When It Feels Like Everything Is Falling Apart, Ask Yourself These 3 Things

Feeling emotionally reactive or facing a big decision? Karen introduces a game-changing three-step check-in process that could save you from making choices you’ll regret. Ever sent that text in anger, made an impulsive purchase, or reacted poorly to a situation only to wonder later what you were thinking? This episode reveals the simple but powerful “T.H.H.” framework that helps you pause before making important decisions or emotional reactions. Karen shares vulnerable stories from her own experience with young children and perimenopause, explaining how being tired, hungry, or hormonal can hijack our decision-making abilities. Her practical approach offers immediate relief for anyone who’s ever wondered why they sometimes feel so emotionally dysregulated.

Ready to transform your reactive patterns into thoughtful responses? Karen breaks down each element of the T.H.H. framework with relatable examples and actionable strategies. From keeping snacks in your glove compartment to recognizing hormonal patterns (yes, this applies to men too!), she provides practical tools for better self-awareness. The conversation gets real about perimenopause, intermittent fasting challenges, and those 3 AM parenting moments that can make everything feel extreme. Karen’s friends even use this system to redirect each other during emotional meltdowns. Listeners will walk away with a simple but effective method for identifying when they’re not operating at their best, plus permission to give themselves grace during those inevitable human moments.

In this episode:

• (00:00) Introduction: The T.H.H. Framework for Better Decision-Making
• (01:15) T – Are You Tired? The Sleep Deprivation Decision Trap
• (03:45) Real Talk: Five Years of Sleep Deprivation with Young Kids
• (06:20) H – Are You Hungry? The “Hangry” Factor in Decision-Making
• (09:30) Practical Tips: Keeping Snacks Everywhere for Better Mood
• (11:45) H – Are You Hormonal? Perimenopause Reality Check
• (15:20) It’s Not Just Women: Men and Midlife Hormonal Changes
• (17:40) The Friend Check System: How to Support Each Other
• (20:15) When You Check Multiple Boxes: Emergency Self-Care Protocol
• (22:30) Making Better Decisions When You’re Stable
• (24:45) Tip Jar Information and Closing Thoughts

About:

ThirtyFiveSixtyFour is a podcast for listeners between the ages of 35 and 64. Available on all major podcast platforms, the show offers an engaging journey through the various challenges and experiences of midlife. ThirtyFiveSixtyFour presents a distinct departure from the traditional midlife crisis storyline. Instead, it champions the perspective that midlife should be viewed as a period marked by play, discovery, transformation and possibility.

If you find our stories and conversations valuable, your contribution helps cover the behind-the-scenes costs of keeping this podcast running. Leave a tip or donation here → https://thirtyfivesixtyfour.com/donate/

Episode Transcript:

So, I’ve noticed that there are three reasons that I should not be reactive or make decisions. I’m gonna go through those with you. They’re very basic and it almost works every time. So let’s dive in. T, are you tired? Now they say no one is getting enough sleep. I don’t know. I try to prioritize my sleep.

I really am one of those people who need like minimum eight hours. I do not do well, operating under a low amount of sleep. And if I am tired, I’m just not thinking straight. I’m not at my best. I can operate. But I’m not operating at the level that I should be if I’m going to make a really important decision.

So do not, whatever you do, do not make a decision that is impactful and important. or react in a way that’s going to change the outcome of your life in the imme...