Calm Your Daily Stress - Stress Relief for the Busy Midlife Woman

Latest Episodes:

From Burnout and OCD to a Values-Driven Life with Jamie Gantt Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Jamie Gantt is a coach, speaker, and author who helps ambitious women ditch burnout and redefine success on their own terms. She’s all about honest conversations, real self-care, and building a life that actually feels good.

In this episode:

Jamie shares how chasing “success” to escape a toxic childhood led her straight into severe burnout and constant exhaustion.
She talks about her old “work hard, play hard” lifestyle and how it left her anxious, panicked, and unable to even get out of bed.
Jamie explains how hidden signs of burnout, like irritability, OCD habits, and feeling disconnected from your life, can sneak up on you.
She opens up about how her OCD symptoms disappeared once she healed from burnout — showing how burnout messes with your mind and body.
Jamie dives into how coping mechanisms (like overworking, overdrinking, or perfectionism) are survival tools, not failures — and why compassion matters.
She shares why the real first step to healing burnout isn’t another self-care hack — it’s getting real about your true values and realigning your life.
Jamie gives powerful advice on how to stop “should-ing” all over yourself by asking: is that inner voice even yours... or someone else's?

Contacting Jamie:

https://radicallyalivecoaching.com/

On socials:

https://www.instagram.com/jamiegantt.coach/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieganttcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/coachganttstarr

Are You Looking for Real Stress Relief? Come Take a Look

I've got everything you need in one place: new podcast episodes, quick stress relief practices, and free resources to help you exhale, no matter what kind of day you're having. Check the link below and take a look around.

https://therelaxationlounge.info/start-here

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace care from your doctor, therapist, or other healthcare provider. Please talk to a qualified professional about your specific health needs.

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Discover Simple Strategies to Overcome Burnout Effectively with Scott Anderson Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Scott Anderson is the author of You’re Not Toast and the founder of DoubleDare, a business coaching service helping high-achieving professionals break free from burnout. With 30 years of business ownership, an ICF certification, and mental health therapy credentials, Scott guides clients through a proven process to reduce stress, scale businesses, and rediscover work passion. His approach blends business strategy with deep understanding of burnout's mental and emotional dimensions.

In this episode:

Scott shares how stress can mess with your body and your brain.
He explains how he hit burnout hard and what helped him bounce back.
Scott talks about the surprising connection between stress and your gut.
Scott shares simple tips that actually work to calm your system down.
Scott explains why taking breaks isn’t lazy—it’s powerful.
He talks about how small changes can make a big difference in how you feel.
Scott shares his go-to tools for when life feels totally overwhelming. Click here for his R&R Practice

Contacting Scott:

Website: https://doubledareyou.us/

The burnout assessment - Click Here

Click Here for the Book - You're Not Toast

On Socials:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottandersonms/

Blogpost: https://therelaxationlounge.info/discover-simple-strategies-to-overcome-burnout-effectively/

Are You Looking for Real Stress Relief? Come Take a Look

https://therelaxationlounge.info/start-here

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The Secret to Avoiding Burnout: Redefining Yourself with Holly Hughes Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

Holly Hughes is a TEDx speaker, intuitive healer, and award-winning author dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their authenticity. After years working in TV production, including on Election and 7th Heaven, Holly transformed her life following her viral essay on sexual harassment—published years before #MeToo.

As a coach, Holly leads the Real, Not Perfect Academy, a transformative program designed to help people heal from the past, break free from limiting cycles, and step into their true selves

She also has a bestselling book, REAL, NOT PERFECT.

In this episode:

Holly shares how redefining yourself is totally normal—like how you outgrow your favorite toys, we outgrow old roles and versions of ourselves too.
She shares that living your life being true to yourself is key in avoiding burnout.
She explains how “balance” is overrated and it’s really about finding a rhythm in your life, especially when things feel out of sync and when you are avoiding burnout.
Holly talks about tuning into honesty—like really looking at what you want, what you feel, and where you’ve been settling (even if it's uncomfortable).
She encourages trying “automatic writing” or asking yourself, “What brought me joy as a kid?” to start reconnecting with YOU again.
She reminds us that hobbies don’t need to be monetized—just do what makes you lose track of time (she still dances and paints funky chickens!).
Holly explains how perfectionism often comes from trying to control chaos—especially if you grew up with trauma—and how “busy” can be a sneaky hiding place.
She shares how self-care isn’t about massages or bubble baths, it’s about doing something that lights you up—even if it’s just pigtails and blasting music in your car.

Contacting Holly:

Website: https://hollyhughesintuitive.com

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/hollyhughesintuitive

Read her book: https://amzn.to/3awfZBz

On social:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/holly_hughes_intuitive/

TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/TdY-F8sb2G4?si=yPnEHRi8xjtw9hIc

Pinterest: https://ca.pinterest.com/hgirlla/

Blogpost: https://therelaxationlounge.info/the-secret-to-avoiding-burnout-redefining-yourself

Are You Looking for Real Stress Relief? Come Take a Look

https://therelaxationlounge.info/start-here

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Unlocking the Secrets of Living in Your Power with Dr. Sharon Melnick Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Sharon Melnick is a Harvard Medical School trained Executive Psychologist who coaches executive women and Founders to be in their power and use their power for good. Named by Thinkers50 as one of the Top 50 Coaches in the world, she has also created buzz with her presentations at business conferences around the world including at the White House, the United Nations, and for Women at West Point.

She is the best-selling author of In Your Power (2022), and Success Under Stress.

In this episode:

Sharon shares how past patterns from childhood can sneak into our work life and relationships — and how becoming aware of them is the first step to breaking free.
She explains that stress isn’t always about too much to do — sometimes it’s emotional overload from old reactions getting triggered.
Sharon talks about the power of taking your power back by focusing on what you can control — not what’s spinning out in the world.
She teaches how to create a “power phrase” like Turned On Millionaire to get centered and show up as the woman your business needs.
She shares the three must-haves to feel in your power: agency, sovereignty, and efficacy — so you feel strong, steady, and heard.
She talks about how to move intense emotions through the body — using tapping, breathwork, sprinting, or even a community rage dance break (yes, ma’am!).
Sharon reminds us that stress relief isn’t a one-and-done — it’s like emotional hygiene, and we need to do it regularly to stay healthy and whole.

Contacting Sharon:

https://sharonmelnick.com/

On social:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonmelnick/

Blogpost:

https://therelaxationlounge.info/unlocking-the-secrets-of-living-in-your-power/

Are You Looking for Real Stress Relief? Come Take a Look

https://therelaxationlounge.info/start-here

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ADHD is Different for Women and this is Why with Sarah Callaghan Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Sarah Callaghan is a Holistic Counsellor, ADHD educator, and founder of Unmasking Together. As a neurodivergent mother and passionate advocate, she offers counselling and webinars to help neurodivergent adults understand their brains and embrace their strengths.

In this episode:

Sarah explains how ADHD affects the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex, which acts like the CEO of our minds, managing tasks, emotions, and focus.
Sarah shares that ADHD brains don’t produce enough dopamine, and what little they have gets "cleaned up" too soon, making it harder to stay on track—unless there are extra support systems.
She talks about how ADHD shows up differently in women—less bouncing off the walls, more racing thoughts, mental overload, and feeling like they have 20 tabs open in their head at all times.
Sarah explains that many women with ADHD go undiagnosed because society teaches girls to “be good,” sit still, and not make waves, so they learn to hide their struggles instead of getting help.
She discusses how ADHD often hits women hardest after big life changes—marriage, kids, or major responsibilities—when the mental load skyrockets and suddenly everything feels impossible.
Sarah gets real about the emotional toll: unmanaged ADHD can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout because women are expected to juggle everything without support.
She shares practical tips, like being mindful of how you “spend” your dopamine, blocking out time for tasks, and creating systems that work with your brain instead of against it.

Contacting Sarah:

https://linktr.ee/Sarah.Callaghan

https://www.instagram.com/the_unmasking_mama

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BGxSoDbjN/

Blogpost: https://therelaxationlounge.info/adhd-is-different-for-women/

Are You Looking for Real Stress Relief? Come Take a Look

https://therelaxationlounge.info/start-here

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Exercise Snacks: The Secret to Managing Stress with Tara De Leon Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

Tara De Leon is a personal trainer, professor of Health, Fitness and Exercise Studies, podcaster, speaker, and author.

Tara is the author of Hot Mess to Hot Mom: Transformational Tools for Thriving After Childbirth and Beyond and is the host of the Wellness Rebranded Podcast

In this episode:

Tara talks about how doing badass things with your body, like swimming across shark-infested waters, can remind you of how strong and capable you already are.
She shares easy ways to fit exercise into a busy schedule, like breaking it into five-minute - exercise snack - throughout the day.
Tara explains how dancing after dinner or taking a quick walk - an exercise snack - can have the same health benefits as longer workouts, making exercise more doable for entrepreneurs.
She breaks down the mental and physical benefits of exercise, from reducing anxiety and depression to improving flexibility, strength, and overall energy.
Tara shares a saying: “motion is lotion, rest is rust,” explaining how staying active prevents stiffness, injuries, and that “ugh” feeling after sitting all day and how easy it is to incorporate an exercise snack into your day.
Tara talks about changing your attitude toward your body by focusing on what it allows you to do, from holding your child’s hand to lifting weights and feeling like a total rockstar.
She explains the benefits of weightlifting, including stronger bones, better hormone balance during perimenopause, and making everyday tasks—like carrying groceries—way easier!

Contacting Tara:

https://www.ptdistinction.com/taradeleonfitness

On Social:

www.instagram.com/tara_de_leon_fitness

https://www.facebook.com/TaraDeLeonFitness

Listen to the podcast here:

https://www.youtube.com/@WellnessRebranded

Buy her book here: https://a.co/d/3tGoNag

Blogpost: https://therelaxationlounge.info/exercise-snacks-the-secret-to-managing-stress

Are You Looking for Real Stress Relief? Come Take a Look

https://therelaxationlounge.info/start-here

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Breaking Free from Entrepreneurial Stress and Burnout with Shulamit Ber Levtov Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Shulamit Ber Levtov is known as The Entrepreneurs' Therapist. She is a culture change catalyst focusing on mental health in entrepreneurship - speaking, teaching and consulting nationally and internationally, and supporting individual women business owners through the emotional challenges of running a business.

Shulamit's unique approach combines her 30+ years of entrepreneurship and 24+ years as a mental health professional. She is a masters-level, licensed somatic trauma therapist and a trauma survivor herself. She also has certifications in the Trauma of Money and Financial Social Work.

In this episode:

Shulamit shares her personal journey of burnout, realizing she needed to exit her business to prioritize her mental health, which led her to support other entrepreneurs.
She explains that cash flow is the number one stressor for entrepreneurs, triggering a survival response in the nervous system, making it harder to think clearly and solve business challenges.
Shulamit talks about the hidden isolation of entrepreneurship—many business owners fear being vulnerable due to stigma and worry that admitting stress will harm their reputation.
She shares tips on finding emotional support, from noticing who offers kindness in your circle to forming a “biz bestie” relationship for mutual encouragement.
She introduces the concept of “slow business” and encourages women to seek out communities that align with their values instead of hustle culture.
Shulamit explains how financial stress is deeply tied to self-worth and safety under capitalism, and how recognizing this can help entrepreneurs shift their mindset.
She offers a first step to handling financial stress: acknowledge your nervous system response, show yourself compassion, and stop blaming yourself for feeling overwhelmed.
She shares that she has a free newsletter where she discusses all things mental health as entrepreneurs - sign up here: https://www.shula.ca/newsletter

Contacting Shulamit:

https://www.shula.ca

On Social:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulamitberlevtov/

Other resources:

Program:

https://www.thetraumaofmoney.com/

Trauma of Money Book:

https://www.wiley.com/en-us/The+Trauma+of+Money%3A+Mapping+Compassionate+Pathways+to+Healing+Financial+Trauma+and+Disempowering+Shame-p-9781394300679

Money shame blog post:

https://www.shula.ca/4-steps-to-heal-money-shame/

Are You Looking for Real Stress Relief? Come Take a Look

https://therelaxationlounge.info/start-here

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stop Overworking and Start Thriving with Human Design with Kristi Sullivan Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Kristi H. Sullivan is a Human Design and Self Care expert, speaker and lead author of the best-selling Amazon book Stop Overworking & Start Overflowing: 25 Ways to Transform Your Life Using Human Design. She hosts a virtual community for spiritually-minded females to create better wellness, improve relationships, shift mindsets, and manifest more success, wealth and freedom - to live their best life by design.

In this episode:

Kristi shares how discovering human design was a lightbulb moment, just like when she first tried yoga—it completely changed how she saw herself and her energy.
She explains that human design is like "astrology on steroids," helping you understand how your energy naturally flows so you can stop forcing yourself into a life that doesn’t fit.
Kristi talks about the five energy types and how knowing yours can help you work smarter, not harder—especially if you’ve been feeling drained or burned out.
She reveals that for instance, Manifestors, make up only 9% of the population and are designed to start things, not grind away at repetitive tasks (which explains why certain jobs just don’t feel right!).
Kristi shares how burnout happens when we try to work in ways that don’t align with our energy type—knowing your human design can help you say yes to what fuels you and no to what drains you.
She explains the difference between outer self-care (bubble baths and vacations) and inner self-care (rewiring limiting beliefs and recognizing unhealthy patterns).
Kristi invites listeners to grab their free human design chart and start exploring how they can align their energy for more ease, flow, and success in their life and business. Go to her website: https://hdwithkristi.com/

Contacting Kristi:

https://hdwithkristi.com/

On social:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/kristihsullivan

https://www.facebook.com/kristi.h.sullivan.1

https://www.instagram.com/kristihsullivan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristianasullivan

Blogpost: https://therelaxationlounge.info/stop-overworking-and-start-thriving-with-human-design/

Are You Looking for Real Stress Relief? Come Take a Look

https://therelaxationlounge.info/start-here

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Create More Joy with these 5 Simple Questions with Anne Jolles Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Anne Jolles is an author, professional coach, professional and TEDx speaker (Cracking the Grace Code), and creator of Grace Trail. With over 10 trails across the country, she continues her mission of helping others find inner peace and joy in their lives.

In this episode:

Anne shares how she created the Grace Trail to help people find peace and clarity through five simple but powerful questions.
Anne explains the five words of GRACE—Gratitude, Release, Accept, Challenge, and Embrace—and how they can guide you through life’s ups and downs.
- G for gratitude - What are you grateful for?
- R for release- What do I need to let go of to move forward in my life?
- A is acceptance - What do I need to accept to move forward in my life?
- C is for challenge - How would I like to challenge myself to move in the direction of my choice?
- E is embrace - What can I embrace as possible in my life?
She talks about how asking these five questions daily can shift your mindset and help you feel more in control of your life.
She shares how Grace Trails have been created in different locations across the U.S. and how people use them to heal and grow.
Anne encourages listeners to let go of what they can’t control and focus on what they can change to reduce stress and overwhelm.
She reminds us that vulnerability is part of the process, and sharing our struggles can be a powerful way to connect and grow.
Anne invites listeners to walk their own Grace Trail, whether physically or mentally, and start using these five questions to bring more peace into their daily lives.

Contacting Anne:

https://gracetrail.com/

On Social:

https://www.youtube.com/@Grace_Trail

https://www.instagram.com/gracetrailofficial/

https://www.facebook.com/gracetrailofficial

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annejolles/

Are You Looking for Real Stress Relief? Come Take a Look

https://therelaxationlounge.info/start-here

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Relieving Stress and Pain with the Power of Touch with Dr. Njideka Olatunde Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Njideka Olatunde is the visionary and creative energy behind Focus On Healing Wellness Institute, Pain Relief Educator, Advocate and Ambassador for pain caregivers and people with chronic pain.

In this episode:

Njideka shares how her journey into pain relief started with the opioid crisis, inspiring her to explore natural healing through touch.
She explains how touch activates the body's natural pain relievers—like when you instinctively grab your elbow after hitting it.
Njideka talks about the deep connection between stress and pain, explaining how unaddressed stress can manifest as chronic pain.
She reveals why she listens closely to clients first—pain is often just the symptom, but stress is the real culprit.
Njideka introduces "touchology," a hands-on approach to healing that includes reflexology, breathwork, acupuncture, and more.
She compares body care to car maintenance—your body needs regular physical and mental checkups to stay strong and pain-free.
Njideka shares a simple self-care tip: massage the palm of your hand with your thumb while deep breathing to relax and relieve stress instantly.
She invites you to download her poster - https://touchologyreflexology.com

Contacting Njideka

https://touchologyreflexology.com (poster)

https://focusonhealing.com/

On social:

https://www.facebook.com/PainReliefwithReflexology

https://www.instagram.com/evolving_butterfly

https://www.youtube.com/@changingliveswithtouchology

https://x.com/FOHReflexology

Blogpost: https://therelaxationlounge.info/relieving-stress-and-pain-with-the-power-of-touch/

Are You Looking for Real Stress Relief? Come Take a Look

https://therelaxationlounge.info/start-here

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.