Together We Pause - Episode 9: Q&A with Helen and Faye

In this special episode of Together We Pause, Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins sit down to answer questions from their listeners. They dive into a variety of topics, sharing personal insights, advice, and the candid stories behind their journeys. From self-care routines to navigating midlife, Faye and Helen reflect on their experiences, offer practical tips, and have a good laugh along the way. This episode is a chance to get to know the hosts better and join in on the conversation that’s been building since the podcast began.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Listener Questions: Faye and Helen answer a selection of listener-submitted questions. From their favorite self-care rituals to the challenges they face in their daily lives, they share their personal experiences and offer practical advice.
• Balancing Work and Life: One listener asks how they balance their busy work lives with personal time. Faye and Helen reflect on their entrepreneurial journeys, offering insights into how they manage their time and prioritize their mental health.
• Midlife Moments: The hosts tackle questions about navigating midlife, including how to handle changes in the body, hormonal shifts, and the emotional ups and downs that come with this stage of life. They share how they’ve learned to embrace these changes and manage the challenges that come with aging.
• Self-Care and Mental Health: Faye and Helen discuss their individual approaches to self-care and the mental health practices that help them stay grounded. They share their routines for maintaining balance, including mindfulness, exercise, and quiet moments of reflection.
• Personal Stories and Insights: Throughout the episode, Faye and Helen share funny, heartfelt, and relatable stories that offer a glimpse into their personal lives. They talk about their families, their passions, and the everyday moments that bring them joy.
• Looking Forward: As they wrap up the Q&A session, Faye and Helen tease upcoming episodes and topics they’re excited to explore. They encourage listeners to continue submitting questions for future episodes and share their own experiences with the Together We Pause community.

Action Items:

• Reflect on your own midlife journey and consider how you’re navigating changes in your body and mind.
• Practice self-care and mental health routines that help you stay grounded and balanced.
• Submit questions or topics you’d like to hear about in future episodes.

Call to Action:
Tune in for this fun and insightful Q&A session with Faye and Helen, where they share personal stories, offer advice, and dive into topics that matter to you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with friends who may enjoy the conversation!

Join the Together We Pause community and stay connected through every step of your midlife journey.

Together We Pause - Episode 8: Sleep – The Good, The Bad, and The Blissful

In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins dive into the topic of sleep—its challenges, routines, and the essential role it plays in our overall well-being. From their packing strategies for an upcoming holiday to Japan and Dubai to the personal quirks and preferences that shape their sleep habits, they explore what makes a restful night and what disrupts it. Faye and Helen share their experiences with perimenopause, the impact of environmental factors, and the self-care rituals that help them wind down.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Holiday Plans and Packing Strategies: Faye and Helen kick off by discussing their exciting holiday plans, including a 20-day trip to Japan and Dubai. They talk about the logistics of packing for long trips, with Faye’s preference for packing a couple of days in advance and Helen’s organized approach to holiday logistics.
• Packing Preferences: Faye shares her holiday packing anxiety, influenced by her mother's packing habits, and her need to be meticulous when organizing her suitcase. They also discuss the use of packing cubes and Faye's preference for direct packing into the suitcase.
• Sleep Preferences and Routines: Faye and Helen open up about their sleep habits, with Faye being a light sleeper who enjoys a cold, quiet room, and Helen being a “sleep beast” who can sleep anywhere. They discuss how perimenopause has affected their sleep, with Helen struggling more than Faye, and how caffeine and sugar impact their sleep quality.
• Personal Sleep Quirks: Faye reveals her pre-sleep routine, which includes skincare, an eye mask, earplugs, and a hot water bottle. Helen, on the other hand, enjoys a relaxing bath before bed. They reflect on their differences in bedtime rituals and how their sleep environment affects the quality of their rest.
• Impact of the Environment on Sleep: Faye shares how hotel room lights and sounds disrupt her sleep, prompting her to use eye masks and earplugs. Both hosts discuss how bedroom temperature influences their comfort, with Faye loving a cold room and Helen enjoying a heated blanket.
• The Importance of a Sleep Routine: The hosts conclude by reflecting on the significance of having a sleep routine and the positive effects it can have on health and well-being. Faye highlights her high-maintenance sleep preferences, while Helen’s low-maintenance approach to life includes her easy sleep habits.
• Future Discussions on Sleep: Helen suggests inviting a sleep expert to share tips on improving sleep, and they encourage listeners to share their own sleep tips and techniques in the comments.

Action Items:

• Pay attention to your personal sleep preferences and environmental factors that may affect your sleep.
• Experiment with creating a bedtime routine that includes self-care rituals like skincare, baths, or relaxation techniques.
• Share your sleep tips and tricks with others to help foster a community of better sleep practices.

Call to Action:
If you’ve ever struggled with sleep or just want to improve your routine, tune in to hear Faye and Helen’s sleep habits and the importance of creating a good sleep environment. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with others who may benefit from better sleep practices.

Rest well with Together We Pause!

Together We Pause - Episode 7: Is 'Going Grey' Actually Just Letting Ourselves Go?

In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins explore the cultural perception of "going grey" and whether it’s truly a sign of letting oneself go or just an authentic step toward embracing the natural process of aging. They discuss the pressure women face to maintain a youthful appearance and how embracing grey hair can be a powerful act of self-acceptance. Faye and Helen share their personal experiences with going grey and the broader conversation around beauty, aging, and societal expectations.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• The Stigma Around Going Grey: Faye and Helen discuss the societal pressures that make women feel like they need to hide their grey hair, linking it to feelings of self-worth and beauty standards. They question whether the desire to cover grey hair is rooted in ageism or simply a personal choice.
• Personal Experiences with Going Grey: Both hosts share their own journeys with their grey hair. Faye talks about how she embraced her grey hair at a younger age, while Helen discusses her decision to let her natural grey grow out. They reflect on how these choices have influenced their sense of identity and self-confidence.
• Cultural Expectations and Beauty Standards: Faye and Helen explore how the beauty industry and media perpetuate the notion that grey hair equals aging and loss of vitality. They question why women are often made to feel like they must maintain a youthful appearance at all costs.
• Self-Acceptance and Aging Naturally: The hosts reflect on the importance of embracing natural beauty and letting go of the pressure to conform to rigid beauty ideals. They discuss how aging gracefully can be a personal and empowering decision, and how grey hair can be a symbol of self-acceptance.
• The Benefits of Going Grey: Faye and Helen discuss the freedom and confidence that comes with letting go of societal expectations around hair color. They share how embracing their grey hair has made them feel more authentic and less concerned with external validation.
• Encouraging the Conversation: The hosts wrap up by encouraging listeners to reflect on their own feelings about going grey and challenge the beauty standards that dictate how women should look as they age. Faye and Helen call for more open conversations around aging, beauty, and the choices women make to feel comfortable in their own skin.

Action Items:

• Reflect on your own feelings about going grey and how it fits into your view of beauty and aging.
• Consider embracing your natural hair color, or at least explore the idea of letting your grey grow out.
• Challenge beauty standards and focus on what makes you feel authentic and comfortable.
• Have open conversations with friends and loved ones about aging and self-acceptance.

Call to Action:
Join Faye and Helen as they delve into the conversation around going grey and the deeper issues of beauty standards and self-acceptance. Tune in to this empowering episode and be inspired to embrace your authentic self. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with others who may need a little encouragement on their journey to self-acceptance.

Embrace aging with grace and confidence with Together We Pause!

Together We Pause - Episode 6: Period Anxiety

In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins tackle the topic of period anxiety, exploring how the fear and stress surrounding menstruation can impact women’s mental and physical well-being. They discuss the societal stigma around periods, how anxiety can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, and ways to manage this often-overlooked aspect of women’s health. Faye and Helen share their personal experiences with period anxiety and offer advice on how to better cope with the emotional challenges that can accompany menstruation.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Understanding Period Anxiety: Faye and Helen introduce the concept of period anxiety—how the mere anticipation of a period can create stress and worry. They discuss how anxiety is often linked to hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and the cultural taboos around menstruation.
• Personal Experiences with Period Anxiety: Both hosts reflect on their own experiences with period anxiety, sharing how their menstrual cycles have affected their mental health. Faye talks about feeling anxious and overwhelmed during her periods, while Helen shares how her anxiety has been exacerbated by hormone fluctuations.
• The Impact of Hormonal Changes: The hosts dive into how hormonal shifts during menstruation can influence emotions and contribute to heightened anxiety. They discuss the link between PMS, perimenopause, and the emotional rollercoaster that many women experience around their periods.
• Breaking the Taboo Around Periods: Faye and Helen reflect on how society’s reluctance to openly discuss periods can make anxiety worse. They emphasize the importance of normalizing conversations around menstruation and offering support to those who struggle with period anxiety.
• Coping Strategies and Self-Care: The hosts offer practical tips on how to manage period anxiety, such as practicing mindfulness, establishing self-care routines, and seeking support from loved ones. Faye discusses how tracking her cycle and acknowledging her triggers has helped her cope, while Helen shares the importance of rest and relaxation during her period.
• Normalizing the Conversation: Faye and Helen wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to talk openly about period anxiety and share their experiences. They highlight the need for more awareness and support for women facing this challenge and call for a shift in how periods are perceived and discussed in society.

Action Items:

• Reflect on how your menstrual cycle may be influencing your anxiety levels and emotional health.
• Track your cycle to better understand the emotional and physical patterns that occur each month.
• Practice self-care strategies, like mindfulness or taking breaks, during your period to alleviate anxiety.
• Start open conversations with friends and family about period anxiety to help reduce stigma.

Call to Action:
If period anxiety has been a part of your journey, join Faye and Helen in this open conversation about how to better understand and manage it. Tune in for practical tips and insights on how to cope with the emotional challenges of menstruation. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with others!

Break the silence around period anxiety with Together We Pause!

Together We Pause - Episode 5: What is ‘Natural Beauty’ and Is It Really Just a PR Stunt?

In this thought-provoking episode of Together We Pause, Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins explore the concept of "natural beauty" and whether it’s a genuine movement or just another PR stunt. They delve into societal standards of beauty, the pressures women face to conform to certain looks, and how the beauty industry plays a role in shaping these ideals. With a focus on self-acceptance and embracing individuality, Faye and Helen challenge traditional beauty norms and discuss how to redefine beauty on our own terms.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Defining ‘Natural Beauty’: Faye and Helen begin by questioning what “natural beauty” really means. They discuss how the term is often used in marketing and advertising, sometimes masking the reality of what’s behind the products being promoted.
• Beauty Standards and Societal Pressures: The hosts explore the pressure women face to look a certain way, particularly as they age. They discuss the role of social media in amplifying these expectations and how they impact self-esteem.
• The Beauty Industry’s Influence: Faye and Helen reflect on how the beauty industry promotes the idea of “natural” beauty while often using products and procedures that contradict this notion. They examine whether these marketing tactics truly serve women or just profit off their insecurities.
• Embracing Self-Acceptance: Faye and Helen talk about the importance of accepting ourselves as we are, flaws and all. They encourage listeners to find their own version of beauty, beyond external appearances.
• Challenging the PR Stunt: The conversation wraps up with a discussion about how “natural beauty” may be more about selling products than empowering women. Faye and Helen call for a shift in the conversation towards embracing authenticity and individuality.

Action Items:

• Reflect on your personal definition of beauty and whether societal standards influence how you see yourself.
• Experiment with embracing your natural features and shifting away from beauty ideals imposed by the media.
• Take a moment to practice self-acceptance and challenge unrealistic beauty standards in your own life.

Call to Action:
Join Faye and Helen as they break down the concept of “natural beauty” and challenge the narrative surrounding it. Tune in for a refreshing conversation on embracing authenticity and redefining beauty on your own terms. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with others!

Embrace your natural beauty with Together We Pause!

Together We Pause - Episode 4: Our Personal Journeys to HRT

In this heartfelt episode of Together We Pause, Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins open up about their personal experiences with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and how it has impacted their journey through midlife. They share the challenges they faced with menopause symptoms, how they navigated the healthcare system, and the relief they found through HRT. This episode provides a candid look at the importance of seeking support, advocating for yourself, and exploring treatment options.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Faye’s Symptoms and Misconceptions: Faye discusses her initial misunderstanding of menopause and the symptoms she faced, including brain fog, achy joints, and anxiety. She reflects on the difficulty of recognizing these symptoms and how it led her to seek help.
• Helen’s Journey with Heavy Periods: Helen shares her struggle with heavy periods and anxiety, including an embarrassing incident at the hairdresser. She explains how grief from losing her parents exacerbated her symptoms and led her to seek private medical care.
• Challenges in Getting a Diagnosis: Both hosts talk about the difficulties of getting a proper diagnosis for menopause symptoms, including the stigma and lack of understanding in the medical field.
• Faye’s Experience with HRT: Faye recounts how a private menopause clinic helped her and how HRT positively impacted her within a day of starting treatment.
• Helen’s Experience with Grief and HRT: Helen explains how HRT helped her cope with grief and emotional challenges, sharing the types of HRT she’s using and the improvements she’s experienced.
• Advice for Considering HRT: Faye and Helen encourage listeners to monitor their symptoms, seek medical advice, and have open conversations about menopause with friends and family.

Action Items:

• Monitor and document your symptoms to understand your body’s changes.
• Seek professional advice if experiencing menopause symptoms.
• Openly discuss your experiences with loved ones to build support.

Call to Action:
If you’re experiencing menopause or perimenopause, tune in to hear Faye and Helen’s journey with HRT and how it improved their lives. Subscribe, share this episode, and join the conversation about managing midlife challenges.

Join the discussion and find support with Together We Pause!

Together We Pause - Episode 3: Body Changes – How We Feel About Our 40-Something Year Old Bodies

In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins dive deep into the topic of body changes in midlife. With honesty and humour, they share their experiences of navigating the physical changes that come with being in your 40s. From hormonal shifts to the challenges of staying active, this episode explores how women feel about their bodies and how they embrace these changes with compassion and self-awareness.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Acknowledging the Changes: Faye and Helen open the episode by discussing how their bodies have changed as they’ve entered their 40s. From weight fluctuations to changes in skin elasticity, they reflect on how these shifts can be difficult to accept at times, but how important it is to embrace the journey with self-love.
• Hormonal Shifts and Impact on the Body: The conversation turns to the hormonal changes that often occur in midlife, especially around perimenopause and menopause. Faye shares her experiences with hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in energy levels, while Helen discusses the emotional impact these shifts have had on her sense of self.
• Body Image and Self-Acceptance: Faye and Helen explore the complex relationship women have with their bodies, particularly as societal pressures often dictate unrealistic beauty standards. They talk about the importance of shifting the narrative and redefining beauty to include all stages of life, including the changes that come with age.
• Exercise and Staying Active: Both hosts talk about the importance of staying active to support their changing bodies. Faye discusses her love for walking and how it helps her feel more in control of her physical well-being, while Helen shares how she’s learning to adapt her fitness routine to better suit her needs as her body changes.
• Mental and Emotional Aspects of Body Changes: The hosts reflect on the emotional side of body changes, acknowledging that it’s not just about physical transformations—it’s also about how these changes affect mental and emotional well-being. They stress the importance of checking in with themselves and others, as well as seeking support from friends and professionals when needed.
• Celebrating What the Body Can Do: Faye and Helen end the episode by encouraging listeners to celebrate their bodies for all they do, rather than focusing solely on appearance. They talk about how mindset shifts can play a powerful role in transforming the way we feel about our bodies as we age.
• Looking Ahead: They wrap up by teasing the next episode, which will delve into topics surrounding self-care and finding joy in the midst of midlife challenges. They express their hope that listeners find comfort in knowing they are not alone in their experiences.

Action Items:

• Reflect on how you feel about your body and any changes you’ve noticed as you’ve entered your 40s.
• Focus on what your body can do rather than what it looks like.
• Experiment with new routines or activities that make you feel good in your body, whether it’s exercise, relaxation, or self-care practices.
• Practice self-compassion and embrace the changes with a mindset of acceptance.

Call to Action:
Join Faye and Helen in this open and honest discussion about body changes in midlife. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and remember—you’re not alone on this journey. Be sure to like and subscribe to Together We Pause for more conversations on navigating the complexities of midlife with grace and humour.

Together We Pause - Episode 2: What is Balance and How Do We Achieve It?

In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins dive into the concept of balance, exploring what it means and how it can be achieved, especially during midlife. They discuss their personal perspectives on balance, share practical tips, and offer insights into how they manage the demands of life, self-care, and hormonal changes.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Defining Balance: Faye and Helen kick off the episode by sharing their personal definitions of balance. For Faye, balance is about a sense of control and order, especially in a tidy home, while Helen sees it as a combination of actions and feelings. Both agree that balance is highly subjective, with no one-size-fits-all solution.
• Daily Habits for Balance: Helen talks about how her daily habits—like morning walks and indulgent bath rituals—help her maintain a sense of balance. Faye shares her focus on self-prescription and the importance of routines in her day-to-day life. They both emphasize the role of these small but consistent practices in coping with life's pressures.
• Setting Boundaries and Self-Care: Faye highlights the importance of setting boundaries to protect personal time and space. They both discuss the generational shift in expectations, particularly for women, and how saying “no” is essential to maintaining balance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself and prioritizing self-care.
• Hormonal Changes and Their Impact: Faye and Helen open up about the challenges of hormonal changes in midlife and how they can impact mental and physical well-being. They share their experiences with pre-HRT struggles, feelings of frustration, and the need for support during this transition.
• Practical Tips for Achieving Balance: Faye and Helen offer practical suggestions for maintaining balance, including making lists of joyful activities, experimenting with new routines, and embracing discomfort when trying new things. Faye shares her tip of hiring a cleaner to reduce stress, while Helen encourages listeners to embrace activities that bring happiness.
• Navigating Midlife and Parenthood: Faye and Helen reflect on how midlife presents unique challenges, especially when combined with the demands of parenthood. They discuss the differences between their experiences and those of previous generations, and the importance of setting new expectations for themselves as mothers and women in midlife.
• Closing Thoughts & Future Topics: The episode wraps up with a reminder that balance is not a linear process—it’s about navigating the ups and downs of life. Faye and Helen preview future topics, including body changes in midlife, and express their hope that the episode provides useful tools and reassurance to listeners.

Action Items:

• Experiment with activities that bring joy and happiness.
• Lean into the discomfort of trying new things, like ice baths, to see if they are beneficial.
• Make a list of reasons for feeling overwhelmed and changes in the body that may contribute to imbalance.
• Explore ways to make daily tasks easier, such as hiring a cleaner.

Call to Action:
If you’re ready to explore the journey of finding balance in midlife, grab a cup of tea and join Faye and Helen for this insightful conversation. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to Together We Pause for more tips and conversations on navigating midlife with grace.

Tune in now and start your journey toward balance!

Together We Pause - Episode 1: Welcome to Together We Pause with Helen and Faye

In the debut episode of Together We Pause, hosts Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins introduce their new podcast, created to address the challenges and joys of midlife, with a special focus on women in their 40s. Join them as they share their personal stories and discuss how open conversations about body changes, family dynamics, societal pressures, and more can help create a supportive community for women.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Introduction to the Podcast: Faye and Helen explain the inspiration behind Together We Pause and their goal to support women through the ups and downs of midlife. They discuss the excitement of launching their first episode and the power of friendship in shaping the podcast.
• Navigating Midlife Challenges: From health changes to raising teenagers, Faye and Helen open up about the common struggles women in their 40s face. They emphasize the importance of community and creating a space where no topic is off-limits.
• The Power of Open Conversations: Whether it's talking about body changes, grief, or everyday struggles, Faye and Helen stress the importance of being honest and vulnerable. They want to normalize these conversations and give women a platform to share their experiences without judgment.
• Personal Stories and Business Ventures: Helen shares her journey with The Batch Cooking Co. and her experience as a mum with two teenage children. Faye talks about her entrepreneurial life and how she helps others grow their businesses.
• The Origin of the Podcast: Hear the story of how Faye came up with the idea for the podcast and how she convinced Helen to jump on board. They reflect on the moments that led to the creation of Together We Pause, including their candid and often funny conversations.
• Different Yet Complementary: Despite their differences—like Faye’s love for adventure holidays and Helen’s preference for staying in—Faye and Helen highlight how their contrasting perspectives make for a fun and balanced dynamic.
• What’s Coming Up: In future episodes, Faye and Helen will dive into topics like HRT, raising teenagers, grief, and the importance of hope and passion in midlife. They encourage listeners to stay tuned for more thought-provoking and lighthearted discussions.

Call to Action:
If you’re ready to join Faye and Helen in embracing the messiness of midlife, grab a cup of tea and hit play! Don't forget to like and subscribe to Together We Pause for upcoming episodes, including an exciting discussion about finding balance in midlife.

Tune in now and be part of the conversation.

Together We Pause – Episode Trailer

Join Faye Cornhill and her co-host Helen Hopkins as they dive into the ups and downs of midlife in Together We Pause. With honest conversations about everything from hormonal changes and body shifts to raising teenagers and navigating grief, Faye and Helen offer personal stories, practical tips, and plenty of humor along the way. The first episodes are launching in June, so grab a cup of tea, hit play, and join them on this journey to embrace midlife with confidence and authenticity.

Subscribe now and don’t miss out on the first episodes coming soon!
Find out more at www.togetherwepause.co.uk.