Welcome to Season 8 of Midlife Reclaimed! In this first solo episode of the new season, I’m introducing a fresh format: shorter, more focused episodes designed to fit gently into your month.
So many of us in midlife crave rest, yet when the moment finally arrives, it can feel deeply uncomfortable — even unsafe. In this episode, I explore why rest is harder than it looks, and how years of conditioning, caregiving, and productivity culture have shaped our resistance to slowing down.
Together, we’ll uncover the hidden barriers — from guilt and perfectionism to nervous system wiring — and learn how to meet them with mindful acceptance and compassion. This isn’t about doing rest “perfectly,” but about beginning, gently, to let rest in as a source of fuel and recovery.
If you’ve ever found yourself exhausted but unable to stop, this episode will remind you that you’re not failing — you’re human. And there are softer, kinder ways forward.
Host: Shannon Swales: Psychologist, writer, and midlife woman who’s walked through burnout and come out the other side. Shannon combines clinical wisdom with lived experience to support others navigating chronic stress, burnout, and big life transitions. Through gentle conversations and evidence-based insights, she helps women reconnect with themselves, reclaim their energy, and grow through what once felt like breaking points.
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Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon A Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
Engaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and Shannon A Swales. All views, opinions, and tips expressed by me or my guests are general in nature and not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage anyone experiencing distress to seek professional support. In Australia, if you are in a life-threatening emergency, please dial 000. For immediate counselling, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76) for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
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