Burnout isn’t a personal failure; it’s a physiological response to prolonged stress. Unfortunately, it often appears in military spouse life more frequently than we realize.

In this episode, we delve deeper into what burnout actually is, why military spouses are particularly vulnerable to it, and how it often disguises itself as “just being tired,” staying busy, or pushing through another season. We talk about the stress cycle, early warning signs of burnout, and why self-care doesn’t work when we don’t first understand what our bodies are asking for.

You’ll also hear practical, accessible ways to start interrupting burnout — not through expensive routines or doing more, but by creating margin, completing the stress cycle, setting better boundaries, and building supportive relationships that make military life more sustainable.

If you’ve been functioning but feel disconnected, depleted, or like you’re losing yourself in the process, this conversation will help you name what’s happening and take the first steps toward feeling like yourself again.

Better Together, Christine

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle – Emily & Amelia Nagoski https://www.amazon.com/Burnout-Secret-Unlocking-Stress-Cycle/dp/198481706X

TED Talk on Stress – Kelly McGonigal How to Make Stress Your Friend https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend

Simon Sinek – The Power of an 8-Minute Conversation (Stress & Connection) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReRcHdeUG9Y

The Lazy Genius (Book & Podcast) – Kendra Adachi Website: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/Lazy-Genius-Way-Overwhelmed/dp/0525542877 Podcast: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/podcast

Connect with Vimbo:

Vimbowatson.com

IG: Vimbowatson

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Stress and overwhelm are things most of us have learned to push through—especially in military life. But in this episode of More Than a Milspouse, I’m sharing why stress has such a powerful impact on our ability to change, grow, and even enjoy our lives and what we can do about it.

This episode is about learning to listen to your body, create safety first, and build a life that moves you out of survival mode—even when military life remains unpredictable.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why stress makes change feel so difficult
• How military life keeps many spouses stuck in fight-or-flight
• What nervous system regulation actually means (and what it doesn’t)
• The difference between reacting and responding under stress
• Small daily practices that support long-term regulation

Your body is not the problem—it’s your secret weapon. And when you learn to listen instead of push through, real change becomes possible.

Better Together, Christine

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What happens when the career you love, the identity you built, and the life you planned all change at once? In this episode, I chat with military spouse and entrepreneur Samantha Mans to talk about identity, anxiety, gratitude, and staying present through constant transitions. Samantha shares how a simple gratitude practice helped her navigate deployments, motherhood, and frequent moves—and how that practice eventually grew into a journal and business designed to support other military spouses. This conversation is a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, small mindset shifts can make a powerful difference.

Better Together, Christine

Connect with Samantha

Samantha’s Website / Gratitude Journal / Blog: https://www.happinesswithsamantha.com

Spousely (Military & First Responder-Owned Business Marketplace): https://www.spousely.com

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Consistency is often praised as the key to growth—but what happens when life demands something different? In this episode, I reflect on what 2025 taught me about energy, identity, and growth during a season of stress, transition, and shifting priorities. If you’re navigating a demanding season and wondering how to keep moving forward without losing yourself, this conversation is for you.

Better Together, Christine

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What if you didn’t need a big, perfectly defined goal to grow next year? What if growth could start with something simple…something you could do in the margins of your day?

If goal setting feels overwhelming, exhausting, or just not realistic for your season of life, this episode is for you. Because today, we’re talking about one of my favorite, low-pressure ways to grow: reading.

And more specifically, my Top 10 books of 2025. Want to grow without burning out? Let’s talk about why reading might be the most sustainable “goal” you set this year. Better Together, Christine

My Top 10 Book List, 2020 Edition

Episode 52: Top 10 books of 2021

Episode 86: How to Read More Books

Episode 126: What to Read in 2023

Episode 183: My Top 10 Book Recs for 2024

Episode 232: Top 10 Books of 2024

Episode 254: The Power of Sharing Military Family Stories

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Do you have an idea or dream that’s been sitting on your heart, but you just can’t seem to make it happen? Maybe you’ve tried setting goals, making plans, or forcing yourself to take action… but it still feels hard.

You don’t need more willpower to make things happen; you need more support.

As military spouses, we’re used to pushing through, staying strong, and making it all work. But when it comes to bringing your ideas to life, there’s a better way than sheer grit and hustle.

In this episode, we’re unpacking the often-overlooked factors that help you move into a “flow state”, so you can create, grow, and take action in a way that feels good, not draining.

If you’re ready to stop forcing it and start finding your rhythm, this one’s for you.

Better Together,

Christine

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In this episode of More Than a Milspouse, I’m chatting with Jennifer Barnhill, whose new book releases next week. Jen and I dive into the realities of military life and explore the incredible power of sharing military family stories.

We talk about:

• The changing landscape of military spouse volunteerism
• Leaning into your unique skills—even when your career path needs to pivot
• How telling our stories can elevate the voices of military families and create real change

This conversation is such a timely reminder that our experiences matter and that when we share them, we not only connect with others but also help people outside the military community understand our lives and needs.

Better Together, Christine

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Get the Book: The Military Stories You’ve Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear by Jennifer Barnhill

Connect with Jennifer www.jenniferbarnhill.com LinkedIn Instagram Substack

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The government shutdown is stressful, especially for military families. In this episode, I get real about the uncertainty, the worry about paychecks, and how it impacts daily life.

I share practical steps to help you navigate this time, even when everything feels out of control. You’ll leave with actionable tips, encouragement, and a reminder that you are capable and resourceful, even in uncertain times.

Better Together, Christine

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Download the Milspouse Reset – Meditation, affirmations and journal prompts to calm your mind and body

Join The Free Community – Join for support, encouragement and resources

FINANCIAL EPISODES

Ep 159. How to Make Money Using Skills You Already Have

Ep 170. How to Develop Healthy Money Habits & Improve Your Finances with Jessica Baier

Ep 210. How to Fuel Your Body on a Budget with Heather Campbell

Ep 216. How to Budget and Save Money as a Military Family with Armed Forces Mutual COO Jerry Quinn

Ep 231. 3 Game-Changing Financial Tips for Military Spouses with The Budget Besties

Ep 249. “You’re Not Bad With Money. You Just Need a New Mindset” with Janine Mix

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