GET GLOWING

Necessity is the mother of invention and Barrington Hills’s Dr. Stacie Stephenson knows this better than most. As the mother of twin one-year-old boys, Dr. Stephenson has learned that peace of mind comes from taking 30 minutes for herself every morning and evening.

“I have two pieces of advice for moms,” Dr. Stephenson says. “First, don’t stress over finding balance. Know that it’s an unrealistic expectation, and instead, embrace the flow. When you’re up, know that it’s temporary, but also know it’s temporary when you feel down. Balance is a dynamic process, not a static state. If you know that, then it’s easier to ride the waves.”

“Second, don’t put yourself last. It may feel selfish, especially when your children are young, but filling your own cup is essential. It’s the only way you’ll have the calm, the patience, and the ability to give to others. I try to take at least 30 minutes for myself at the beginning and ending of every day to meditate, do some yoga, read, journal, or just dream and plan.”

Dr. Stephenson is a business owner, philanthropist, public speaker, bestselling author, and has trained and practiced in the areas of nutrition, functional medicine, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine. The recipient of countless awards for her philanthropic efforts in the areas of health research, patient advocacy, and child welfare, Dr. Stephenson currently serves as vice chair of Gateway for Cancer Research. She also is a member of the American Nutrition Association Board of Directors.

After practicing functional and lifestyle medicine for 15 years, Dr. Stephenson chose to try to influence the healthcare system at a higher level by assuming directorial positions with various organizations and by supporting research and integrative medicine initiatives. Her desire to both broaden the perspective of mainstream medicine and to support patient empowerment led Dr. Stephenson to write for media and to pen her own books. Through her whole-person approach to creating health and preventing chronic disease, Dr. Stephenson has armed thousands of people with the knowledge and insights necessary to design their own wellness plans.

“I experienced many struggles to get to where I am today, and I feel it is my obligation—as well as my privilege—to share what I’ve learned and support causes that are important to me. Since health is my area of expertise, that’s where I focus most of my energy—disseminating healthcare guidance through my company, VibrantDoc, and supporting organizations that seek to solve health problems and help people, such as Gateway for Cancer Research and Childhelp,” Dr. Stephenson observes.

Dr. Stephenson’s first book, Vibrant: A Groundbreaking Program to Get Energized, Own Your Health, and Glow was an instant national bestseller. Her second book—Glow: 90 Days to Create Your Vibrant Life from Within—will be published by Harper Celebrate this July. Glow consists of short inspirational passages and active strategies for managing stress and fostering self-care, self-confidence, creativity, and connection; strategies that will lead to better physical and mental health.

In Glow, each day of the week focuses on one area of Dr. Stephenson’s VIBRANT strategy:

• Voice: consciously considering how you talk to and express yourself
• Intuition: learning how you listen to your inner voice
• Balance: strategies for juggling self-care, work, and care of others
• Rejuvenation: slowing down, aging better, and restoring energy
• Abundance: filling your life with the things you value most
• Nurturing: loving others well
• Thoughtfulness: improving how you express gratitude, kindness, and joy

Additionally, readers will find weekly themes to help develop a clear mindset and renewed sense of well-being in core areas of life, including self-care, relationships, rest, communication, creativity, and nature.

Married to Richard J. (Dick) Stephenson, founder of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) and Gateway for Cancer Research, Dr. Stephenson has found a partner in life, business, and charitable work.

“I admire my husband so much for his tireless devotion to service, and I like to think we complement each other well. Gateway’s support of cutting-edge cancer research, for instance, has saved many lives and will save many more. They give hope to thousands of families. Because cancer has impacted our lives personally, this is a cause near and dear to our hearts. When you’re a team, I believe you can accomplish much more than two people could do on their own.”

The Stephensons winter in Arizona, but the equestrian life always brings them back to Barrington Hills when the temperatures warm.

“Whenever it’s time to go home, my first thought is of the horses,” Dr. Stephenson says. “I love that the equestrian community values and protects the horse trail system. Horses are in the DNA of Barrington. Not only do we keep horses, but we are devotees of carriages and coaching. In Barrington, you can still take a four-in-hand coach to dinner. That’s pretty rare and wonderful.”

Dr. Stephenson’s book Glow will be available in July 2023 wherever books are sold. You can learn more about Dr. Stephenson, her work, and her books at drstaciestephenson.com.