After a lifetime of working and coaching in the health and fitness industry, Dr. Stacy Irvine was puzzled that no one had been able to find a solution to successfully motivate our whole population to lead healthier lives. In North America, rates of many chronic diseases are increasing, obesity is still on the rise, our consumption of processed junk food continues, we're sleepless, and our mental health is suffering. We have all the science to understand what we need to do and clear ways to communicate it to a diverse population, but this does not seem to be enough.
Dr. Irvine believes that the reason lies in our extremely busy, highly connected lifestyles, in which we are ignoring our basic human instinctual patterns. These patterns are part of us from the moment we are born - think of a toddler who learns to crawl, then stand and eventually run, or our basic human need to communicate and connect. We develop our instincts as we age and as we navigate our environments. Instincts are responsible for our survival as a species, and they are the amazing attributes that separate us from machines.

Using personal reflection and scientific studies, Dr. Irvine demonstrates that our instincts are our superpower. Tapping into them in our daily lives leads to improvements in our overall health, performance, and happiness. In an increasingly technological world, relying on your better instincts is the counterintuitive way to get ahead.

Stacy Irvine's profile page

Dr. Stacy Irvine has worked in the health and fitness industry for most of her life - first as a coach for many sports, where she was dedicated to training athletes competing for provincial and national teams throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Today, as the founder and co-owner of Totum Life Science, a national leader in the sports medicine, fitness, and health care industry with five locations in Toronto, Dr. Irvine also works regularly in Canadian and US media as a health and fitness expert for Cityline and Breakfast Television along with various print publications throughout Ontario and associated public speaking engagements. Dr. Irvine's formal education includes a degree in Kinesiology, a master's degree in Exercise Physiology, and a doctorate of Chiropractic. She has spent many years acquiring specialized training related to high-performance coaching and her clinical practice. Her patients and clientele range from absolute beginners just starting out on a health and fitness journey, to elite young athletes, adult professional athletes, and even a few celebrities. Dr. Irvine is an outdoor enthusiast. Her favorite place on earth is her Airstream Trailer parked on a small private lake in the woods of Muskoka. www.totum.ca

"Deeply considered and personal, Dr. Stacy Irvine's book is one of the most contemplative I've ever read about health and instinct, and how we can be our best selves by being ourselves." - Dave Bidini, author and musician

"Your Better Instincts takes an idea that is as old as time and makes it new, relevant and actionable for today. This book feels like a conversation with a trusted, wise and (very) fun friend who is gently reminding us how to lead a life well lived." - Bruce Sellery, money columnist, CBC Radio and Cityline
"A fascinating voyage into the human psyche that puts words to the things we cannot see but that move us nonetheless." - Dr. Deborah MacNamara, author of Rest, Play, Grow and clinical counsellor

"Your Better Instincts will help you turn off the noise out there and tune in to the wisdom inside yourself. Dr. Stacy Irvine is a sage for anyone who wants to live their best life. This book will teach you to trust yourself and find your inner confidence." - Lynda Reeves, founder, House & Home magazine

"Your Better Instincts explores an ancient concept "instinct" with a unique perspective. It allows us to better understand how we can thrive in and contribute to our planet in a positive way. When we realize that these instinctual pathways are designed with purpose, it becomes easier to find our own happiness within the journey." - Dave Salmoni, animal trainer, television personality and producer