Everyday Decoded

Neuroscience made useful, one everyday question at a time

Much of my work is about creating clear, practical tools—streamlined down to their essence—so you can take action right away, confident they’re built on solid science.

This blog is where I let things be a little messier. It’s where my curiosity wanders, I connect dots across science and life, and I explore questions that don’t always have quick answers. Sometimes those reflections grow into the workshops, courses, and tools I share in my business. Sometimes they just stay as thoughtful detours worth writing down.

Here, you’ll find the behind-the-scenes thinking that fuels my programs—and the joy that comes from following the wandering path.

I write about stress, seasons, productivity, nutrition, parenting, and more. If I haven’t written about something you care about yet, please reach out! I love answering questions.

Insomnia
Build Resilience Catherine Franssen Build Resilience Catherine Franssen

Insomnia

While many people acknowledge a bit of missed sleep or tiredness, few realize how much sleep they are missing and how big a problem it may be. Insomnia may be affecting every part of your life, whether or not you know it.

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Sleep as stress relief
Build Resilience Catherine Franssen Build Resilience Catherine Franssen

Sleep as stress relief

While it’s not an active stress management strategy, sleep can actually be good for stress relief. After all, a lack of sleep leads to many stressful situations in the first place. Here we explore a bit of neuroscience behind how sleep deprivation results in increased stress.

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Loneliness and the Stress of Being Alone
Build Resilience Catherine Franssen Build Resilience Catherine Franssen

Loneliness and the Stress of Being Alone

Winter is a time of increased social isolation and loneliness. Travel barriers from weather and illness increase our isolation this season. And even those of us who typically enjoy being alone feel the absence of others more acutely after the intense social connections of the holiday season. Why is isolation a stressor for us? What is loneliness?

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Everyday STEM for the Family!
Play Catherine Franssen Play Catherine Franssen

Everyday STEM for the Family!

To kick off this holiday week at home with family, I’m reposting an article I wrote two years ago with loads of ideas on how we can integrate STEM learning into our daily activities to supplement kids’ education. Check it out!

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Holiday Stress Tips
Coping Strategies Catherine Franssen Coping Strategies Catherine Franssen

Holiday Stress Tips

For this post, I’m flashing way back to 2011 when I gave what I’m pretty sure was my very first television interview ever! Rewatching it now, I'm actually impressed with the clear insights and concrete tips I was giving way back then! Take a few minutes to review my thoughts on reducing stress & enjoying the holiday season to the fullest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zzfMQ_fMSE

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