Calmly Coping

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you accomplish, it’s never enough? You continue striving forward, but it seems like the goal post keeps moving, and you can never feel fully satisfied with where you are in life. If you're feeling anxious, pressured, worried, and constantly stressing yourself with your own expectations, it may be a signal you’re placing unrealistic expectations on yourself—ones that harm your mental health...

If overthinking has ever gotten you to talk yourself out of doing something before you even started, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing why our minds spiral into decision paralysis, how perfectionism and anxiety can sabotage our progress, and therapist-approved strategies to help you shift from spiraling thoughts to intentional action.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why overthinking keeps you stuck in place
• How...

We often believe that if we can just control things — our environment, other people, the outcome — we’ll finally feel calm. But what if the opposite is true? In this episode, I share how a daily source of frustration transformed completely when I chose acceptance over control. You’ll learn how this mindset shift can improve emotion regulation, reduce anxiety, and help you navigate life with more ease, especially if you’re a high-ac...

Perfectionism is one of those things that can seem like a strength on the surface, but often masks things like fear of rejection, anxiety, and a deep exhaustion from always striving. In today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Tara Cousineau, a Harvard University clinical psychologist and author of The Perfectionist’s Dilemma who has worked with high achievers for over two decades.

Tara brings both clinical expertise and personal exper...

Smartphones are now ubiquitous, and although they offer many benefits, they can also become a source of anxiety. Worrying about responding to notifications, the feeling of being constantly available, and coming across triggering content on social media are just a few causes. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact ways I set up and use my phone to feel calmer, more focused, and less reactive. You’ll learn simple changes to reduce mi...

What if the way you listen could completely transform your relationships? In this episode, I sit down with longtime BBC journalist and author Emily Kasriel to explore the power of deep listening as a tool for connection, calm, and healing. We dive into how to navigate difficult conversations, be fully present with others, and create space for trust and understanding. If you're craving more meaningful interactions in a fast-paced an...

Do you feel guilty setting boundaries? Worry about upsetting others when you say no? If the fear of disappointing people is driving your decisions, even at the expense of your own well-being, this episode is for you. You’ll learn where this fear comes from, why it’s so hard to let go of, and how you can start shifting out of people-pleasing so you can take care of yourself without guilt.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The ...

Do you notice your anxiety, mood, or motivation shifting with your cycle? In this episode, I’m diving into how hormone changes, especially during the pre-menstrual phase, can impact those with high-functioning anxiety, and how you can start working with your cycle rather than pushing against it. I’ll be sharing practical, compassionate strategies you can start using today.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why anxiety and emo...

When was the last time you truly did nothing—no phone, no to-do list, no distractions? In a world that rewards constant doing, stillness can feel foreign, even uncomfortable. But if you're feeling overwhelmed, foggy, or stretched thin, the space you're avoiding might be exactly what’s necessary. In this episode, we’ll explore why doing nothing isn’t indulgent, it’s essential.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why “doing nothi...

It’s been five years of Calmly Coping — 230 episodes, thousands of listeners, and countless lessons. In this special anniversary episode, I’m reflecting on the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced, and the impact you’ve had on this journey. Let’s look back, reconnect, and look forward to what’s next.

And stick around to the end — I have a big announcement about what’s next for Calmly Coping!

In this episode, you wi...

Can you truly rest and be successful? In this episode, I’m joined by holistic business mentor and licensed therapist Maegan Megginson to explore what it really means to be deeply rested and wildly successful. We unpack the pressure to overperform, how rest can look different for everyone, and how to shift from burnout into a life that feels more sustainable, joyful, and in tune with your true self. This conversation is grounding an...

Have you ever told yourself, “Once I finish everything on my list, then I’ll relax”... only to find that the list never actually ends? It’s like you’re chasing the finish line, but it keeps moving further away. And when you do finally pause, instead of feeling peace, you feel guilt—like you haven’t earned your rest yet. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m going to help you break that cycle so you can sto...

If your mind races the moment your head hits the pillow — you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by sleep expert Joseph Pannell, who shares his personal journey through 20 years of chronic insomnia and the powerful, science-backed strategies that helped him heal. We explore the deep connection between high-functioning anxiety, perfectionism, and insomnia, and what actually helps when you’re stuck in the spiral of overthinkin...

Ever feel like work is creeping into every part of your life? Your boss emails you on weekends, clients expect instant replies, or—even if you’re your own boss—you find yourself working at all hours? Setting boundaries at work can feel impossible… and if you do set them, guilt kicks in. But here’s the truth: You can set boundaries and still be seen as dedicated and capable. And in today’s episode, I’m going to show you how—whether ...

Are you rushing through life, always focused on the next thing on your to-do list? In today’s fast-paced world, it’s so easy to get caught up in overthinking and busyness that we forget to truly stop and live. Let’s hit pause and explore how to slow down, reset your mind, and be more present—for yourself and your loved ones. This episode is about letting go of the endless hustle and embracing the moments that matter most.

In this...

Have you ever felt like work is taking over your life, but you tell yourself, this is just what success looks like? Maybe you constantly think about work, struggle to disconnect, or even feel physically drained—but you push through because you feel like you have to. The problem? When stress goes unchecked, it can start affecting your mental and physical well-being in ways you don’t even realize.

In this episode, I’m sharing 9 sig...

You’ve worked hard to get to where you are—pushing yourself, proving yourself, and striving for excellence. And it worked. But now? You’re exhausted, stuck, and maybe even resentful. What once fueled your success is now burning you out. In this episode, we’ll explore why the habits that got you here are no longer serving you, how to redefine success on your own terms, and what steps you can take to shift from survival mode to a mor...

Does Sunday evening feel like a ticking clock, counting down to a week of stress, pressure, or overwhelm? Maybe you’re not dreading Mondays outright, but you’re struggling to find focus, energy, or motivation when the workweek begins. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’ll break down why this happens and share actionable strategies to turn Sunday dread into a productive and confident start to your week.

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On the outside, you’ve got it all together—thriving in your career, keeping up with responsibilities, and maybe even excelling in ways that others admire. But on the inside, it’s a different story. If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck in a cycle of sadness, exhaustion, or self-criticism while keeping up appearances, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down the signs of high-functioning depression—what it looks like, ho...