Managing Stress in Midlife: Building Resilience and Setting Boundaries

Together We Pause Episode 16: "Managing Stress in Midlife: Building Resilience and Setting Boundaries"

Episode Summary:
In this candid episode of Together We Pause, Faye and Helen unpack the topic of stress — what it feels like, how it shows up in daily life, and why resilience plays such an important role in managing it. From dental fears and grief to juggling multiple responsibilities, they explore the many ways stress manifests and how different people experience it. The conversation highlights the blurred lines between stress and anxiety, the role of boundaries, and the importance of finding coping strategies that work for you.

Episode Highlights:

When Stress Hits Close to Home:
Faye opens up about how grief and big life changes have contributed to her stress over the past year, including physical effects like teeth grinding that led to her needing dental treatment.

Defining Stress vs. Anxiety:
Helen reflects on the difference between stress and anxiety in her own life, and the two discuss how symptoms often overlap, making it hard to separate one from the other.

Boundaries and Balance:
They share the role boundaries play in reducing stress, from learning to say “not now” to prioritising what truly matters — and how grief and major life events can shrink those boundaries.

Resilience in Midlife:
Faye and Helen explore how resilience builds over time through difficult decisions, entrepreneurial challenges, and personal struggles — and why resilience can make us better able to cope with stress in the future.

Different Perspectives on Stress:
They discuss how what feels stressful to one person may not affect another in the same way, and why it’s important not to judge others’ experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Stress Is Individual: Everyone experiences stress differently, and what feels overwhelming to one person may not to another.
• Resilience Builds Over Time: Facing difficult situations and decisions can make us stronger and more capable in the future.
• Boundaries Matter: Learning when to say no — or at least “not right now” — is vital in managing stress levels.
• Self-Care Helps: Simple practices like walking, taking a bath, or stepping out of your usual environment can reduce stress and restore balance.
• Seek Support if Needed: If stress feels unmanageable, reaching out for professional help can make a big difference.

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• Join the Conversation: Leave a review or comment — how do you manage stress in your life?