Optima Psychology Solutions

02/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Zjvt9naBT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Most people think the brain controls everything—but your heart has a mind of its own.

The human heart contains approximately 40,000 neurons, forming a complex network known as the “heart-brain.”
What’s surprising is that the heart actually sends more signals to the brain than the brain sends back. These signals influence emotional processing, attention, memory, and even decision-making.

Scientists call this connection the heart-brain axis, and it’s one reason why emotional states like stress, gratitude, and empathy can physically affect your brain and body.

The heart isn’t just a pump—it’s a second command center.

30/05/2025

Being present is more powerful than being busy.

Lately I’ve been reflecting on what we call “success” - in life and in work.

Somewhere along the way, we started wearing exhaustion like a badge of honour.
A full diary became a sign you were doing something right.
And not getting back to people? Somehow acceptable.

But real success?
It’s not your job title.
It’s not your degree or your postcode.
It’s definitely not how many hours you work.

The biggest indicator of success is the quality of your relationships.
With your family.
Your friends.
And yes, your colleagues too.

It’s whether your kids feel seen.
Whether your friends know they can count on you.
Whether your team feels respected and supported.
Whether you show up - fully present -when it actually matters.

Moments like that… they’re not a bonus.
They are success.

I think we've drifted a bit.
We’ve started rewarding output over connection.
Urgency over empathy.
Busy over human.

But I believe we can do things differently.

A human-centred approach values people.
It means replying to the message.
Noticing when someone’s not okay.
Being there -even when it’s not convenient.

The people I admire most aren’t the busiest.
They’re the ones who lead with respect, and live with intention.

So maybe it's time to ask:

What does success really look like for you?

04/05/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/16Vad3TwLY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The brain appears to directly influence the gut microbiome, as brain signals altered the composition of gut microbes in mice in as little as 2 hours. The finding strengthens the notion that communication along the gut-brain axis goes both ways.

It is clear from previous studies that gut microbes can influence brain function and mood, but whether the opposite was true – that the brain could alter the gut microbiome – was less apparent.

Read more: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2478853-brain-signals-can-change-the-gut-microbiome-in-as-little-as-2-hours/

Image: IKELOS GmbH/Dr. Christopher B. Jackson/Science Photo Library

04/05/2025

Energy is currency. If it doesn’t bring you peace, profit or purpose, it might be costing you more than you think….

23/04/2025

Suppressing emotions doesn’t make them go away. It makes them stronger.

It’s called amplification — a psychological response where the more we try not to feel something… the more intense it becomes.

We’re taught to keep it together. Stay professional. Stay composed. But the truth is that emotions we ignore don’t disappear, they amplify.

Real resilience isn’t about avoidance.
It’s about awareness. And having the tools to process, not push down.

If this resonates, you’re not alone. Let’s start talking about what’s really going on beneath the surface.

14/04/2025

I try not to watch too much news.

Not because I’m ignorant. But because I’m tired of watching power used to divide, blame and silence.

We’ve normalised bad behaviour in leadership.

We’ve mistaken loud for strong.

And somehow, kindness got lost in the noise.

But here’s what I know for sure.

Kindness is not weakness.
Kindness is clarity.
Kindness is courage.

It’s choosing respect over ego.
It’s listening when it would be easier to shout.
It’s staying human in a world that’s forgotten how.

The world doesn’t need more noise.

It needs more leaders who are brave enough to be kind anyway.

08/04/2025

05/04/2025

What a joy and privilege it was to facilitate the Positive Pathways Program last week.

Over two days, a group of courageous, open-hearted humans came together – not just to learn, but to connect.

We explored:
✨ The neuroscience behind wellbeing and self-sabotage
🌀 The Circle of Control and where we place our energy
⚖️ Psychosocial risks and the real impact on mental health
🌱 Values, purpose, and what it means to live in alignment

But beyond the content, what stood out most was the human connection – the kind that reminds you we’re not meant to navigate life alone.

The stories, the support, the shared moments of laughter and reflection… they were the heart of this experience.

A heartfelt thank you to for guiding a beautiful sound meditation session – such a grounding part of the program.

Swipe through to see some of the moments we captured.

If you’re interested in joining the next workshop, or exploring growth coaching, reach out – I’d love to connect.

05/03/2025

I was in two minds about posting this—there’s so much noise on social media about Cyclone Alfred, I didn’t want to add to it.

But after a few phone calls this morning, I realised a lot of us are feeling a bit rattled, so I thought this might help.

It’s completely normal to feel a mix of stress, anxiety and uncertainty right now. The news is full-on and the weather’s unpredictable—everything feels a bit up in the air (literally!).

Here are a few simple ways to stay steady and ride it out:

✔ Get your info from the right places – Stick to the Bureau of Meteorology, not the social media panic stations
✔ Prep what you can then switch off – Once you’ve got your supplies sorted, give your brain a break
✔ Limit the doom scrolling – Watching every update won’t change the weather but it’ll mess with your head
✔ Check in on mates and neighbours – A quick message can make a big difference
✔ Do something small to reset – Deep breaths, a cuppa, fresh air... whatever helps you stay grounded

You’ve got this. Stay safe, stay smart and look after yourself and those around you.

03/03/2025

🚨 Are You at Risk of Workplace Burnout? 🚨

Psychosocial risks like high stress, poor leadership and toxic work culture are more common than you think. But how do you know if you're exposed?

Swipe through our carousel to check your risk level and learn how to protect your wellbeing and career.

📌 Join the Positive Pathways Program (March 27 & 28)
✔️ Understand psychosocial risks & workplace wellbeing
✔️ Learn science-backed stress & resilience techniques
✔️ Build a 90-day wellbeing roadmap to reset your mindset

🔗 Register Now – Limited Spots Available! https://www.optimasolutions.com.au/event-details-registration/positive-pathways-program-4

💬 Have you experienced workplace stress?