In this powerful episode of Nourished with Dr. Anikó, Dr. Anikó Gréger is joined by integrative medicine physician and mindfulness mentor, Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa, for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, midlife transitions, and the emotional awakening many women experience in the second half of life.

Together, they explore the “hard stop” many women reach when years of caregiving, emotional labor, and self-sacrifice catch up with the body, mind, and spirit, especially for those in healing professions. Dr. Khalsa shares why this season of life is not a decline, but a powerful portal for reinvention, healing, identity reclamation, and purposeful living. Learn why empathetic women, particularly in medicine, face higher rates of burnout, how chronic stress impacts longevity, and why slowing down is essential not indulgent for true nourishment. You’ll also hear how grief, rest, creativity, and community can support meaningful transformation during midlife. This heartfelt episode offers validation, compassion, and guidance for anyone navigating the “messy middle” of change. If you’re craving permission to pause, evolve, or simply breathe… this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Episode Highlights:

3:00 The “pivot generation” and why women 45+ are carrying unprecedented emotional and energetic loads
6:30 The identity collapse of the female healer and emotional cost of self-sacrifice
12:30 How chronic stress affects women’s health, aging, and longevity
16:45 The “hard stop”: when your body and life demand change
22:00 Midlife as a spiritual initiation and awakening—not a decline
34:00 Healing from burnout: the power of rest, recalibration, creativity & community
51:30 Grief as transformation: releasing old identities and allowing renewal

Learn more about Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa:

Website: https://drsirichand.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorsirichand/

PLEASE NOTE: This episode is not for everyone, as it discusses suicide and mental health crisis. Please skip it if this does not feel like the right fit for you right now. If you or someone you love is having a mental health emergency, call 988. Love to you all!

Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

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Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.