The Midlife Momentum Podcast

How do you bounce back when diagnosed with fibromyalgia, or depression, or PTSD... or all three?My guest today, Christine Bernat, is here to talk about how she went from being diagnosed with all three (while going through the menopause transition!) to getting her health and vitality back.As a result of her diagnoses, Christine suffered a complete breakdown of body, mind, and spirit.In this episode she shares what she learned about self-regulation, trusting your inner wisdom, and reconnecting with your body and those you love, so you can find your way back to YOU.And she also shares a technique she created to help adults and children snap back into themselves.Enjoy the episode!DebbieP.S.: You can view this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Bd8O-HjYDg8Christine Bernat has faced many challenges in her life. In 2017, working as a teacher and in her early 50s, she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, depression, and PTSD. And in 2019, after battling these conditions, she was told she’d be on sick leave until her retirement. However, instead of giving up, she found answers as she became certified as a heart-centered stress mgmt. coach, an EFT Master Practicitioner, a Tollerra Energy systems and heart coach, and more. As a result, she’s created two proprietary techniques to help kids, parents, and educators use the breath and awareness to release stress and anxiety in seconds, and she’s made it her life’s mission to help others learn the power of self-regulation. And we’ll talk about all these things today in the podcast.To connect with Christine:Website: https://christinebernat.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christine_transformation/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.efttransformationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-bernat-transformation/Thanks for listening!If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram.Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

I don't like being the bearer of bad news...But we - meaning us ladies in midlife - are drinking more than ever.We're actually the fastest growing demographic when in comes to alcohol consumption in the western world.And it's concerning.We've created a culture that normalizes wine and alcohol as a way to de-stress and deal with life's problems.However, we're paying for it with our health, especially during the menopause transition.And I know, from the clients I work with, and for myself, we don't want to be in this situation.So what can we do about it?I'm talking all about it in this episode.❤️DebbieIf you'd like to ask me more, or you're curious about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram...or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWBHere are some of the studies and links I reviewed for this episode:"The problem with women and middle-aged drinking", University of Auckland, December 2023"Strategies to support midlife women to reduce their alcohol consumption: an Australian study using human-centred design", Health Promotion International, December 2023"Through the wine glass: How biographical midlife transitions and women's affective interpretations interact with alcohol consumption", International Journal on Drug Policy, July 2023"The who and what of women's drinking: Examining risky drinking and associated socio-demographic factors among women aged 40–65 years in Australia", Drug and Alcohol Review, January 2022"Excessive Alcohol Use is a Risk to Women’s Health", Alcohol and Public Health, February 2024"Alcohol and drinking within the lives of midlife women: A meta-study systematic review", International Journal on Drug Policy, October 2021"How does alcohol affect menopause and perimenopause?", HCF, June 2023"More women in the U.S. are drinking themselves to death, research finds", NBC News, July 2023

When you aren't sleeping well, everything in your life is affected.And in midlife and through menopause, trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep is one of the top issues.So that's why I invited my guest, Xi Decker, to the podcast.Xi is author of the book, "Menopause: A Guide to Your Unique Journey", and she's also an experienced scientist in the the diagnostics industry, specializing in women's health.In this episode, Xi and I are kindred spirits, and we have a great conversation on menopause, hormones, sleep issues, solutions to help you sleep better, stress, and more.I know you'll get a lot out of this episode.DebbieP.S.: You can view this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/cPBQ8hnNdUoXi Decker is a dedicated women's health advocate with over two decades of experience in the life sciences and diagnostics industry, specializing in women's health, sexual health, and oncology. As she was living her own perimenopause journey, Xi recognized a significant knowledge gap in this critical life phase. So, her mission has become to demystify menopause, equipping women with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate this phase confidently and positively. That mission drove her to write the book “Menopause: A Guide to Your Unique Journey.”To connect with Xi:Website: https://sharedadmiration.myshopify.com/Freebie : Top 5 Strategies to Navigate Menopause with Fewer SymptomsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharedadmiration/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharedadmirationThanks for listening!If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram.Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

Do you feel like you're stuck in negativity?Or anxious a lot of the time?We all feel negative at least half the time, but when it feels like you're often spiraling out...You can learn to create a more positive mindset.No matter what your circumstance, you can get out of negative spirals and feel better.How do you do that?That's what I'm talking about today, the steps to gaining a mindset that's resilient and keeps you moving forward.Enjoy the episode!DebbieP.S. Want to join the 30-Day Get-Out-and-Walk Challenge? It's free and it starts Sunday, May 12th. Click on the link to sign up and join us!Thanks for listening!If you'd like to ask me more about managing stress, or you want to find out more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram...or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationor email me at: debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.comMusic Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

Wondering if you might be neurodivergent?You're not alone.And in fact, many women are only diagnosed with conditions associated with neurodivergence, such as ADHD and autism. in midlife.Why is that? And what can you do if you find yourself with a diagnosis or suspect you many be neurodivergent?To answer these questions, I've asked Gail Seemann to the podcast.Gail is a counselor and coach, working with neurodivergent individuals, and she's also mother to a young-adult daughter diagnosed with autism and ADHD.She explains why ADHD and/or autism may only be diagnosed later in life for women, and how these conditions, compounded with changing hormones, can affect you during the menopause transition.I really enjoyed this conversation with Gail, and I hope you enjoy listening to it!DebbieGail Seemann is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 22 years of experience working with patients of all ages who have been diagnosed with mild to severe levels of trauma and behavioral issues. And as mother of a now young-adult daughter who has been diagnosed with ADHD and Autism, Gail has a passion for working with others with similar diagnoses and their families. She’s recently added coaching services to this end, helping her clients move forward in their lives beyond therapy.To connect with Gail:Website: https://www.lifestreamfamilycounseling.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/n-gail-seemann-6070392b0/Book a consult with Gail: https://hnwsmujgih.timetap.com/Thanks for listening!If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram.Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

There’s one thing I do that gives me the highest feeling of health and well-being and calm...It's walking outdoors.And there are many reasons for this, which I share in this episode.If you’ve been listening to this podcast, you know that one of the best things you can do in midlife, for all your symptoms including weight gain, is to manage stress.And walking outside, through movement and nature, does that better than most anything else.There's so much value in a daily walking practice.And I believe we'd all feel better through this crazy time if we had one.That's why, in just a couple of weeks, I'll be launching a walking challenge...More about this in today's episode and in the coming days... Stay tuned!Enjoy!DebbieThanks for listening!If you'd like to ask me more about managing stress, or you want to find out more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram...or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationor email me at: debbie@debbieharbeccoaching.comMusic Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

All your relationships can be impacted by this transition into menopause. Including (and especially) the relationship with yourself. Like it or not, your body, mind, and emotions are being tossed about by this change. And then there are the relationships you have with your partner, kids, friends, and colleagues... The people around you will likely notice something's up. So how do you accept what's going on with you, and talk to others about it and feel supported? To answer that, I've invited Dr. Liz Jenkins to the podcast. Liz is a marriage and family therapist and a relationship coach, and in this episode, she's talking about that changing relationship with yourself and your body, as well as how to have those uncomfortable discussions with the people who care about you. If you're married, single, or somewhere in between, this is the episode for you!DebbieP.S. Here's the YouTube link to watch the video version: https://youtu.be/M7HWoMWPtJoDr. Liz Jenkins helps couples reconnect, repair, and reignite their love, quickly transforming their relationships or marriages to the connection and passion of their early years. Married for 38+ years, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Certified Connection Coach with over 75,000 hours of focused time working with women and couples, she is a trusted expert who quickly identifies each couple's and individual's unique path for success in their self-love and relationships.LINKS TO FREEBIES:Here's the link to Liz's FREE Love Languages Guide, a gamechanger that helps you both quickly understand and connect using the power of your love languages:https://learn.drlizjenkins.com/love-languages-guideHere's the link to Liz's FREE Couple's Connection Checklist:https://learn.drlizjenkins.com/couples-checklistTo connect with Liz:Website: www.DrLizJenkins.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_liz_jenkins/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrLizJenkins; and https://www.facebook.com/groups/theconnectedcouplewithdrlizjenkinsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYI1IqEBugqTGff2biBvKQAThanks for listening!If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram.Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

I really don't like the term, "time management" because,,,You can't actually manage time.Time goes on whether you like it or not.You can't control it.But you can manage what you do with your time.And that's where it gets tricky...You WANT to do certain things, but somehow they're not getting done.Because of unexpected interruptions, or distraction, or ...Because you just don't feel like it.So, how can you get the things done you WANT to get done, like lose weight, get fit, write a book, start a podcast,...?I've got a 3-step process for that, and also 2 essential skills you need to have to make those things happen.Enjoy the episode!DebbieP.S. I referred to the book "Four Thousand Weeks" by Oliver Burkeman in the episode. Check it out!And here's my info on self-mastery coaching for students: https://selfmasteryforstudents.com/Thanks for listening!If you'd like to ask me more about managing your time, or you want to find out more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram...or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

Have you ever wanted to write?Whether you'd love to write your memoir, or a self-help book, or fiction, or even if you've just wanted to be more creative, now is the time to sit down and start.That's why I invited Allegra Huston to talk to me for this podcast episode.Allegra's written her own memoir, Love Child, and she also teaches a writing method called Imaginative Storm with her partner, James Navé, with whom she also co-wrote the book, Write What You Don't Know.(... you may also recognize Allegra's last name, as she's the daughter of the late movie director John Huston.)In this episode she talks about writing just ten minutes at a time, writing about what you don't know, listening to your inner coach instead of your inner critic, and more.If you'd love to write, or even be more creative, this is the episode for you.Enjoy!DebbieP.S. Here's the YouTube link to watch the video version: https://youtu.be/084SE5_ns7MAllegra Huston is the the co-founder of the Imaginative Storm writing method, and co-author of the book and online course Write What You Don’t Know. She’s also written and co-written several other books , including her beautifully written memoir, Love Child. She teaches a 5-day memoir writing course in various locations, including most recently Nova Scotia. Allegra also happens to have grown up with two wonderful fathers: film director John Huston, and John Julius Norwich. And she’s now living in beautiful Taos New Mexico, in an adobe house she built with the father of her son.To connect with Allegra:Email: allegra@imaginativestorm.comWebsites: https://www.allegrahuston.com ; https://www.imaginativestorm.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/allegrahuston/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allegra.hustonThanks for listening!If you'd like to know more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram.Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB

Are you feeling exhausted, or even burned out?I regularly talk to women in midlife, and the most common thing I hear is that they're feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, and they just want to feel more energetic and motivated again. A few years ago I was struggling with that too.At 45, I was exhausted all the time, gaining weight around the middle, experiencing joint pain, acid reflux, and more.I realized that year that I was in perimenopause.With the change of hormones and my lifestyle, at the end of the day I was totally DONE.So I decided to figure out what was going on with my changing body, and I developed some very specific habits that reenergized me…I documented these habits and broke them down into 5 strategies that transformed my health and my energy... And I'm talking about them here in today's episode.(.. btw, if you haven't yet downloaded it, I've documented my 5 strategies in a free guide called, "Exhausted to Energized".)Enjoy :)DebbieThanks for listening!Here's the link to my free guide, "Exhausted to Energized"If you'd like to ask me more about getting comfortable with discomfort, or find out more about working with me, visit me at www.debbieharbeccoaching.com or @debbieharbec on Instagram.Or book a time to talk with me: https://calendly.com/debbie-harbec-coaching/free-consultationMusic Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunny License code: 8IEJIZYHBOCC8EWB