In this grounded and refreshingly honest episode of Chris and Jen in the Morning: Where Self-Care Meets Real Life, Chris and Jen dive into what it actually looks like to cope during high-stress seasons—especially when work, pressure, and expectations feel relentless. Rather than offering quick fixes, they explore how stress shows up in the body, the mind, and our self-talk, and why survival itself can be a meaningful win .
Throughout the episode, Chris and Jen share accessible, real-world coping strategies, including:
This episode is especially resonant for anyone who:
The conversation opens with a real-time check-in on exhaustion, overwhelm, and the emotional weight of being “on” all the time. Chris and Jen discuss how easily stress can push us into reactivity, irritability, and harsh self-judgment—and how that cycle is often compounded in professional environments where rest and emotional honesty aren’t always encouraged .
At the heart of the episode is a powerful reframe: coping tools aren’t about fixing yourself—they’re about supporting yourself. The hosts unpack how self-forgiveness becomes essential when energy is low, routines fall apart, or you don’t show up as your “best self.” Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” they invite listeners to ask, “What do I need right now?” .
Ultimately, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t need to earn rest, grace, or compassion. Coping is not a failure—it’s wisdom. And self-forgiveness isn’t letting yourself off the hook; it’s what allows you to stay in the game long enough to heal, recalibrate, and move forward with care .
Website - www.chrisandjenitm.com
Email - connect@chrisandjenitm.com
Voicemail and Text available at 940-278-8129
Merch - https://chris-and-jen-itm.printify.me/
Store - https://www.fabulousfavoritefinds.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Energy Ownership
01:00 The Power of Gratitude
03:55 Navigating Heavy Emotions
04:11 Understanding Our Brain's Response
08:28 Finding Balance in Hard Times
12:12 The Urgency of Action
14:25 The Role of the Amygdala
18:28 Emotional Contagion and Co-Regulation
23:01 Choosing Your Energy
26:02 The Importance of Naming Emotions
29:57 Calm in Chaos
39:58 The Power of Kindness and Hope
42:35 Navigating Emotions and Choosing Energy
46:00 Understanding Feelings and Seeking Help
49:05 Fact vs. Opinion: The Stories We Tell Ourselves
51:36 In-Group vs. Out-Group Thinking
55:14 Setting Boundaries and Managing Inputs
01:00:49 Taking Back Control of Your Energy
01:02:27 Upcoming Conversations on Boundaries
01:05:19 Outro
