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

Denise Eckert, Creator of the Relax Now Mobile App - Anxiety and Stress Relief

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your busy life? Are you concerned about your health, anxiety and stress levels? Do you want to find ways to manage and reduce stress or anxiety, not just for yourself but for the sake of your loved ones as well? If so, you are in the right place!   Calm Your Daily Stress Podcast – Stress Relief for the Busy Woman is a podcast dedicated entirely to YOU – the ambitious woman seeking to find balance amidst chaos.    Enjoy deep-dive interviews with incredible guests as they spill their secrets on stress-reducing techniques, golden nuggets of wisdom, and game-changing practices that they've tried and tested. Consider this your roadmap to more peace, more clarity, less stress and a life where overwhelm doesn’t call the shots.    Here’s to finding your calm amidst the storm!

  1. E255 Why Procrastination Isn't Your Enemy with Sarah Laverty

    23 hrs ago

    E255 Why Procrastination Isn't Your Enemy with Sarah Laverty

    Struggling with procrastination? What if your procrastination isn't your enemy, but a message trying to reach you? In this episode, Denise talks with embodiment coach Sarah Laverty about how listening to it, instead of fighting it, can turn it into a friend. Sarah Laverty is an embodiment coach based in Northern Ireland. She specialises in helping women to develop unshakeable self trust and confidence by getting out of their heads and into their bodies - and right now she's on a mission to turn procrastination from your worst enemy into your best friend. In this episode: Sarah shares that procrastination isn't you being lazy or broken — it's your subconscious trying to send you a message. She explains that real procrastination is different from just not wanting to do something. It's when part of you wants to move forward and another part is holding you back. She talks about her own health scare in her mid-20s that forced her to stop overthinking everything and start listening to her body instead. Sarah breaks down her three "procrastination archetypes" — the Inner Winter, the Inner Protector, and the Inner Rebel — and how each one is trying to help you, not hurt you. She reminds us that the Inner Rebel isn't bad news. It's the playful part of you that just wants more joy, more fun, and more you in your own life. Sarah gives simple ways to check in with your body, like noticing if you feel restless, drained, or bored before jumping straight to your to-do list. She says the fix for restlessness isn't forcing yourself to sit still — sometimes you just need to get up and take a fast walk to shake it loose. She opens up about her own "aha" moment discovering she had zero clue what she was actually feeling, and how learning to feel her feelings changed everything. Sarah leaves us with one beautiful line: your procrastination has something to teach you, and if you slow down and listen, you'll find a friend. Contacting Sarah: Free Quiz - What Procrastination Archetype are you? https://www.embodimentwithsarah.com/quiz https://www.embodimentwithsarah.com/ On socials: https://www.instagram.com/embodiment_with_sarah/ Blogpost: https://therelaxationlounge.info/why-procrastination-isnt-your-enemy/ Note: Just a reminder that this information presented here is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace professional help. Feeling Overwhelmed? Your Nervous System Needs This. Before you go — if stress is running your life, I have something for you. My free guide, 5 Simple Steps to Regulate Your Nervous System, gives you real, practical tools to shift from panic to calm fast. No long routines. No fluff. Just simple steps that actually work in your real, busy life. https://reset.therelaxationlounge.info Ready to Go Deeper? The guide is just the beginning. Inside The Relaxation Lounge Community, you'll find ongoing support, relaxation practices, and a group of women who genuinely get it. No judgment. No pressure. Just real connection with women who are done doing stress alone. https://support.therelaxationlounge.info

    23 min
  2. E254 The Truth About Breast Cancer Screening with Lynn Fraley

    Jun 30

    E254 The Truth About Breast Cancer Screening with Lynn Fraley

    What if everything you have been told about breast health is wrong?  Lynn Fraley, a nurse with a doctoral degree in public health from Berkeley, is pulling back the curtain on the mammogram (breast cancer screening) industry, medical fear tactics, and the breast cancer statistics that nobody is sharing with women. She is giving us the real numbers, the honest conversation, and three action steps you can start using today to feel informed, empowered, and in control of your own body. This is the episode that will change the way you think about your health forever.  Lynn Fraley is Registered Nurse with a Masters in Nursing from UCLA and a doctorate from UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health. She has worked in healthcare for 35 years, and has long been concerned about conventional health monitoring practices and treatment of breast disease. In this episode: Lynn shares why she became passionate about women's breast health — and why she believes women are often brought into the healthcare system under false pretenses that create more fear than facts.She explains the mammogram (breast cancer screening)  controversy that most women never hear about, including how radiation is focused on sensitive breast tissue at the exact moment it is under pressure and inflammation.She talks about the concept of "medical bullying" and why it is okay to slow down, ask questions, and not rush into a scan just because your doctor — or a reminder letter — tells you to.Lynn reveals that the actual breast cancer risk for a woman in her 40s is around 1.5%, and even with certain genetic markers, that number only doubles to about 3% — something most women are never told.She explains her three action steps: get clarity about what the real risks and options are, find your courage because you have already handled hard things in your life, and build confidence that your body has an incredible ability to heal.She shares why she wrote her book Cherish the Girls: A Well-Rounded Approach to Breast Health and Wellness — because she was tired of watching women feel victimized and terrified over something that may be a much lower risk than they have been led to believe.She talks about the powerful role that stress plays in breast health and overall wellness, reminding us that living in a constant state of worry and stress actually works against the body's natural ability to heal itself.Lynn explains that family history of breast cancer is not a life sentence, and that many factors like diet, lifestyle, and even possible misdiagnosis need to be considered before assuming the worst.She leaves listeners with this: have a plan before they do breast cancer screening, take your time, and remember that you are not in an emergency — you have options, and you have the strength to make informed choices for yourself.Contacting Lynn: https://lynnfraley.com/  On Socials: https://www.instagram.com/nurselynnfraley/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-fraley-rn-drph-224028b/ https://www.facebook.com/lynn.fraley.56 Blogpost: https://therelaxationlounge.info/the-truth-about-breast-cancer-screening/ Note: Just a reminder that this information presented here is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace professional help. Ready to Go Deeper? The guide is just the beginning. Inside The Relaxation Lounge Community, you'll find ongoing support, relaxation practices, and a group of women who genuinely get it. No judgment. No pressure. Just real connection with women who are done doing stress alone. https://support.therelaxationlounge.info

    24 min
  3. E253 Six Minutes of Reading Does More Than You Think with Stephanie Affinito

    Jun 23

    E253 Six Minutes of Reading Does More Than You Think with Stephanie Affinito

    What if six minutes with a good book could actually calm your nervous system? Spoiler: it can, and the research proves it. Stephanie Affinito shares with us why reading and writing are two of the most underrated stress relief tools out there. From her "pause pile" strategy to the brain dump method that finally quiets that mental noise at the end of a long day, this episode is packed with simple things you can start doing today. Stephanie is a book-loving, notebook-hoarding literacy educator on a mission to change lives one book and one notebook at a time. She blogs about the power of leading literate lives and podcasts weekly on books and reading, writing and notebooks and everything in between for both adults and children on her weekly podcasts Get Lit(erate). and KidLit Love. In this episode; Stephanie Affinito shares how her love of books and notebooks started as a little girl — and how they became her lifeline when she got seriously ill as a teenager, proving that reading and writing are way more powerful than we think.She explains that just six minutes of reading is all it takes for your body to start to calm down — heart rate drops, breathing slows, and your muscles finally get the memo to relax.She talks about how 30 minutes of reading gives your nervous system the same feel-good benefits as 30 minutes of yoga — no mat or stretchy pants required!Stephanie shares that reading and writing actually work at a cellular level to reduce chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression — and that readers have been shown to live up to two years longer than non-readers.She explains the three levels of reading benefits — just reading feels good, reading the right books for where you are makes you feel even better, and then taking action on what you read is where the real magic happens.She talks about the "pause pile" — a small stack of feel-good books you keep in your line of sight so when stress hits, you can grab one, read for six minutes, and actually shift how you feel fast.She explains that if you can't wind down at night to read, try a brain dump first — just dump every swirling thought onto paper, and your brain finally gets to exhale.She shares her two-highlighter trick for brain dumps — yellow for things you can control, pink for things you can't — so you can stop spinning and start taking one small action that actually moves the needle.Stephanie's final word of wisdom: give yourself the permission slip to pick up a book or a notebook for just six minutes — it's free at the library, it's always available, and it just might be the most powerful stress tool you haven't tried yet.Contacting Stephanie www.alitlife.com On Socials: https://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit https://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit https://alitlife.substack.com/ https://alitlife.substack.com/p/e215-get-rid-of-journaling-decision-fe7 https://alitlife.substack.com/p/e214-heres-exactly-what-your-reading-2b4 Note: Just a reminder that this information presented here is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace professional help. Feeling Overwhelmed? Your Nervous System Needs This. Before you go — if stress is running your life, I have something for you. My free guide, 5 Simple Steps to Regulate Your Nervous System, gives you real, practical tools to shift from panic to calm fast. No long routines. No fluff. Just simple steps that actually work in your real, busy life. https://reset.therelaxationlounge.info Ready to Go Deeper? The guide is just the beginning. Inside The Relaxation Lounge Community, you'll find ongoing support, relaxation practices, and a group of women who genuinely get it. No judgment. No pressure. Just real connection with women who are done doing stress alone. https://support.therelaxationlounge.info

    28 min
  4. Jun 16

    E252 How to Break the Cycle of Chronic Stress with Marcy Luna

    Do you feel like you're always pushing, rushing, and trying to do more, and feeling exhausted all the time? In this episode, Marcy Luna shares why chronic stress can quietly affect your health, motivation, memory, and relationships. You'll discover simple, science-backed ways to calm your nervous system, create more capacity in your day, and break free from the belief that stress is the key to success. If you're a busy woman who is tired of running on empty, this conversation is packed with practical tips you can start using right away. Marcy is a high-performance coach, exercise physiologist, speaker, and founder of ReEnergize Coaching. Her clients know her for her engaged, compassionate speaking style that blends science, humor, and practical tools that people can actually use. In this episode: Marcy shares how years of stress affected her health and how learning about stress changed her life. She explains that chronic stress is different from short-term stress and can slowly wear down the body. She talks about how many busy women start each day already feeling overwhelmed, tired, and stretched too thin. Marcy shares that stress can affect memory, focus, hormones, healing, and even increase belly fat. She explains her simple NDA method: Notice the stress, Decide how to respond, and Act differently. Marcy talks about how high achievers often connect stress with success and believe they need pressure to perform. She shares that taking short recovery breaks can help you think more clearly and make better decisions. She explains that looking up at the sky and taking a longer exhale can quickly help calm your nervous system. She talks about treating stress as a body challenge, not a personal failure, and being kinder to yourself along the way.Download your free - 3 Questions to Increase Your Success Click Here Contacting Marcy: https://reenergizecoaching.com/home On Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcyluna/ https://www.facebook.com/marcylunafitness https://www.instagram.com/mlunafitness/ Blogpost:  https://therelaxationlounge.info/how-to-break-the-cycle-of-chronic-stress/ Note: Just a reminder that this information presented here is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace professional help. Feeling Overwhelmed? Your Nervous System Needs This. Before you go — if stress is running your life, I have something for you. My free guide, 5 Simple Steps to Regulate Your Nervous System, gives you real, practical tools to shift from panic to calm fast. No long routines. No fluff. Just simple steps that actually work in your real, busy life. https://reset.therelaxationlounge.info Ready to Go Deeper? The guide is just the beginning. Inside The Relaxation Lounge Community, you'll find ongoing support, relaxation practices, and a group of women who genuinely get it. No judgment. No pressure. Just real connection with women who are done doing stress alone. https://support.therelaxationlounge.info

    26 min
  5. E251 Chill, Prosper & Stop BURNOUT with Denise Duffield-Thomas

    Jun 9

    E251 Chill, Prosper & Stop BURNOUT with Denise Duffield-Thomas

    In this episode, Denise Eckert talks with Denise Duffield-Thomas about burnout, boundaries, ADHD, and the pressure many women entrepreneurs put on themselves.  Denise DT shares her personal experience with burnout, how learning to set healthy boundaries protected her time and energy, and how her ADHD diagnosis helped her better understand the way she works.  Together, they discuss practical ways to reduce overwhelm, simplify life and business, and stop striving for perfection. This uplifting conversation is a reminder that success doesn't have to come at the cost of your well-being.  Denise Duffield-Thomas is the money mentor for the new wave of online entrepreneurs who want to make money and change the world.⁣ She helps entrepreneurs charge premium prices, release the fear of money and create First Class lives. ⁣ Her books Lucky Bitch, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, and her newest Chill and Prosper give a fresh and funny roadmap to living a life of abundance without burnout.⁣  Her Money Bootcamp has helped over 10,000 students from all around the world.⁣  In this episode: Denise shares how easy it is for busy women to fall into the “just one more thing” trap and keep pushing themselves toward burnout.She talks about her own experience with burnout and how everything looked fine on the outside while she was struggling behind the scenes.She  explains why many women take on too much responsibility for other people’s feelings and problems.She  shares how setting boundaries can be uncomfortable at first but can protect your time, energy, and peace of mind.Denise talks about taking small steps when creating boundaries instead of trying to change everything at once.She explains how systems, policies, and simple routines can help reduce stress and stop people from constantly draining your energy.Denise shares her late ADHD diagnosis and how finally having answers helped her better understand herself.She talks about using technology, automation, and delegation to remove repetitive tasks and make life and business easier.She reminds us that we do not have to be perfect to be successful, worthy, or make a positive impact in the world.To find out what archytype you are, take the quiz here Contacting Denise: https://www.denisedt.com/ On Socials: https://www.instagram.com/deniseDT/ https://www.facebook.com/denisedt https://x.com/DeniseDT https://www.youtube.com/user/deniseduffieldthomas Note: Just a reminder that this information presented here is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace professional help. Feeling Overwhelmed? Your Nervous System Needs This. Before you go — if stress is running your life, I have something for you. My free guide, 5 Simple Steps to Regulate Your Nervous System, gives you real, practical tools to shift from panic to calm fast. No long routines. No fluff. Just simple steps that actually work in your real, busy life. https://reset.therelaxationlounge.info Ready to Go Deeper? The guide is just the beginning. Inside The Relaxation Lounge Community, you'll find ongoing support, relaxation practices, and a group of women who genuinely get it. No judgment. No pressure. Just real connection with women who are done doing stress alone. https://support.therelaxationlounge.info

    29 min
  6. E250 The Hidden Message Behind Your Anxiety with Silvia Araya

    Jun 2

    E250 The Hidden Message Behind Your Anxiety with Silvia Araya

    In this episode, Silvia Araya shares how anxiety and panic attacks can be signals from your body that something needs attention, not something to fear. She offers practical advice for busy women on managing stress, asking for support, listening to their needs, and creating a healthier balance between work, family, and self-care.  Silvia Araya is a clinical trauma professional with over 15 years of experience helping people heal from anxiety and panic attacks through holistic, trauma-informed approaches. In this episode: Silvia shares her personal journey with anxiety and how her own panic attack experiences inspired her to help others heal and feel hopeful again.She explains that a panic attack can feel scary and overwhelming, but it is not dangerous, even when your body feels like something is seriously wrong.She talks about how anxiety often creates a cycle of fear, especially when we mistake an anxiety episode for a medical emergency.Silvia shares that many women experiencing anxiety are also pushing themselves too hard, living in a constant state of stress, pressure, and rushing from one task to the next.She explains that sensitive people can absorb the emotions and energy around them, which can increase feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and even trigger a panic attack.She talks about how women often carry the weight of work, family, home responsibilities, and leadership roles, making anxiety and stress more common than ever.Silvia shares a simple reminder to pause during the day, take a breath, look outside, and check in with yourself before stress turns into an anxiety spiral or panic attack.She explains the importance of asking for help, speaking up about your needs, and having honest conversations before stress reaches the point of burnout, anxiety, or another panic attack.She talks about building a stronger relationship with yourself by regularly asking, “What do I need right now?” She believes this simple question can help reduce anxiety, bring more peace into your life, and prevent a panic attack before it starts.Click Here for Silvia's Tapping Practice Contacting Silvia: https://silviaaraya.com/ On Socials: https://linktr.ee/silviaaraya https://www.instagram.com/silvia_araya_psy  https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvia-araya-expert-in-panic-attacks/ https://www.tiktok.com/@silviaaraya.com  https://cl.pinterest.com/silviaaraya Blogpost:  https://therelaxationlounge.info/the-hidden-message-behind-your-anxiety/ Note: Just a reminder that this information presented here is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace professional help. Feeling Overwhelmed? Your Nervous System Needs This. Before you go — if stress is running your life, I have something for you. My free guide, 5 Simple Steps to Regulate Your Nervous System, gives you real, practical tools to shift from panic to calm fast. No long routines. No fluff. Just simple steps that actually work in your real, busy life. https://reset.therelaxationlounge.info Ready to Go Deeper? The guide is just the beginning. Inside The Relaxation Lounge Community, you'll find ongoing support, relaxation practices, and a group of women who genuinely get it. No judgment. No pressure. Just real connection with women who are done doing stress alone. https://support.therelaxationlounge.info

    26 min
  7. E249 The Hidden Reasons We Feel Stress with Katie Barngrover

    May 26

    E249 The Hidden Reasons We Feel Stress with Katie Barngrover

    In this episode, Katie breaks down the hidden reasons so many women are exhausted, wired at night, running on caffeine, and still waking up tired. From blue light and late-night snacking to hormones, food sensitivities, and overloaded to-do lists, she shares simple shifts that can help you finally feel like yourself again. If your brain won’t shut off and your energy is hanging by a thread, this episode is going to hit home. Katie Barngrover is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and former math and science teacher who has spent years helping women uncover the hidden stressors draining their energy, disrupting their sleep, and keeping them in constant ‘go mode.’ In this episode: Katie shares how stress is not just in your head. She explains that sleep, hormones, digestion, and even your daily habits can quietly pile stress onto your body.She talks about how screens at night can totally confuse your body clock. She explains why scrolling social media before bed might be one of the biggest sleep wreckers out there.She shares simple sleep tips like turning off screens an hour before bed and giving your body time to properly wind down at night.Katie explains why eating late at night can leave you tossing and turning. She talks about how your body needs time to digest so it can focus on repair and rest while you sleep.She shares why so many women feel stuck in “go mode” all the time. She talks about how endless to-do lists can keep your brain spinning long after your head hits the pillow.She talks about learning to separate “must get done” tasks from the busy little things that can wait. She shares how protecting your energy matters just as much as checking boxes.Katie explains how certain foods may be draining your energy without you even realizing it. She shares why food sensitivities can show up as brain fog, fatigue, aches, poor sleep, and feeling cranky or hangry.She talks about why women often do not eat enough healthy protein and fats. She explains how the right foods can help support hormones, energy, focus, and better sleep.She shares easy ways to start paying attention to your body today. She encourages women to track sleep, meals, energy, and habits so they can spot the patterns that may be sabotaging their health.To receive Katie's 10 recipes to help you begin eating more healthy foods, begin increasing protein, increasing fat in your body - Click Here: https://www.angelwinghealth.com/energyresetrecipes  Contacting Katie: https://www.angelwinghealth.com/ On social: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/angel.wing.health/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AngelWingHealth Facebook: Click Here Blogpost: https://therelaxationlounge.info/the-hidden-reasons-we-feel-stress/ Note: Just a reminder that this information presented here is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace professional help. Feeling Overwhelmed? Your Nervous System Needs This. Before you go — if stress is running your life, I have something for you. My free guide, 5 Simple Steps to Regulate Your Nervous System, gives you real, practical tools to shift from panic to calm fast. No long routines. No fluff. Just simple steps that actually work in your real, busy life. https://reset.therelaxationlounge.info Ready to Go Deeper? The guide is just the beginning. Inside The Relaxation Lounge Community, you'll find ongoing support, relaxation practices, and a group of women who genuinely get it. No judgment. No pressure. Just real connection with women who are done doing stress alone. https://support.therelaxationlounge.info

    24 min
  8. E248 Top Tips for a Smoother Divorce with Jill Kaufman

    May 19

    E248 Top Tips for a Smoother Divorce with Jill Kaufman

    Going through a divorce can feel lonely, stressful, and completely overwhelming, but Jill shares simple ways to make the process easier on yourself and your family. In this episode, Jill talks about co-parenting, handling big emotions, supporting children through change, and why getting the right support can make all the difference.  Jill Kaufman is a Therapist, Divorce Coach, Mediator & Co-parenting Expert. After going through her own difficult divorce, she made it her life’s mission to help others not have it so tough. Her book, online course and transformative group coaching program help parents navigate the overwhelming process of divorce both emotionally and strategically with less stress, more confidence and a greater sense of peace. In this episode: Jill shares how her own difficult divorce inspired her to help other families go through it with less stress and more peace.She explains why divorce can feel so overwhelming because it changes your family life, friendships, future plans, and daily routine all at once.She talks about how important it is to get the right support instead of trying to handle everything alone.Jill shares why reacting in the heat of the moment can make things harder and how taking a pause can calm stressful conversations.She explains that co-parenting works better when you treat each other with respect, even when emotions are running high.Jill talks about how exercise, nature, friends, and therapy helped her lower stress during hard times.She shares ways friends and family can support someone going through divorce by checking in, spending time together, and helping them feel less alone.She explains how changing negative self-talk can help you feel stronger, more hopeful, and more confident about the future.She talks about helping children through divorce by listening to their feelings, staying respectful with the other parent, and reminding them they are loved.Contacting Jill: 8 Guidelines for Separated and Divorcing Parents. https://go.divorcecoachjill.com/8guidelines https://www.divorcecoachjill.com On Socials:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/separationanddivorcesupportcommunity  https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoachjill/ Blogpost: https://therelaxationlounge.info/top-tips-for-a-smoother-divorce/ Note: Just a reminder that this information presented here is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace professional help. Feeling Overwhelmed? Your Nervous System Needs This. Before you go — if stress is running your life, I have something for you. My free guide, 5 Simple Steps to Regulate Your Nervous System, gives you real, practical tools to shift from panic to calm fast. No long routines. No fluff. Just simple steps that actually work in your real, busy life. https://reset.therelaxationlounge.info Ready to Go Deeper? The guide is just the beginning. Inside The Relaxation Lounge Community, you'll find ongoing support, relaxation practices, and a group of women who genuinely get it. No judgment. No pressure. Just real connection with women who are done doing stress alone. https://support.therelaxationlounge.info

    19 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your busy life? Are you concerned about your health, anxiety and stress levels? Do you want to find ways to manage and reduce stress or anxiety, not just for yourself but for the sake of your loved ones as well? If so, you are in the right place!   Calm Your Daily Stress Podcast – Stress Relief for the Busy Woman is a podcast dedicated entirely to YOU – the ambitious woman seeking to find balance amidst chaos.    Enjoy deep-dive interviews with incredible guests as they spill their secrets on stress-reducing techniques, golden nuggets of wisdom, and game-changing practices that they've tried and tested. Consider this your roadmap to more peace, more clarity, less stress and a life where overwhelm doesn’t call the shots.    Here’s to finding your calm amidst the storm!

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