How Leaders Use Play To Cut Stress | Nervous System Reset

Contact us by whatsapp on +447485622662- let us know what you think of this episode. High-achieving women often push harder to manage stress—but what if the real stress recovery strategy is play? Join Cheryl Paris and Zander Phelps as they unpack why nervous system regulation through play isn't a distraction, it's a leadership tool. Discover how making work feel safer and more playful actually cuts stress and rebuilds resilience. Productivity advice usually sounds like more discipline, more pressure, and one more system to follow. We go the other direction: what if the simplest way to improve performance is to make work feel safer and more playful? I’m Cheryl Paris, and I’m joined by Zander Phelps to unpack why play at work is not a distraction. It is a stress-reduction tool that helps teams think clearly, collaborate better, and stay creative when deadlines hit. We talk leadership and workplace culture head-on: the “fish rots from the head” problem, why psychological safety matters more than perks, and how a team’s mood often mirrors what leaders tolerate. Zander shares practical ideas that leaders can introduce with almost no budget, from small recurring games to a one-minute dance party that resets energy without derailing the day. We also get real about resistance: how rigid workplaces can punish lightness, and why cultural change needs visible permission from management. If you need language that lands with decision-makers, we map out a constructive way to pitch play using outcomes leaders care about: productivity, creativity, burnout prevention, and employee retention. We also dig into the neuroscience of stress and play, including cortisol, fight-or-flight, and how the brain finds solutions faster when it is relaxed. Finally, you’ll get a realistic daily “prescription” for busy adults, including laughter practice, simple movement, and quick vagus nerve calming techniques you can use anywhere. If this sparked an idea for your team, subscribe for more conversations on work stress and anxiety, share the episode with a colleague, and leave a review so more leaders find it. What is one playful reset you would actually try at work? The contents of this podcast are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have a specific health concern or condition, please consult a qualified Healthcare professional for more details. Check out herguru dot uk forward slash disclaimers Support the show If this episode helped, please share it with someone who needs a calmer five minutes: https://followthepodcast.com/workstressanxiety If you'd like to support the podcast, leaving a review genuinely helps other overwhelmed humans find it without having to survive another "10x your mindset" podcast first: https://lovethepodcast.com/workstressanxiety Got feedback, a question, or a future episode suggestion? https://podcastfeedback.com/workstressanxiety Work Stress Anxiety by ABGW is part of HerGuru Hypnotherapy and Coaching™ and grounded in the ABGW Method®. Calm first. Reality first. Then change.™ Connect with Cheryl Paris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylparis/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abgwblog Shared stories are anonymised. This podcast is provided for educational and self- reflective purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, legal, workplace, or professional advice. Disclaimer: https://herguru.uk/disclaimers/ © Cheryl Paris. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.