Let’s Talk Nervous Systems – with Sarah Rusbatch

Let’s Talk Nervous Systems – with Sarah Rusbatch

From Sober Awkward by soberawkward

April 5, 2026 · 53 min · Season 13 · Episode 8

About this episode

Vic chats with sobriety coach Sarah Rusbatch about the impact of alcohol on our nervous systems and how to regulate ourselves without drinking.

This week on Sober Awkward , Vic chats with one of her favourite sober buddies, sobriety coach - Sarah Rusbatch about something many of us completely ignored while we were drinking… our nervous systems. For years we thought alcohol was helping us relax. Turns out it was often doing the exact opposite, keeping our bodies stuck in stress mode. Sarah breaks down what’s really going on in our nervous systems, why so many of us feel wired, anxious or exhausted, and what we can actually do to regulate ourselves without reaching for a drink. Vic admits she learned loads in this chat and had a few lightbulb moments along the way. Make sure you listen right to the end for a simple breathing exercise you can try with us. And in true Sober Awkward style, Vic pops back in 24 hours later with a little update after trying a couple of the things Sarah suggested. It’s amazing what a difference a day can make when you start paying attention to your nervous system. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Find Sarah's courses, retreats, challenges and more here - https://sarahrusbatch.com @sarahrusbatch and join her amazing April alcohol reset challenge here…

People in this episode

Host: Vic

Guest: Sarah Rusbatch

Topics covered

  • nervous systems
  • sobriety
  • stress
  • breathing exercises
  • self-regulation

Keywords

  • nervous system
  • sobriety coach
  • alcohol
  • stress mode
  • breathing exercise
  • self-regulation
  • anxiety
  • exhaustion

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sober Awkward, sarahrusbatch.com

Books & works: A Thousand Wasted Sundays

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