Mind Your Midlife | Women Over 40, Menopause, Self Care, Mindset, Empty Nest, Aging Parents, Healthy Habits, Self-Talk

Cheryl Fischer, Life Coach for Midlife Women, Podcaster, Corporate Trainer
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Mind Your Midlife is a weekly podcast for women in their 40s and 50s who want to feel confident in their bodies, their relationships, and their next chapter. Host Cheryl Fischer, a certified life and mindset coach, talks with doctors, experts, and real women about the questions midlife brings, from perimenopause and menopause to adult kids, aging parents, and figuring out what you want next.Did you wake up one morning and realize you've hit midlife? You thought by now you'd have six figures in your retirement fund, the confidence to speak up at work and in your relationships, and a body you'd learned to love. You've tried positive thinking, the 5am club, and the sticky notes around the house, and you're left more frustrated (or reaching for the wine and Netflix).Here's the difference: real change doesn't come from adding more habits to your day. It comes from how you think and the emotions you feel. Each week, Cheryl and her guests share practical, expert-led conversations about:• Perimenopause, menopause, hormones, and exercise• Body image and self-confidence after 40• Healthy relationships with your partner/spouse, adult children, and aging parents• Decision making, career changes, and second-act goals• Money and retirement confidence• Making friends and building community in midlifeCheryl has helped hundreds of midlife women find success and confidence, and with more than 100 episodes, there's a conversation here for wherever you are right now.Take a little bit better care of yourself in midlife.Episodes, show notes, and transcripts: https://mindyourmidlifepodcast.comCoaching and resources: https://cherylpfischer.com(Formerly the OMG Teach Me podcast) -Listen Notes global top 2% score- Popular topics include: mindset for women over 50, menopause and perimenopause, hormone balance, self talk and self confidence, redefining aging for women, mindset shifts, midlife crisis, midlife body positivity, energy in midlife, confidence in midlife, finding community after 50, midlife isolation, staying active in midlife, mental benefits of movement, healthy habits for midlife women, Gen X women, adult children, sandwich generation, can’t sleep, pulled muscles, stiff joints, hot flashes, brain fog, making friends, retirement, retirement prep, adult children, aging parents, caring for parents, empty nest, grandma hobbies

  1. 5d ago ·  Video

    103. Are You Drifting on Autopilot? Reclaim Your Power in Midlife

    Quick summary: In this solo episode, Cheryl explains why so many women drift through midlife on autopilot, and why it's your brain conserving energy and seeking safety, not laziness. You'll learn how tiny compromises and blame keep you stuck, what "taking 100% responsibility" really means, and simple changes, like brushing your teeth with your other hand, that wake your brain up.  Intro Have you ever driven to work or the store, pulled into your parking spot, and suddenly realized you don't remember the drive at all? That is autopilot—and it doesn’t just happen on the road. It happens in our careers, our relationships, and our daily routines.  In this episode, Cheryl breaks down what it actually means to "drift" or coast through life. If you find yourself wondering "How the heck did I get here?," you aren't lazy, procrastinating, or flawed; your brain is simply operating on autopilot to conserve energy and keep you safe. We dive into the neuroscience behind midlife coasting, why your brain naturally favors the status quo, and the actionable steps you can take to wake your brain up and take 100% responsibility for your life starting today.  What You’ll Learn: What "Drifting" Really Means: How we fall into deep life ruts without even realizing it—and why midlife is the prime time to wake up. The Trap of Micro-Procrastination: How tiny daily compromises like "I'll do it next month" or "I'll wait until summer" keep you stuck. Taking 100% Responsibility: The distinction between accepting fault vs. taking radical agency over your current and future choices. Disrupting the Pattern: Simple, everyday brain exercises (like brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand) to force your brain off autopilot. Links & Resources: Free Midlife Recharge Strategy Call: cherylpfischer.com/rechargePodcast Sponsorship Information: cherylpfischer.com/mymsponsorinfoMentioned: Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich), and Bob Proctor.Hypnosis episodes of Mind Your Midlife: episode 69 and episode 89Mind Your Midlife Episodes 96 and 97 on people pleasingNext Mind Your Midlife episode: Helen Rayner on loving your photosQ&A: What does it mean to drift through midlife? Cheryl describes drifting as living on autopilot: the same routine every day, reacting to what's around you and meeting other people's expectations without asking what you want, until you wonder, "How the heck did I get here?" Is coasting a sign that I'm lazy or flawed? No. Cheryl says your brain favors the familiar because it's trying to keep you safe and save energy. In her words, your brain uses about 20% of your energy while making up about 2% of your body weight. Why do I keep putting off big decisions? Small delays like "next month," "when the kids are older," or "this summer" feel safe. Cheryl says drifting builds from many tiny compromises, not one decision, and that summer rarely brings the free time we expect. What does taking 100% responsibility mean? It isn't blame. You can't control what others do or what happens to you, but you can control your actions, how you view the situation, and your next decisions. Asking for help counts as taking responsibility. How do I get off autopilot? Change small routines: take a different route, reverse your morning order, or brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand. Notice where you're drifting, reset kindly, and make affirmations emotional. Cheryl says to see it and feel it. Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 - Autopilot In Driving And Life 00:01:12 - Listener Reviews And Quick Thanks 00:02:44 - What Drifting Really Means 00:07:09 - Why Midlife Triggers The Wake Up 00:09:29 - The Brain Prefers Safety And Saves Energy 00:12:15 - Fear And Known Patterns Keep You Stuck 00:13:55 - Tiny Compromises And Procrastination Traps 00:16:39 - Letting Others Choose Your Path 00:18:31 - Blame Versus Ownership 00:20:02 - Take 100 Percent Responsibility 00:21:54 - Disrupt Autopilot With Small Changes 00:22:52 - Emotion Makes New Thoughts Stick 00:24:04 - Notice Your Drift And Reset 00:24:52 - Follow Next Week Plus Sponsor Notes 00:25:30 - Closing Reminder For Midlife Care Why This Episode Matters Drifting isn't a character flaw; it's just your brain trying to save energy and keep you safe in the familiar. By taking radical responsibility for where you go next and making small daily tweaks to disrupt your autopilot, you can fully reclaim your energy and focus in midlife.  Take a little bit better care of yourself in midlife.  Support the show 🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence! 🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us. 💡Want menopause advice, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transformation? Find out more about the Midlife Recharge at cherylpfischer.com/rechargeLet’s talk health after 50, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women. Connect with Cheryl: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website --------------- 💡If you are a brand, author, or business wanting to reach an audience of women in their 40s and 50s who are focused on health, success, and taking care of themselves and others well in this stage of life, consider sponsoring Mind Your Midlife podcast.  More information here.

    103. Are You Drifting on Autopilot? Reclaim Your Power in Midlife

  2. Sep 18 ·  Video

    102. Changemakers: Back To Work In Midlife After a Career Pause, with Dr. Ann Marie Peters

    Quick Summary: In this Changemakers episode, Cheryl talks with Dr. Ann Marie Peters, an executive coach, organizational psychologist, and author of We'll Be Right Back, about returning to work after a career pause. You'll learn why the "part-time myth" catches so many women, how to recognize the skills you built while you were away, and why many women in midlife choose authenticity and balance over climbing the ladder. Intro: Returning to the workforce after a career pause is somewhat common in midlife but we tend to doubt ourselves. We often carry insecurities around our employment gaps and falsely believe our past experiences and accomplishments no longer matter. We don’t even remember some of those achievements! In this episode, I welcome Dr. Ann Marie Peters, an executive coach, leadership strategist, and organizational psychologist. Ann Marie is the author of the brand new book We'll Be Right Back, which focuses on helping women re-enter the workforce after taking a pause. We dive deep into why smart, capable midlife women discount their abilities, the realities of the "part-time myth," and how to translate the hidden skill sets of motherhood and volunteering into a powerful career comeback.  What You’ll Learn:  The Part-Time Myth: Why squeezing a full-time workload into part-time hours often leads to burnout and how it impacts your career advancementThe Hidden Skill Sets of a Pause: How managing households, resolving conflict, and leading community events translate into highly valuable skills for employersThe Kaleidoscope Career Model: Why women in midlife naturally shift their professional focus away from just "challenge" and prioritize authenticity and balanceLinks & Resources: Ann Marie's Book: We'll Be Right BackAnn Marie's Website: annmariepeters.com and the FREE Reflections Workbook: annmariepeters.com/reflection-workbookAnn Marie's Instagram @backwithAMP and LinkedIn annmariepeters Cheryl's Midlife Recharge: cherylpfischer.com/recharge Frequently Asked Questions: How do I return to work after a career break in midlife? Ann Marie recommends starting with reflection: remember and write down your past accomplishments and skills, and what you gained during your pause. Then build the language to describe them on a resume or in a business pitch. She also says to brush up on basics like PowerPoint, Excel, and professional email, as she did when she returned. What is the "part-time myth"? Ann Marie says part-time work often ends up being full-time work squeezed into fewer hours, since a quick email can cascade and your brain keeps working. Based on her research, she adds that some part-time women also lose benefits, bonuses, and promotion opportunities. Why do women leave the workforce, and why is coming back hard? Ann Marie's research found it's rarely just one reason, and not always a first baby. Women cite glass ceilings, pay, lack of challenge, and harassment. Returning can involve resume gaps, the "motherhood penalty," and ageism. Do skills from raising kids or volunteering count with employers? Yes. Ann Marie calls these the "hidden skill sets of motherhood," including managing conflict, people, time, and schedules, and organizing volunteers and events. She and Cheryl also encourage dropping the word "just," as in "just a stay-at-home mom." Is starting a business an easier way back into work? Ann Marie says it isn't easy, since you don't earn income until you have clients. She still found it rewarding, building the marketing, website, and client base from zero with friends. She says many returning women become entrepreneurs, sometimes out of passion and sometimes because they hit roadblocks in their former field. What do women want from work in midlife? Ann Marie describes the kaleidoscope career model, which suggests midlife women care more about authenticity and balance than challenge. In her research, many women who returned to nonprofit work chose it over long hours, wanting work that aligned with their values. Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 - Midlife As A Change Window 00:01:06 - Thriving Mindset And Coaching Offer 00:01:53 - Why Returning Feels So Hard 00:03:15 - Anne Marie’s Career Pause Story 00:11:05 - The Part-Time Myth At Work 00:14:48 - Re-Entry Through Entrepreneurship 00:18:18 - Gaps, Penalties, And Ageism 00:21:10 - Reclaiming Experience And Hidden Skills 00:26:35 - Midlife Priorities Shift To Meaning 00:31:45 - Where To Find The Book 00:32:55 - The One Takeaway To Remember 00:36:00 - Host Wrap And Listener Requests Why This Episode Matters  By acknowledging the incredible skills you've built during your career pause and embracing your desire for balance, you can reclaim your professional identity and step confidently into your next chapter.  Take a little bit better care of yourself in midlife. Support the show 🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence! 🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us. 💡Want menopause advice, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transformation? Find out more about the Midlife Recharge at cherylpfischer.com/rechargeLet’s talk health after 50, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women. Connect with Cheryl: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website --------------- 💡If you are a brand, author, or business wanting to reach an audience of women in their 40s and 50s who are focused on health, success, and taking care of themselves and others well in this stage of life, consider sponsoring Mind Your Midlife podcast.  More information here.

    102. Changemakers: Back To Work In Midlife After a Career Pause, with Dr. Ann Marie Peters

  3. Sep 11 ·  Video

    101. Menopause Information Overload | Do Less and Eat More, with Laura Lambe

    Quick Summary: In this episode, Cheryl talks with Laura Lambe, a menopause practitioner and founder of the free Menopause Lab, about why menopause advice feels so overwhelming and how to cut through it. You'll learn why Laura says most women need to do less, not more, how to audit the supplements and routines you're using, and why eating enough and lifting weights come before trendy fixes.  Intro: It is overwhelming to navigate midlife when your body is changing and everyone is giving conflicting advice about perimenopause. We are constantly bombarded with trendy products and supplements, creating an exhausting cycle of confusion.  In this episode, I welcome menopause practitioner and women's health advocate Laura Lambe. Laura is the founder and CEO of Laura Lamb Fitness, Menopause Mastery, and the free worldwide organization, the Menopause Lab. We discuss why women are falling victim to the "pink tax" on menopause products, why chronic under-eating is causing so many symptoms, and how to finally stop collecting information and start implementing simple habits.  What You’ll Learn:  The Menopause Information Purge: Holding onto too much conflicting advice causes paralysis, and doing less is often the solution. The Truth About Supplements and Nutrition: The supplement industry profits heavily off menopause; Vitamin D is the only universally recommended supplement by the menopause society; and you most likely need to eat more food.Lifting Weights and HRT: Resistance training is non-negotiable for rapidly declining bone density. Hormone therapy is one tool in your toolbox and treats a specific subset of symptoms. Links & Resources:  Laura's Menopause Mastery websiteThe [free] Menopause Lab Cheryl's Self-Care Menu: Cherylpfischer.com/selfcaremenu Sponsor the Podcast: CherylPFischer.com/mymsponsorinfo Episode 97: People Pleasing with Lori MontryFrequently Asked Questions: Why is there so much confusing information about menopause? Laura says the push to raise awareness of menopause also drew in people who want to sell products, so "menopause" now gets attached to supplements, skincare, and more. Social media algorithms keep feeding you more of whatever you click. Her tip is to check the source, including whether the person recommending something is also selling it. Do I need supplements for menopause? Laura says to be skeptical. She points to the Menopause Society's position that vitamin D is the one supplement most women need, and treats everything else as an individual decision. She adds that many nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, fiber, and B12, can come from food. Talk with your own healthcare provider about what fits you. How do I stop feeling overwhelmed by menopause advice? Laura calls it an "information purge." Write down everything you're doing, where each idea came from, what it's meant to treat, and whether it's helped. Then keep only what targets your actual problem. Her example: magnesium may help you fall asleep, but it won't fix 2 a.m. wake-ups or night sweats. What exercise does Laura recommend during menopause? Lifting weights every week, which she says is non-negotiable. She notes that bone density drops sharply during the menopausal transition, and that a weighted vest is far less effective than actual weight training. You don't need a perfect routine. Classes, a session with a trainer to check your form, or free online videos all work. Could I be undereating in midlife? Laura says many women who've dieted for years are eating too little. She says a simple baseline is three balanced meals a day plus at least two snacks, with carbohydrates, protein, fats, and vegetables or fruit. She links underfueling to fatigue and brain fog. Is hormone therapy (HRT) right for everyone? Laura says she's pro-options, not pro-HRT-for-every-woman. She explains that HRT treats only some menopause symptoms and works best alongside good nutrition and strength training. She stresses that women who can't take it, don't tolerate it, or don't want it still deserve answers and other tools. Disclaimer: This episode is for education only and isn't medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your own situation. Episode Chapters:  00:00:00 - Midlife Changes And Overwhelm 00:03:06 - The Menopause Marketing Noise 00:10:25 - Exercise Trends Versus Real Strength 00:13:07 - Escaping The Information Collection Cycle 00:18:37 - Self Advocacy With Doctors 00:22:36 - Hormone Therapy Without The Hype 00:25:09 - Eating Enough To Support Menopause 00:30:44 - The Menopause Lab Free Community 00:32:33 - The Takeaway: Audit And Do Less 00:36:41 - Closing Thoughts And Self Care Menu Support the show 🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence! 🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us. 💡Want menopause advice, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transformation? Find out more about the Midlife Recharge at cherylpfischer.com/rechargeLet’s talk health after 50, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women. Connect with Cheryl: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website --------------- 💡If you are a brand, author, or business wanting to reach an audience of women in their 40s and 50s who are focused on health, success, and taking care of themselves and others well in this stage of life, consider sponsoring Mind Your Midlife podcast.  More information here.

    101. Menopause Information Overload | Do Less and Eat More, with Laura Lambe

  4. Sep 4 ·  Video

    100 Episodes of Mind Your Midlife: Brain Fog, Bloopers, Body Image, and Finding Your Joy

    Quick Summary: Episode 100 of Mind Your Midlife is a solo celebration. Cheryl Fischer shares behind-the-scenes bloopers, revisits the listener-favorite episodes on memory, movement, hydration, complaining, decluttering, body image, community, people-pleasing, and getting clear on what you want, and previews what's coming this fall. The message running through all of it: it's not just you, and you can roll with the messy parts of midlife.  Intro: Reaching episode 100 of Mind Your Midlife is a massive milestone! In this episode, I am celebrating by sharing some behind-the-scenes bloopers, revisiting some of the most popular tips from past guests, and looking ahead to what is coming next. From navigating brain fog and hot flashes to the life-changing power of hydration and finding community, we are covering the best of what makes midlife manageable and fun.  What You’ll Learn:  Embracing the Messy Middle: Why rolling with brain fog, tech glitches, and hot flashes with a sense of humor is the ultimate midlife survival tool. The Power of "It's Not Just You": How overcoming the isolation of midlife struggles—like memory lapses and shifting body image—builds confidence and connection. Game-Changing Habits: The critical importance of movement for preserving bone density and strength, why proper hydration and electrolytes directly impact your sleep, and how dropping the complaining habit protects your energy. Finding Your Destination: Why you must stop letting your wagon wheels stay in the rut and give yourself permission to figure out what you actually want next. The People-Pleasing Check: How to evaluate if you are actually on the list of the people you are trying so hard to please. Links & Resources: Vitamin G Sponsor: cherylpfischer.com/vitaming (Use code MINDYOURMIDLIFE for 10% off) The Free Self-Care Menu: cherylpfischer.com/selfcaremenu Podcast Sponsorship Info: cherylpfischer.com/mymsponsorinfo Cheryl's Instagram: @CherylPFischer FAQ Is forgetfulness in midlife a sign of dementia? Cheryl explains that in the vast majority of cases it isn't. Brain fog and forgetfulness are often tied to hormone changes plus a lot going on and plenty of distractions. Episode 31 covers this in depth. Why is movement more important in midlife? It supports bone density, strength, muscle tone, and flexibility, and it prepares you to get out of your chair at 80. The key is finding something fun you don't hate (episodes 22, 52, and 54). What should I do if I wake up at 2 a.m. feeling hungry? Keep water next to your bed and drink it first. As Kristen Coffield shared in episode 20, you may be thirsty rather than hungry, and some listeners report going back to sleep and skipping the midnight snack. How do I stop complaining as a habit? Vent when you need to, then catch yourself and switch to a positive topic, such as weekend plans or your next vacation (episode 80). What's coming next on the show? Episodes on starting or returning to a sport in midlife, feeling good in photos, the men in our lives, financial planning, pelvic health, and more. Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 - Episode 100 Kickoff 00:01:03 - Sponsor Spotlight Vitamin G 00:01:39 - Bloopers And Losing The Thread 00:05:12 - Rolling With Midlife Messiness 00:06:31 - Brain Fog Reassurance That Helps 00:07:36 - Nostalgia Gratitude And Cringe Memories 00:09:40 - Movement Habits That Actually Stick 00:12:48 - Hydration Electrolytes And Better Sleep 00:14:13 - Stop Complaining And Clear The Clutter 00:17:10 - Body Image Community And People Pleasing 00:21:15 - Get Clear On What You Want 00:23:34 - What Is Coming Next And Resources Why This Episode Matters  You are never alone in the challenges of midlife. Whether you need to hydrate better, find a new hobby, or simply laugh at your own bloopers, you have the power to take a little bit better care of yourself.  Take a little bit better care of yourself in midlife. Vitamin G Antioxidant SupplementGlutathione may help boost your immune system, clear up brain fog, and support overall wellness. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence! 🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us. 💡Want menopause advice, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transformation? Find out more about the Midlife Recharge at cherylpfischer.com/rechargeLet’s talk health after 50, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women. Connect with Cheryl: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website --------------- 💡If you are a brand, author, or business wanting to reach an audience of women in their 40s and 50s who are focused on health, success, and taking care of themselves and others well in this stage of life, consider sponsoring Mind Your Midlife podcast.  More information here.

    100 Episodes of Mind Your Midlife: Brain Fog, Bloopers, Body Image, and Finding Your Joy

  5. Aug 28 ·  Video

    99. Is Wine Your Coping Mechanism? Drink Less Without Going Cold Turkey, with Colleen Freeland

    There is a middle ground with alcohol that affects so many of us in midlife: we're not dealing with addiction, but we often wake up feeling guilty, tired, and stuck in a cycle of habitual drinking. We tell ourselves we’ll stop, only to pour another glass to take the edge off a stressful day.  In this episode, I welcome Colleen Freeland, founder of Emotional Sobriety Coaching and host of the It's Not About the Alcohol podcast. We discuss why high-functioning women use alcohol to cope, the difference between positive and negative reinforcement, and how to retrain your brain using mindfulness rather than willpower.  What You’ll Learn:  The Root of the Habit: Drinking too much is not self-indulgent. It is actually a symptom of self-neglect and a way to cope with running on a deficit.The Restriction Trap: Using willpower to avoid alcohol can feel like a Chinese finger cuff, where the harder you pull away, the tighter it gets. If you do not solve the underlying pattern, you will simply switch to another coping mechanism. The "Delay, Don't Deny" Strategy: You can learn to delay pouring a drink by taking five to fifteen minutes to do something else that invites pleasure. This practice helps retrain your brain and rebuilds neural pathways without requiring strict, all-or-nothing abstinence.   Links & Resources: Episode Sponsor Vitamin G (Use code MINDYOURMIDLIFE for 10% off at Cherylpfischer.com/vitaminG) Colleen's Quiz and Website: emotionalsobrietycoaching.com Colleen's Podcast: It's Not About the Alcohol Colleen's Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer Take Colleen's quiz: What type of drinker are you?Episode 83: Tricia Nelson on Emotional Eating Episode Chapters:  00:00:00 - The Wine Guilt Cycle 00:01:33 - Sponsor Break Vitamin G 00:02:07 - Midlife Sleep And The Tipping Point 00:04:40 - Meet Colleen And Emotional Sobriety 00:06:53 - Too Much Drinking As Self Neglect 00:10:06 - Positive Vs Negative Reinforcement 00:14:17 - Why Cold Turkey Can Backfire 00:18:10 - Delay Don’t Deny And New Pleasures 00:22:21 - Nervous System Tools Over Willpower 00:25:21 - Mindfulness And Reconnecting To Your Body 00:29:55 - Where To Find Colleen And The Quiz 00:34:27 - Key Takeaways And Closing Reflection Why This Episode Matters By recognizing that your drinking habits might just be a coping mechanism for a busy, stressful life, you can strip away the guilt and start giving yourself the grace you deserve.  Take a little bit better care of yourself in midlife. Vitamin G Antioxidant SupplementGlutathione may help boost your immune system, clear up brain fog, and support overall wellness. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence! 🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us. 💡Want menopause advice, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transformation? Find out more about the Midlife Recharge at cherylpfischer.com/rechargeLet’s talk health after 50, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women. Connect with Cheryl: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website --------------- 💡If you are a brand, author, or business wanting to reach an audience of women in their 40s and 50s who are focused on health, success, and taking care of themselves and others well in this stage of life, consider sponsoring Mind Your Midlife podcast.  More information here.

    99. Is Wine Your Coping Mechanism? Drink Less Without Going Cold Turkey, with Colleen Freeland

  6. Aug 21 ·  Video

    98. The Truth About Friendship Loss and Changing Social Circles in Midlife

    Friendship change or loss is something that we rarely talk about enough during our 40s and 50s. We often feel guilty when we realize we are outgrowing the people we used to spend our time with, or we wonder why we simply don't have the same energy to maintain our social circles.  In this episode, let's talk about the complicated evolution of midlife friendships. Shifts are happening as our kids grow up, after the pandemic, and even as hormone changes happen. I finally learned to evaluate which relationships were uplifting and which were actually draining my energy. If you've been wondering why you just don't have the bandwidth for certain friends anymore, this episode will give you the permission you need to let go gracefully and without guilt.  What You’ll Learn: The Midlife Friendship Shift: How kids getting older, moving out, and changes in post-COVID life naturally alter the people we spend time with The Hormone Factor: Why dropping levels of estrogen and oxytocin can make you biologically less inclined to nurture as many relationships The Zero Tolerance Milestone: How recognizing your time and energy as limited resources empowers you to stop shrinking yourself in imbalanced friendships Evaluating Your Inner Circle: A simple, judgment-free method to check how you truly feel—before, during, and after—spending time with a friend Gracefully Letting Go: The difference between taking a friendship "breather" due to circumstances versus moving on using "warm detachment" Links & Resources: Vitamin G Sponsor: Use code MINDYOURMIDLIFE for 10% off at CherylPFischer.com/vitaminGCoaching: Midlife Recharge: CherylPFischer.com/recharge Episode 61: Mahjong in MidlifePodcast Sponsorship Info: CherylPFischer.com/mymsponsorinfoWhy This Episode Matters By dropping the guilt and honestly evaluating how your friendships make you feel, you can completely change your social circle to one that truly supports you.  Take a little bit better care of yourself in midlife. Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 - The Friendship Question In Midlife 00:00:57 - Sponsor Break Vitamin G 00:01:33 - Why Friendships Change With Kids 00:03:59 - COVID And Moving Disrupt Connections 00:07:12 - Hormones And The Zero Tolerance Shift 00:11:55 - Trying To Fit In As A Mom 00:14:03 - The Before During After Feelings Test 00:18:22 - Space Or Over Signs Of Imbalance 00:22:12 - Fade Out Or Have The Talk 00:26:31 - Guilt And Disenfranchised Grief 00:28:11 - Group Friends And Warm Detachment 00:31:18 - Making Room For Better Community 00:32:20 - Coaching Invite And Closing Notes Vitamin G Antioxidant SupplementGlutathione may help boost your immune system, clear up brain fog, and support overall wellness. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence! 🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us. 💡Want menopause advice, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transformation? Find out more about the Midlife Recharge at cherylpfischer.com/rechargeLet’s talk health after 50, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women. Connect with Cheryl: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website --------------- 💡If you are a brand, author, or business wanting to reach an audience of women in their 40s and 50s who are focused on health, success, and taking care of themselves and others well in this stage of life, consider sponsoring Mind Your Midlife podcast.  More information here.

    98. The Truth About Friendship Loss and Changing Social Circles in Midlife

  7. Aug 14 ·  Video

    97. Are You One Of The People You Try To Please (Part 2 of 2), with Lori Montry

    People pleasing is a habit that affects so many of us in midlife, often masquerading as kindness or duty. While we all want to care for our loved ones, it becomes a problem when it constantly drains our energy, causes stress, and negatively impacts our nervous system.  In this episode, which is part two of our two-week focus on the topic, I welcome Lori Montry. Lori is an author, a somatic practitioner, an educator, and the founder of the You're Not the Problem movement. We dive deep into why people pleasing is actually a nervous system adaptation designed for safety, why simply trying to force boundaries usually backfires, and how midlife provides the perfect opportunity to finally step into the starring role of your own life.  What You’ll Learn: The Safety Strategy: Why people pleasing isn't a character defect, but rather an evolutionary adaptation wired into our DNA to keep us safe and connected. Alignment vs. Capacity: How to evaluate your "yeses" by asking yourself not only if a choice aligns with your values, but if you actually have the energetic capacity for it. The Midlife Shift: How the decline of estrogen and the natural transitions of our 40s and 50s give us the internal push to explore what we truly want in our next phase of life. Links & Resources: Sponsor: Get 10% off Vitamin G with code MINDYOURMIDLIFE Lori's Website & Free Resources: lorimontry.com Lori's book: You're Not the ProblemListen to Part 1: Episode 96 Cheryl's Midlife Recharge: cherylpfischer.com/rechargeEpisode Chapters:  00:00:00 - Intro To People Pleasing 00:01:11 - Sponsor Vitamin G 00:01:47 - Part Two Focus And Guest 00:04:16 - Lori’s Pivot From Law 00:09:42 - What People Pleasing Really Means 00:12:39 - When Pleasing Becomes A Safety Plan 00:16:13 - Why You Cannot Just Stop 00:20:01 - Stop Being A Supporting Character 00:21:31 - Midlife Pressures And Hormone Shifts 00:23:34 - Change Without Fighting Yourself 00:27:25 - Values Versus Capacity In Real Life 00:31:03 - Weekly Review And Body Wisdom 00:32:47 - Somatics And Where To Find Lori 00:39:07 - Closing Thoughts And Intuition Reminder Why This Episode Matters By understanding that your people-pleasing habits were originally designed to protect you, you can stop fighting yourself and start gently guiding your nervous system toward true authenticity. It’s time to stop being a supporting character and become the main character in your own life.  Take a little bit better care of yourself in midlife. Vitamin G Antioxidant SupplementGlutathione may help boost your immune system, clear up brain fog, and support overall wellness. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence! 🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us. 💡Want menopause advice, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transformation? Find out more about the Midlife Recharge at cherylpfischer.com/rechargeLet’s talk health after 50, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women. Connect with Cheryl: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website --------------- 💡If you are a brand, author, or business wanting to reach an audience of women in their 40s and 50s who are focused on health, success, and taking care of themselves and others well in this stage of life, consider sponsoring Mind Your Midlife podcast.  More information here.

    97. Are You One Of The People You Try To Please (Part 2 of 2), with Lori Montry

  8. Aug 7

    96. How to Stop People Pleasing and Start Trusting Yourself in Midlife (Part 1 of 2)

    There is a habit that drains the energy of so many women in their 40s and 50s, yet we struggle to break free from it: people-pleasing. We often spend our days managing what other people are feeling, worrying about being perceived as rude, and agonizing over every decision so we don't upset anyone.  In this episode, we tackle the exhaustion of constantly accommodating others and avoiding conflict. This is part one of a two-part series on people-pleasing (so stay tuned next week as well!). We dive into why Generation X women were often conditioned to be agreeable "good girls," how always saying yes drains your self-trust, and actionable ways to shift from simply being "nice" to being truly kind.  What You’ll Learn: The Root of People-Pleasing: Discover how "good girl" conditioning and a subconscious desire to control other people's emotions drive us to be accommodating. The Hidden Costs of Always Saying Yes: Learn how saying yes when you mean no builds up a "resentment account" that eventually leads to passive-aggressive behavior or burnout. The Erosion of Self-Trust: Understand how constantly deferring to other people's instincts and decisions causes you to stop trusting your own gut feelings and opinions. How to Stop Over-Apologizing: Get practical strategies to replace unnecessary apologies with expressions of gratitude, and learn why it is not your job to fix it when someone gets upset about your boundaries. Episode Chapters:  00:00 - Are You A People Pleaser 04:01 - Rude Vs Nice Vs Kind 09:42 - Why We Default To Nice 14:35 - The Hidden Costs Of Pleasing 22:15 - Spot The Pattern In Real Time 26:43 - Let People Feel Their Feelings 31:20 - Midlife Is Too Short Links & Resources:  Cheryl's Midlife Recharge: cherylpfischer.com/coaching Episode 93 with Ellen Baker: Good Girl Conditioning Episode 95 with Stephanie Malia Krauss: Dealing with Depletion and Burnout Episode 97: Somatic Healing for People-Pleasing (Coming Next Week!) Why This Episode Matters By learning to stop managing other people's emotions, you can rebuild your self-trust and stop draining your mental energy on worry.  Take a little bit better care of yourself in midlife. Support the show 🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence! 🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us. 💡Want menopause advice, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transformation? Find out more about the Midlife Recharge at cherylpfischer.com/rechargeLet’s talk health after 50, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women. Connect with Cheryl: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website --------------- 💡If you are a brand, author, or business wanting to reach an audience of women in their 40s and 50s who are focused on health, success, and taking care of themselves and others well in this stage of life, consider sponsoring Mind Your Midlife podcast.  More information here.

    96. How to Stop People Pleasing and Start Trusting Yourself in Midlife (Part 1 of 2)
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Mind Your Midlife is a weekly podcast for women in their 40s and 50s who want to feel confident in their bodies, their relationships, and their next chapter. Host Cheryl Fischer, a certified life and mindset coach, talks with doctors, experts, and real women about the questions midlife brings, from perimenopause and menopause to adult kids, aging parents, and figuring out what you want next.Did you wake up one morning and realize you've hit midlife? You thought by now you'd have six figures in your retirement fund, the confidence to speak up at work and in your relationships, and a body you'd learned to love. You've tried positive thinking, the 5am club, and the sticky notes around the house, and you're left more frustrated (or reaching for the wine and Netflix).Here's the difference: real change doesn't come from adding more habits to your day. It comes from how you think and the emotions you feel. Each week, Cheryl and her guests share practical, expert-led conversations about:• Perimenopause, menopause, hormones, and exercise• Body image and self-confidence after 40• Healthy relationships with your partner/spouse, adult children, and aging parents• Decision making, career changes, and second-act goals• Money and retirement confidence• Making friends and building community in midlifeCheryl has helped hundreds of midlife women find success and confidence, and with more than 100 episodes, there's a conversation here for wherever you are right now.Take a little bit better care of yourself in midlife.Episodes, show notes, and transcripts: https://mindyourmidlifepodcast.comCoaching and resources: https://cherylpfischer.com(Formerly the OMG Teach Me podcast) -Listen Notes global top 2% score- Popular topics include: mindset for women over 50, menopause and perimenopause, hormone balance, self talk and self confidence, redefining aging for women, mindset shifts, midlife crisis, midlife body positivity, energy in midlife, confidence in midlife, finding community after 50, midlife isolation, staying active in midlife, mental benefits of movement, healthy habits for midlife women, Gen X women, adult children, sandwich generation, can’t sleep, pulled muscles, stiff joints, hot flashes, brain fog, making friends, retirement, retirement prep, adult children, aging parents, caring for parents, empty nest, grandma hobbies

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