some days, it’s not just your mood acting up… it’s your hormones talking. ✨ Whether you're feeling foggy, snappy, anxious, or just "off," your body might be sending you a message. From cortisol spikes to serotonin dips to that all-too-familiar PMS emotional rollercoaster, I’m breaking down how your hormones could be shaping your thoughts, energy, and emotional state more than you realize. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your emotions and hormones are deeply...

Raise your hand if your body’s been sending you mixed messages lately—sleepless nights, random mood swings, stubborn weight gain? 👋 Spoiler: It might not be that cookie you ate last weekend. It could be your hormones staging a quiet rebellion. In this episode of Smile Sessions, we’re diving deep into how your hormones shift as you age, what that means for your energy, sleep, mood, and metabolism—and most importantly, how to regain control without buying 17 supplements or living in a cave. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✨ Hormones 101: The VIPs running your body’s internal orchestra 📉 What really happens in your...

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that affects us all—healthy aging—but with a refreshing, empowering twist. Whether you're 30, 50, or 70, you're exactly where you need to be, and this conversation is for you. Aging isn't a decline. It's a design. And guess what? You're the designer. Join Cme as I unpack: Why aging is a chance for reinvention, not retreat How lifestyle choices (not just your DNA) shape how you age What really happens to your body and mind over time The science of longevity—from telomeres to mitochondria How men and women experience aging differently The 5 ke...

🌟 Unlock Your Inner Potential (Without Turning Into a Self-Help Cliché) 🌟 Welcome to Smile Sessions—your cozy corner for joy, growth, and seriously relatable life hacks! 💖 In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the juicy topic of unlocking your inner potential🔑. But don’t panic—it’s still fun, fast, and free of life-coach cringe! We’re talking snack-sized tips to embrace your power, purpose, and a whole lotta YOU. ✨ Here’s what you’ll learn: What “inner potential” really means (no cheesy buzzwords, promise) The 5 simple, no-BS steps to finally stop playing small How to turn failures into friends, spot energy-sucking habits...

🌟In this episode, we’re diving into something totally fascinating: the amazing ways AI can actually support your mental wellness, creativity, and growth. If you’ve ever thought of AI as something cold or far-off, think again. Imagine having a tool that feels like a supportive friend or a wellness wingman—one that helps you tackle stress, spark reflections, or unlock your next big idea. Sounds intriguing? We thought so, too!Here’s what we’ll explore in this episode: ✨ How AI can fit into your self-care toolbox—helping you feel more grounded, intentional, and positive. ✨ Examples of real prompts you can use TODAY f...

Feeling overwhelmed by your busy schedule? Let’s hit pause. In this episode of Smile Sessions: Brain Hacks for Busy People, we’re sharing game-changing tricks to boost your focus, manage stress, and bring more zen into your chaos. 🧘‍♀️✨ From bite-sized mindfulness tips to clever mental tactics, these quick hacks are designed for maximum impact—without adding more to your to-do list.Whether you're balancing work deadlines, parenting, or just life in general, this episode is for YOU. Take a few minutes for yourself today, press play, and let’s hack your way to a more productive, happier you. 💡💪🎯 Don’t forget to subscribe for your...

In today’s powerful episode, we’re uncovering the incredible ways our bodies store trauma—and, most importantly, how to release it. Whether you’re feeling stuck, battling stress, or experiencing mysterious physical symptoms, your body might be holding onto unprocessed emotions. But don’t worry, healing is absolutely within your reach! 💛 Cristina Perri and you will explore both conventional therapies and holistic practices designed to help you break free from trauma’s grip and regain your sense of balance, joy, and well-being. From somatic therapy and EMDR to breathwork, movement, sound healing, and easy daily self-care tips, you’ll gain tools to sta...

🎙 How to Be Intentional in Your Everyday Life | Smile Sessions with Cristina Perri Hey friends! 🌟 In this episode of Smile Sessions, we’re diving into the art of intentional living—what it means, why it’s transformative, and how you can start incorporating it into your daily life. Feeling like life’s just rushing past you? Between work, endless to-do lists, and all the noise pulling for your attention, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Today, we’ll unpack simple yet powerful ways to shift from autopilot to living with more meaning and purpose. ✨Grab your coffee (or tea ☕), f...

Welcome back, beautiful souls! In this episode of Smile Sessions, Cristina Perri guides you through the ancient and modern science of meditation—unpacking the unseen power behind this simple yet transformative practice. From its 5,000-year-old roots to its impact on your brain, stress levels, and emotional resilience, this episode is your full-spectrum introduction to why meditation matters more now than ever. Whether you're a beginner or someone seeking deeper peace, we break down the myths, share evidence-based benefits, and teach you three simple meditation techniques you can start today. You’ll learn: How meditation changes your brain (backed by science!) Why...

In this episode, we’re exploring something fascinating—how your mind can heal your body and how reconnecting with the Earth can restore balance and well-being. ✨ What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How thoughts and emotions physically impact your health ✔️ Why modern life has disconnected us from nature—and the consequences ✔️ The science behind earthing and simple ways to start grounding today 🧠 The Mind-Body Connection: Did you know that your thoughts and emotions can trigger real physiological changes? From the placebo effect to heart-brain coherence, science proves that what we think and feel directly affects our immune system, inflammation levels, and even healing. 🌎 The Lost Conne...

You know the feeling—you’re great at your job, handling things like a pro, and then—bam! A deadline sneaks up, an urgent task lands on your plate, and suddenly… your brain shuts down. Your thoughts scatter, anxiety kicks in, and all your confidence? Gone. But here’s the good news: This is totally normal, and you CAN train your brain to handle pressure like a pro. In this episode, we’ll break down: ✅ Why we freeze under stress (hello, fight-flight-freeze response!) ✅ Brain hacks to shift from panic to problem-solving mode ✅ The 5-Second Rule to snap out of mental paralysis ✅ Simple...

We all face struggles. Life challenges us, stretches us, and sometimes breaks us. But when pain hits, why is our instinct so often to stay silent? Why do we convince ourselves that no one wants to hear our struggles? And most importantly—what happens when we choose to heal out loud instead? In this episode, we explore: ✨ Why we stay silent when we’re hurting – The fears, beliefs, and experiences that keep us from speaking our truth. ✨ What it means to heal loudly – No, it’s not about oversharing. It’s about breaking the silence in a way that feels right for you. ✨ How t...

Why do good people get tired? Tired of showing up, giving, and being there for others—only to feel unseen and unappreciated? If you’ve ever felt drained from constantly giving without receiving, this episode is for you. In today’s powerful session, we dive into: ✨ The emotional weight of unappreciated effort 💔 Why kindness starts feeling like a burden ⚡ How to set boundaries without guilt 🌱 Redirecting your energy to those who truly appreciate you Your kindness is a gift—but it’s meant for the right people. Don’t let ungratefulness dim your light. Protect your energy, set boundaries, and surround yourself with...

🎙 Smile Sessions Podcast Episode: Perception vs. Perspective: Whose Reality Is It Anyway? Welcome, Smile Squad! 😊 In this episode, we're diving into a powerful question: Whose reality is it anyway? Ever walked away from the same situation as someone else, yet had completely different takeaways? Were they wrong? Were you? Or—just maybe—you were both right in your own way? If we can shift our perspective, we can reshape our reality. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The key difference between perception (what we take in) and perspective (how we interpret it). ✔️ How cognitive biases trick our brains—and how to break free from th...

✨ In today's episode, we're flipping the script on a topic we all love to rant about: the so-called decline of common sense in society. Instead of just shaking our heads, let’s explore how this shift can actually spark innovation, adaptability, resilience, and personal growth. ➡️ Could a lack of common sense be a driving force behind creativity? ➡️ How does questioning the status quo lead to groundbreaking ideas? ➡️ Why does this challenge give us an opportunity to develop empathy and understanding? From Nikola Tesla and Steve Jobs to Tobi Lütke we’ll explore how unconventional thinking has paved the way for progress. Plus...

✨ What toxic positivity is and why it’s harmful ✨ Real-life examples of how it shows up in daily life ✨ How to support others (and yourself) with genuine empathy ✨ Healthier alternatives to toxic positivity that foster true emotional well-being We’ll also dive into insights from Dr. Susan David, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School, on why embracing all emotions—including the tough ones—builds emotional resilience. In a world that often pushes a “good vibes only” culture, it’s time to create space for real feelings. Let’s talk about it! 🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a f...

In this episode, we explore our relationship with food and mindset. Many of us struggle with food obsession and guilt, often stemming from a scarcity mindset. We'll discuss how shifting to an abundance mindset can lead to a healthier relationship with food. I'll share my journey, including the great cupcake meltdown of 2009 and my workout obsession. We'll cover practical tips for self-love and achieving your ideal weight. Book mentioned: Tired as F*ck: Burnout at the Hands of Diet, Self-Help, and Hustle Culture Book by Caroline Dooner

In this episode, I recount the tumultuous journey with my mother during the pandemic, her involvement in a romance scam, and the difficult decisions we had to make to protect her. Despite our efforts, the system failed, leading to her financial ruin and a move to Dubai, only to be scammed again. This experience highlighted the importance of setting boundaries and seeking therapy to heal from the trauma inflicted by a narcissistic parent. Join me in future episodes as I discuss the steps I took to heal and move forward. Stay cyber safe and keep smiling!

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to set a tone of positive and reflective thinking. In this episode, we’ll explore: 🌟 Love needs action: Discover how small, everyday actions can show our love and care more than words ever could. 🌟 Trust needs proof: Learn how consistency, reliability, and honesty build the foundation of trust in any relationship. 🌟 Sorry needs change: Understand why true remorse is shown through our willingness to change our behavior. Join me as we delve into these principles with relatable stories and practical tips to incorporate them into our daily lives. Let’s make 2025 a year of posit...

Join me as I take you back to August 2019, a time filled with excitement, challenges, and unexpected twists. In this episode, I share the story of my best friend Stacey’s bachelorette weekend at a charming Airbnb in Niagara-on-the-Lake. You’ll hear about the ups and downs of sleep training, the joy of reconnecting with friends, and the shock of discovering a hidden secret that turned our family dynamics upside down. As we dive into the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with a romance scam, you’ll get a glimpse into the psychological manipulation involved and the steps we took to suppor...

Join me as I take you back to August 2019, a time filled with excitement, challenges, and unexpected twists. In this episode, I share the story of my best friend Stacey’s bachelorette weekend at a charming Airbnb in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This was my first night away from my son, Leo, and I had meticulously sleep-trained him using the Sleep Sense Program to ensure he would sleep well while I was away. You’ll hear about the ups and downs of sleep training, the joy of reconnecting with friends, and the shock of discovering a hidden secret that turned our family dynamics upsi...

Welcome to a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing. In this guided meditation, we will explore each of the seven chakras, releasing energy blocks and restoring balance to your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you are new to chakra meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this session will help you connect with your inner energy and promote overall well-being. Find a comfortable space, close your eyes, and allow the soothing guidance to lead you through each chakra, from the Root to the Crown. Embrace the process of letting go of negative energy and inviting positive, harmonious vibrations into your life. Remember...

In this weeks rapid recap of Smile Sessions, we delve into a personal story from November 2018, uncovering the signs of romance scams and how to protect yourself from them. Join me as I recount a challenging time in my life, sharing insights on the emotional and financial impact of these scams. Learn about the tactics scammers use, why they target certain individuals, and the importance of staying vigilant. This episode aims to provide an honest viewpoint and valuable information to help you and your loved ones stay safe online. What to Know About Romance Scams | Consumer Advice. https://consumer.ftc...

In this heartfelt episode of Smile Sessions, we delve into a personal story from November 2018, uncovering the signs of romance scams and how to protect yourself from them. Join me as I recount a challenging time in my life, sharing insights on the emotional and financial impact of these scams. Learn about the tactics scammers use, why they target certain individuals, and the importance of staying vigilant. This episode aims to provide an honest viewpoint and valuable information to help you and your loved ones stay safe online. What to Know About Romance Scams | Consumer Advice. https://consumer.ftc.gov...

In your Rapid Recap you will hear the chaos that was my past week. From unexpected migraines to last minute changes in plans, it was a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges. Join me as I share my experiences, lessons, and strategies for staying resilient in the face of detours.

In this weeks session, I'm diving deep into the chaos that was my past week. From unexpected migraines to last-minute changes in plans, it was a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges. Join me as I share my experiences, lessons learned, and strategies for staying resilient in the face of detours.

Welcome back to Smile Sessions! This week, I'll share why I chose to try Reiki therapy, its benefits, my experience, and how it can help others. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing by transferring universal life force energy through the practitioner's hands. It helps balance the body's energy, reduce stress, and support natural healing processes. I chose Reiki due to my family history of cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol, which has affected my liver. I've also experienced night sweats, migraines, and hormonal changes. Join me on this journey and see if Reiki might...

In this week's episode I discuss facing difficult truths, navigating the complexities of relationships, and ultimately finding strength and happiness in unexpected places. From the emotional conversation with my ex-husband to the support of family and friends, and the new beginnings that followed, this journey is a testament to resilience and the power of community. Remember, every ending is a new beginning, and it's never too late to rewrite your story.

In this episode, I open up about my personal journey with therapy and the challenges I faced in finding the right therapist. I'll share the valuable lessons on how I learned to prioritize my mental health. Join me as I discuss the struggles that I faced within my marriage, the decision to seek marriage counseling, and the turning points in our relationship.  You'll hear about the importance of communication and the courage it took to prioritize my own happiness.  Tune in to hear my story and hopefully find some inspiration for your own journey.

Join me, Cristina Perri, as we navigate the beautiful yet challenging journey of motherhood and self-care. In this episode, we dive into Leo’s second hearing test and explore why doctors measure a baby’s head circumference. I’ll also share invaluable tips from “The Essential C-Section Guide” that helped me on my path to recovery, focusing on the often-overlooked importance of pelvic floor health post-C-section. Whether you’re a new mom, expecting, or simply interested in holistic health, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice to support your journey. Engage with our positive community on social media, share your e...

In this episode of Smile Sessions, we continue the journey of life post-op as we bring baby Leo home for the first time. From discovering a meaningful birthmark to navigating a painful car ride and facing the challenges of breastfeeding, the episode recounts a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. We discuss the unexpected hurdles of dealing with an unsympathetic pediatrician and the confusion over conflicting advice on swaddling. Through it all, we learn about managing Leo’s jaundice, the importance of adapting to our baby's unique needs, and the decision to switch pediatrician for better care. Join us as we re...

In this week's episode we will dive into the journey of recovery after c-section. I'll share the essential tips for healing, discuss the emotional aspects of postpartum recovery, and offer advice on how to be sensitive and supportive around new moms. Whether you're a new mom yourself, a partner, or a friend, this episode will have valuable insights to navigate this special time with care and compassion.

In this episode I get deeply personal about my journey of miscarriage and how this loss took me on my healing journey. Although this life event was devastating and profound it was through heartbreak I learned some very valuable information to prevent future complications. Book Mentioned: You Can Heal Your Life (1984) Louise Hay Emotional and mental causes of illness https://www.heartlandhealingarts.com/blog/2018/6/19/emotional-and-mental-causes-of-illness-the-list-by-louise-hay

This episode is an introduction to what Smile Sessions is and why I chose to create this podcast. It is aimed at those who are facing various challenges and difficulties and who wish to listen and learn from my experiences. The goal is to create a community where we can come together to grow and heal together.