In this enlightening episode I chat with Dr Rachael Crystal, a GP and accredited menopause specialist, about the complex relationship between burnout and perimenopause.

We explore how hormonal changes, stress, and life pressures intertwine, impacting women's mental and physical well-being during midlife.

Rachel shares her Masters research on the lived experiences of professional women navigating burnout during perimenopause, revealing key themes like loss of identity, the importance of support, and pathways to empowerment. If you're curious about recognizing burnout, understanding hormonal impacts, or seeking ways to thrive through midlife, this episode is packed with valuable insights and hope.

Key Points & Takeaways:

• Burnout & Perimenopause Overlap: Many women experience symptoms like exhaustion, brain fog, and emotional detachment during perimenopause, often exacerbated by stress and life pressures. These symptoms can be mistaken for other issues, leading to confusion and delayed support.
• The Role of Hormones: Fluctuating oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels during perimenopause impact brain function, resilience, and stress management, making women more vulnerable to burnout.
• Research Insights: Rachael's qualitative research with 15 women uncovered four key themes, including the "lost in transition" feeling—women feeling a loss of identity and grappling with the invisible pressures of work and life.
• Challenges in Diagnosis: Many women struggle to get clear answers, often being misdiagnosed or told their symptoms are due to stress or depression. Blood tests may not always provide clarity in perimenopause.
• Pathways to Empowerment: Supportive interventions like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), coaching, counseling, and building community can help women regain confidence, set boundaries, and re-evaluate their lives.
• The Power of Community & Support: Normalizing conversations about menopause and burnout, creating safe spaces, and sharing stories can reduce stigma and foster resilience.
• Hope & Positive Change: Many women find empowerment and renewed confidence after navigating these challenges, often emerging with clearer boundaries, stronger self-awareness, and a sense of freedom.

Connect with Rachael and learn more about her work at Manchester Menopause Hive (https://manchestermenopausehive.co.uk/) and via The Burnout Revolution podcast and Substack newsletter (https://rachaelchrystal.substack.com/podcast)

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

Want to work with me?

Join me over at www.holdingupthesky.com - our new community for women navigating the "midlife collision"

Coaching with me at http://www.thetripleshift.org

Menopause in the workplace support at www.managingthemenopause.com

Connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

Follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

Or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

In this episode I chat to personal trainer and author Jacqueline Hooton about the importance of strength and fitness for women in midlife and beyond. Jacqueline shares her insights on how to start exercising safely, debunks myths about strength training making women bulky, and discusses how fitness can support independence, health, and happiness as we age. Whether you're new to exercise or looking to enhance your current routine, Jacqueline’s practical advice and motivational stories will encourage you to invest in your health today for a healthier, more vibrant future.

Key Topics Covered:

• The motivation behind Jacqueline’s book, Strong: The Definitive Guide to Active Ageing
• Why strength training is vital for women in midlife and beyond
• The relationship between menopause, aging, and health risks like cardiovascular disease and bone loss
• Practical tips for beginners: starting with walking, bodyweight exercises, and resistance bands
• Debunking myths about strength training and muscle bulk
• How to adapt training during injuries and health challenges
• The importance of visualizing your future self and setting meaningful goals
• Fun ways to stay active, including dance and outdoor activities
• Building a sustainable, enjoyable fitness routine with support and accountability

Resources:

Jacqueline’s website: https://www.hergardengym.co.uk/

Jacqueline’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hergardengym

Strong: The Definitive Guide to Active Ageing https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/strong-the-definitive-guide-to-active-ageing-jacqueline-hooton-2?variant=41459815219278

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

You can also find me at www.thetripleshift.org / www.managingthemenpause.com / www.holdingupthesky.com

connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

In this episode we chat to Julie Smith about the nuances of confidence and practical strategies to boost yours. Julie shares insights from her coaching experience and her award-winning book, Coach Yourself Confident, offering tips on overcoming self-doubt, managing setbacks, and cultivating humble confidence.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why confidence often hides behind other development themes
• The concept of humble confidence — aligning your capabilities with your self-view
• The importance of realistic, grounded self-assessment
• Common misconceptions about confidence and success
• The impact of societal norms and gender differences on confidence
• Recognizing and managing internal saboteurs like comparisonitis and perfectionism
• Practical exercises to strengthen your confidence muscle
• Handling external setbacks and life's inevitable challenges
• The power of awareness, language, and self-compassion in building confidence

Special Highlights:

• The "full stop" technique to combat negative self-talk
• Naming your inner critic (sorry Nigel!) for greater self-awareness
• Embracing the idea that confidence fluctuates — it’s normal to feel confident sometimes and doubtful others
• Insights from The Authority Gap on gender and confidence

Julie’s book Coach Yourself Confident is a finalist for a prestigious business book award, with a special Kindle offer for just 99p until mid-August 2025: https://mybook.to/CYC-eb

Connect with Julie:

• Website: talentsprout.co.uk
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-smith-talent-sprout/

Resources:

• Download Tara Mohr’s cheat sheet on minimizing language in emails: https://www.taramohr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Before-You-Hit-Send-Checklist-Tara-Mohr.pdf

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

You can also find me at http://www.thetripleshift.org

connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/