It's Ok to Not Be OK

Take A Breath

April 28, 2026 23 mins

About

In this episode, I open up about how I’ve been navigating the emotional ups and downs of recovery after knee surgery.

I share a recent wobble I experienced, and why learning to feel your emotions, rather than push them away, is such an important part of moving through difficult moments. It’s not about getting stuck in how you feel, but allowing those emotions to move through you with awareness and compassion.

I also talk about the power of a good cry (something we often underestimate), and the simple, supportive ways we can gently shift heavy or stuck energy when it shows up.

If you’ve been telling yourself you’re “fine” when you’re really not, I hope my  reflections remind you there’s another way.


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Information

Episode

29

Date

April 28, 2026

Length

23 mins
  • It's Ok to Not Be OK

    In this episode, I open up about how I’ve been navigating the emotional ups and downs of recovery after knee surgery. I share a recent wobble I experienced, and why learning to feel your emotions, rather than push them away, is such an important part of moving through difficult moments. It’s not about getting stuck […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Not Living in the Past

    On this week's Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about not living in the past. We all spend time thinking about the past — whether it's reminiscing about a lovely memory, cringing about something we said or did 5 years ago, or thinking about a relationship we're struggling to move on from. The question […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Brainwash Yourself

    On today’s Thursday's Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about brainwashing ourselves with beliefs that are actually going to serve us. Whether we know it or not, our lives are quietly being run by the subconscious beliefs that we hold – some of which are helping us, many of which are not. The good news […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Trusting the Process

    On this week’s Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about trusting the process. I talk about my recent knee operation and how trusting the process has been has been and will be such an important part of my recovery. We explore how having faith, and choosing to believe that things are working out for […]

  • How Light Is Affecting Your Sleep, Stress & Long-Term Health with Dr Martin Moore-Ede

    In this week’s episode of Take a Breath, I’m joined by Dr Martin Moore-Ede — one of the world’s leading experts in circadian science and the health impacts of light. After more than 40 years of research, his work reveals something most of us never even think about… how the light we’re exposed to every […]

  • Step Three to a Regulated Nervious System: Building your Capacity

    In this episode, I’m taking you into the third step of regulating your nervous system — and this is where things really begin to shift. We’ve already explored awareness and regulation, but if you’ve ever felt like you’re still getting pulled into stress again and again… this is the missing piece. Today, I’m talking about […]

  • Step Three to a Regulated Nervous System: Building your Capacity

    In this episode, I’m taking you into the third step of regulating your nervous system — and this is where things really begin to shift. We’ve already explored awareness and regulation, but if you’ve ever felt like you’re still getting pulled into stress again and again… this is the missing piece. Today, I’m talking about […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Physical & Mental Decluttering

    This week on Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about decluttering…and not just the cupboards and drawers. Because clutter isn’t always physical. Sometimes it’s the mental tabs we keep open, the emotional baggage we’re still carrying, the commitments that no longer feel like ours, or the digital noise constantly pulling at our attention. If […]

  • When Your Tests Are Normal… But Your Symptoms Aren’t with Miguel Bautista

    This week’s episode is for anyone who has been dealing with symptoms that feel very real, very limiting, and yet every test, scan or specialist appointment seems to come back with the same answer: “You’re fine.” I’m joined by Miguel Bautista, founder of CFS Recovery, who helps people recover from chronic fatigue syndrome, long COVID […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Starting Small with Movement

    On today's Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about moving your body, and more specifically, starting small when you’ve been injured or you’ve got out of the habit of taking exercise. Lucy and I talk about what our exercise routines look like when we’re taking it easier than usual, which can include some simple […]

  • Step Two to a Regulated Nervous System: How to Come Back to Calm

    I’m continuing our series on how to build a more regulated nervous system. We've already explored Stage One: Awareness — learning to notice when your nervous system is calm, when stress is creeping in, and when you’ve tipped into that more activated state of anxiety or overwhelm. In this week's episode episode, I’m guiding you […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – The Amount of Good Things in Your Life Depends on Your Ability to Notice Them

    On this week's Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about how the amount of good things in your life depends on your ability to notice them. With so much fear and negativity in the news right now, it’s easy for your attention to be pulled towards what feels heavy and overwhelming. That’s why being […]

  • Embracing The Benefits of Cold Water Exposure with Wendy Heine

    In this episode of Take a Breath, I’m joined by Wendy Heine — certified Wim Hof instructor, breathwork coach and yoga teacher. Wendy shares her journey from avoiding the cold completely to embracing it as a powerful tool for healing, particularly following her cancer diagnosis in 2021. We explore both the science and the nervous […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Staying Present While Moving Forwards

    On this week's Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I talk about all manner of things including where we’re at with our goals and habits, the importance of staying present in the moment, and how crucial awareness is if we want to make any kind of change in our life. We hope you’ll find something useful in […]

  • Step One to a Regulated Nervous System: AWARENESS

    In this episode of Take a Breath, I’m sharing why awareness is always the first step in nervous system regulation — and why, without it, even the best tools and techniques won’t truly stick. So many of us are living on autopilot, reacting before we even realise we’re reacting. I know this deeply, because that […]

  • Thursday Thoughts — Breaking The Cycle Of Negativity

    On this week's Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about breaking the cycle of negativity. We explore how easy it is to get caught in those negative spirals where one thought leads to another and suddenly we're knee-deep in a full-on wallow, feeling pretty rubbish about everything. We chat about how the way we […]

  • How to Embrace Your Second Spring — and Why Rest Is Part of It with Kate Codrington

    This week on Take a Breath, I’m joined by brilliant Kate Codrington — author, therapist, facilitator, speaker, and guide for women navigating the menopause transition. Kate is the author of Second Spring, named one of the seven best books on menopause by the New York Times, and The Perimenopause Journal (2024), described as “an essential […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – The Patriarchy

    On this week's Thursday's Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking all about the patriarchy. This social system that historically centres white men as the default holders of power, money, status and authority, is woven into the very fabric of society. It shows up in a million subtle – and not so subtle – ways: women […]

  • How to Know if Your Nervous System’s Actually Regulated — or Just Coping

    There’s a lot of noise right now about calming your nervous system and staying regulated — and for many of us, that creates more pressure than peace. In this solo episode, I gently unpack what nervous system regulation actually means, why staying calm isn’t the goal, and how midlife and perimenopause can shift the way […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Being The Main Character in Your Own Life

    On this week's Thursday's Thoughts, Lucy and I talk about what it really means to shift out of the background and into the lead role of your own life. We chat about how easy it is, especially for women, to unconsciously slip into a supporting role, putting everyone else’s needs first, waiting for the “right […]

  • How to Find What’s Next When You’re Ready for a Career Change with Ashley Jablow

    Midlife can be a season of subtle (or not-so-subtle) shifts. The things that once felt like a perfect fit — a role, a path, a version of you — start to feel off. But what comes next isn’t always clear. In this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Jablow, Founder of Wayfinders Collective and former Presidential […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – The Power Of Nature In A World Gone Mad

    On today’s Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about the power of intentionally tuning into nature during crazy times. Most of us would agree that the state of the world right now is…alot. It can feel overwhelming and scary, to say the least, and it’s easy to feel completely out of control. One of […]

  • How to Stay Ambitious Without Burning Yourself Out

    Many of us rely on pressure and guilt to keep ourselves moving forwards towards our goals  — especially in midlife, when life can feel full and demanding. While these strategies may work in the short term, they often leave us feeling exhausted, anxious, and disconnected from ourselves. In this episode, I explore why guilt and […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – How The Hardest Times Become Our Greatest Lessons

    On this weeks Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about how our hardest times and biggest “failures” often become our greatest lessons. We talk about how difficult seasons can shape us, clarify what really matters, and guide us onto the right path. A reminder that nothing is wasted – and if you’re in a […]

  • Why Birthdays Matter More Than We Realise with Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming

    Do you love your birthday… or secretly dread it? Birthdays can bring up all sorts — joy, disappointment, reflection, pressure, even a  sense of dread as we move through midlife. And yet, it’s the one day every year that’s meant to be about you. In this episode of Take a Breath, I’m joined by counsellor, […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Make Finding Joy a Priority

    On today’s Monday Motivation, Lucy and I are talking about that ‘back to school’ feeling that so many of us feel after Christmas and New Year. If you’re feeling low following the festive season, now is the time to make finding joy a priority. Because like so many things in life, we have to get […]

  • 5 Ways to Ease The Midlife Emotional Load

    Midlife can feel like a constant juggling act — from perimenopause to parenting, ageing parents to career demands, all while managing the invisible emotional and mental load that us midlife women know all to well. In this episode, I share 5 simple, science-backed ways to ease the emotional weight you’re carrying — so you can […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Maintaining A Positive Attitude When Life Throws A Curveball

    On today’s Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about maintaining a positive mental attitude even when life throws us a curveball. Last week, I injured my knee on the last day of my skiing trip, and am currently on crutches while I wait to find out how serious the injury is. I talk about […]

  • How to Feel Less Depleted and More You in Midlife with Margaret De Petro

    In this episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Margaret de Petro — a former psychotherapist whose work now spans coaching, NLP, intuition, and energy awareness. Margaret supports people around the world to feel more connected, clear, and confident in who they are and where they’re heading, especially during times of transition. Her work sits at […]

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    The Holderness Family Gets Real About Perimenopause

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  • Ep. 216 – Fatigue, Focus, Inflammation and Mineral Depletion with Caroline Alan

    In this episode of Not Your Mother’s Menopause, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes back Caroline Alan, co-founder of BEAM Minerals and author of the upcoming book “The Mineral Reset“. Caroline, known affectionately as “The Mineral Geek,” shares her personal healing journey from debilitating gut inflammation, adrenal fatigue, and chronic infections to vibrant health—all through the power of […]

  • It's Ok to Not Be OK

    In this episode, I open up about how I’ve been navigating the emotional ups and downs of recovery after knee surgery. I share a recent wobble I experienced, and why learning to feel your emotions, rather than push them away, is such an important part of moving through difficult moments. It’s not about getting stuck […]

  • 61 – Living with untreated urinary symptoms

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Penny Pijnenburg for a powerful conversation about genitourinary syndrome , a condition that affects most women but is still rarely talked about. Penny shares her experience of living with severe symptoms for more than 14 years before realising they were linked to perimenopause, and the frustration […]

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    Is It the Relationship or Is It Menopause? Here's How to Tell

    Relationships end at a dramatically higher rate during midlife, and a lot of the time, it’s women who are walking away. But before you decide what this transition means for your relationship, there’s something you need to understand first. In this episode, Tamsen gets honest about what this transition actually does to your closest relationships, […]

  • Eps 409: Where Your Spark Went in Midlife (And How to Get It Back)

    Have you ever caught yourself thinking… “where did that version of me go?” In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many women in midlife suddenly feel flat, foggy, and just not like themselves anymore and why this is not a personality problem. We’re going to connect what’s happening inside your body to what you’re […]

  • Do THIS Every Day to Rewire Your Brain From Stress and Anxiety

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  • Why won't my GP prescribe HRT?

    Getting support for your perimenopause and menopause symptoms can be a struggle, and many clinicians are still inadequately trained in hormone health. Liz talks about the barriers women still face and ways to feel confident requesting HRT. Plus: easy ways to stay hydrated, the benefits of NMN supplements, hair dye for a sensitive scalp and […]

  • GP Not Listening? How To Get A Diagnosis For Menopause

    Not being taken seriously about menopause or HRT? In this week’s episode, Dr Naomi Potter is joined by fellow menopause specialist Dr Liz Andrew to break down exactly how to get the most out of your GP appointment, and what to do if you’re dismissed. From knowing what to say, to understanding your options around […]

  • Why women's diseases go undetected (and how to spot the signs) – with Meghan Rabbitt

    Heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined, but symptoms are often missed because diagnostic tools were designed for men. Health journalist Meghan Rabbitt talks to Liz about why medicine has been getting women’s health wrong for decades and how to protect ourselves. They discuss how the differences in the female body require a […]

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    The Testosterone Conversation with Dr. Kelly Casperson: Beyond Libido

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    The Insulin Doctor: How To Lose Belly Fat + Stop The Food Noise For Good

    Dr. Jason Fung, MD, is one of the leading voices challenging everything diet culture has taught women about food, weight, and willpower. If you’ve ever blamed yourself for not having enough discipline around food, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Dr. Jason Fung sits down with Tamsen Fadal to debunk the “calories in, […]

  • Eps 408: How to Stay Strong and Pain-Free as You Age with Eileen Kopsaftis

    If you’ve been brushing off the aches and stiffness as “just aging”… pause and listen to this. I’m joined by Eileen Kopsaftis, a chronic pain and movement expert with over 30 years of experience helping people get out of pain and move well again. We talk about why muscle loss isn’t actually about age, why […]

  • 60 – Liz Earle on how to age well

    In this episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Liz Earle for a refreshing and empowering conversation about ageing, and why the way we think about it needs to change. Drawing on the science behind her new book How to Age, Liz explains how factors like hormones, inflammation, circadian rhythm and even light exposure influence […]

  • My Process For Achieving Goals: How to Change Your Life in 5 Simple Steps

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  • “I was overweight and unhappy!” Liz Earle’s perimenopause and midlife reinvention

    What if your best decade is still ahead of you? At 62, broadcaster and healthy aging expert Liz Earle is fitter, stronger, and happier than ever. In this chat with Fearne, Liz shares how she went from overwhelmed, overweight, and exhausted during perimenopause, to thriving in her 60s. She shares the small lifestyle shifts that […]

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  • Thursday Thoughts – Not Living in the Past

    On this week's Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I are talking about not living in the past. We all spend time thinking about the past — whether it's reminiscing about a lovely memory, cringing about something we said or did 5 years ago, or thinking about a relationship we're struggling to move on from. The question […]

  • Rewind Time: “I Thought I Had A Brain Tumour” – Lorraine Candy On Terrifying Perimenopause Symptoms

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Take A Breath

A podcast for creating practical calm in the messy middle of midlife. This is your space to pause.  Because life in midlife is full-on. Between work, family, menopause, and the mental load, your nervous system can easily end up in constant overdrive — leaving you feeling exhausted, reactive, and overwhelmed by even the smallest things.  […]

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