Episode:Â 18
Can You Be Your Best Self When You’re Not Coping?
With Layne Beachley and Tess Brouwer
Listen on:
Can you still be your best self when life is lifing?
In this raw and deeply human episode, Tess and Layne explore what it really means to live your best life when things are not going to plan. When you are injured, exhausted, overwhelmed, grieving, burnt out, or simply feeling off.
They share personal stories from the week that was. Tess opens up about celebrating her 40th birthday with a moment of pure joy and freedom, only to wake the next day in debilitating pain that left her bedbound and emotionally raw. Layne reflects on her own injury, the pressure to heal fast, and the spiral that comes when pushing through pain becomes just another form of stress.
Together, they unpack the reality that being human means experiencing highs, lows, and everything in between. They talk honestly about head noise, past trauma resurfacing, the nervous system, and why pushing harder often delays healing rather than accelerating it.
This episode introduces a practical six step toolkit for the days when you want to be your best self, but simply cannot operate at full capacity. A toolkit for rest days. For setbacks. For what Tess calls “inner rehab”.
This is not an episode about bouncing back faster. It is about learning how to slow down with self compassion, regulate your nervous system, and meet yourself where you are.
If life has knocked you flat recently, this conversation will make you feel less alone.
What you will learn
- What being your best self actually looks like on hard days
- How injury, pain, and overwhelm affect the nervous system
- Why pushing through pain can delay healing
- How head noise intensifies when you are depleted
- The difference between performance mode and recovery mode
- How to create your own inner rehab when life knocks you down
- Why rest is not weakness, but a form of leadership
5 Key takeaways
- Being Your Best Self Looks Different on Different Days This episode reframes the idea of “best self”. Some days it looks like momentum and energy. Other days it looks like rest, surrender, and pulling up the stumps. Both are valid. Both are human.
- The Body Whispers Before It Screams Both Tess and Layne reflect on how their injuries started as small niggles. Ignoring early signals and continuing to push often leads to bigger setbacks. Awareness and listening can prevent unnecessary suffering.
- Head Noise Gets Louder When You Are Depleted When you are injured or exhausted, old stories, self criticism, and past trauma surface more easily. Recognising this pattern helps you pause instead of getting swept up in it.
- Healing Does Not Happen in Stress The episode highlights a powerful truth. You do not recover while your nervous system is in fight or flight. Slowing down, feeling safe, and reducing pressure allows the body to heal.
- Self Compassion Is a Skill, Not a Personality Trait Learning to treat yourself the way you would treat a loved one is part of growth. Clearing the diary, asking for help, nourishing yourself, and resting are acts of self leadership, not failure.
Ready to awaken?
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Connect with us
Get Awake’s transformative book: Know yourself grow yourself to live a happier more purposeful life Â
Follow Layne on Instagram @Laynebeachley
Follow Tess on Instagram @tesscbrouwer
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Disclaimer
The A Wake Up Call podcast is created for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The stories, tools, and insights shared are designed to support your wellbeing journey - not to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. In fact, we believe therapy is non-negotiable in life.
If you’re experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.
Your wellbeing matters. Take care of yourself, stay curious, and remember the real wake-up call is listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.
