S2 Ep 8: Stress and Your Nervous System

How are your stress levels, friend? Chances are, like us, you’re facing significant stresses in your midlife. We know stress is a huge piece of the wellness puzzle, so what do we do if stress is coming hard and fast and there’s not a lot we can do about it?Welcome to this episode of Midlife Unfiltered - a podcast about unapologetically embracing the Season of Me. In this episode, join co hosts Anita McLachlan and Erica Webb as they chat about stress and your nervous system.You will hear:- Why, when your doctor tells you to reduce stress, it might not be exactly what you think.- The difference between a stressor and the experience of stress.- Simple practices that can make a huge difference to your experiences (without relying on your stressors disappearing into the abyss).- The role of self-compassion in navigating stress.- And so much more.We’re so glad you’re here. It’s time to live life on your terms. It’s time for Midlife Unfiltered.Mentioned in this episode:Burnout: The Secret to Solving the Stress CycleSubstack Article: Meet your new post-40 nervous system by Maryann JacobsenAbout your Midlife Unfiltered Hosts:Anita McLachlan was at the helm of Sequins and Sand for over 15 years. As Australia’s Cossie Whisperer, Anita has helped thousands of women find a swimsuit they feel great in and the freedom that comes with feeling confident in it. She’s now turning her experiences and attention to helping women in midlife navigate this often tumultuous time and feel the power this time of life brings. Erica Webb is a counsellor, somatic exercise coach and self-kindness advocate. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) herself, she supports other HSPs to navigate what it looks like to prioritise their own mental fitness, claim the self-care that truly nurtures their body and mind, and work through the unique challenges of being a sensitive human in an often insensitive world.Connect with Anita and Erica at Midlife Unfiltered:Substack: https://midlifeunfiltered.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlife.unfilteredFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlife.unfilteredEmail: [email protected] you enjoy the topics explored in this podcast and would like more, then sign up to receive Midlife Mojo, Anita's weekly Wednesday newsletter. In it, Anita explores health, wellness and the emotions of midlife to power-up your midlife and beyond. Because girl…you are just getting started :) Become a Sequins and Sand VIP here to receive it in your inbox. It’s free. Insights and wisdom, no hard sell. https://www.sequinsandsand.com.au/vip.html Time Stamps:00:00 Understanding Modern Stressors02:55 The Nature of Stress and Its Impact05:50 The Role of the Nervous System08:47 Internal vs External Stressors12:07 Managing Stress: Moving Between States15:02 Completing the Stress Cycle17:54 Practical Strategies for Stress Management29:11 Navigating Stress and Recovery36:51 The Importance of Self-Compassion44:27 Turning Inward: A Midlife Reflection50:11 Resources for Managing Stress This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com