The Pause to Relax

01/06/2026

If January feels heavy, you're not alone. Stress doesn't disappear with a new calendar. It requires awareness, kindness, and intention. I wrote a lot about this in my book: The Pause to Relax: a Woman's Guide to Robust Heart Health. I want to share a few tips from the book in the video below. Take a listen. stressandtheheart

12/29/2025

In a world of texts and quick taps, some gestures still stop us in our tracks. Linda Penkala shares a heartfelt reminder about the unexpected power of receiving a handwritten card--especially during the holidays. It’s a simple act. But it carries thought, time, and care. Take a moment to watch Linda's message and reflect on how small, intentional gestures can build deeper, more meaningful connections-one envelope at a time. Happy New Year everyone!

12/24/2025

Wishing you a Christmas filled with peace, good health, and moments that truly matter-like these that captured just a few special times with you on my journey to advocate for women's heart health.

Thank you for being part of this heart-centered community.

12/22/2025

If you are driving all over town and feeling super stressed out trying to prepare for Christmas which is just days away, try this technique that Linda Penkala showed us to calm yourself so you arrive alive and in good spirits. And if you're still searching for a last minute gift for a woman who puts everyone else first- why not send a copy of Linda's bookThe Pause to Relax: a Woman's Guide To Robust Heart Health .It’s available at www.linda Penkala.com.

12/15/2025

The holidays are joyful-- as you can see in this sweet message from Linda Penkala. She also wants to remind you to be mindful of of your stress levels which can soar during the holidays and impact your heart health. Linda invites you to pause and ask; what would it look like to protect your heart with the same care you give everyone else during the holidays? Small shifts matter more than we realize. If you need some ideas, her book"The Pause to Relax:A Woman's Guide to Robust Heart Health is filled with them. It’s not too late to order a copy for yourself, or a few extras for the women you love. Visit her website: www.linda Penkala..com for purchase details. ❤️ # holiday stress

12/11/2025

From my published article this month titled Rest, Rhythm and Relationships of the Holidays into the New Year, in Your Health Magazine, comes this focus on rest!

Americans have dropped 1-2 hours of daily sleep over the last century, and sleep is critical for a strong immune system. Being mindful of reducing blue light and LED exposure before sleep improves deep sleep. Additionally, maintaining a temperature between 60 and 68 degrees and keeping the bedroom very dark can aid melatonin secretion. Calming and quieting your heart at night with gentle music, applying or smelling lavender or cedarwood oils, and enjoying Box Breathing are a trio of holistic heart health tools. Before bed, calming teas like chamomile or hibiscus help ease you into the gentle rhythm of rest's healing component! Let's go into this restoring season of winter with a simple toolbox of support.

12/06/2025

On the first weekend of the busiest month of the year, take a moment to Pause!

James Taylor performing his 1971 classic, "You Can Close Your Eyes" with his 20 year old son, Henry, on tour at the Honda Center, Anaheim, in October 2021. T...

11/26/2025

May your hearts be touched by this song, and God Bless your family time this year with laughter and memories for all!

"The Thanksgiving Song" is from Ben Rector's Christmas album, 'A Ben Rector Christmas,' available now.When I started putting together the Christmas album, I ...

11/26/2025

Hats off to Linda Penkala!

She has appeared twice on the Finding Contentment Podcast of the The American Institute of Stress

Finding Contentment has just been voted one of the 15 Best Contentment Podcasts to listen to in 2025.

Here a link to Linda's first appearance where she talks about stress and her book The Pause to Relax: a Woman's Guide to Robust Heart Health

It's called Less stress, More Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmZHrmoD0VE&t=1s

Her second podcast appearance focused on family stress. ( A good one to listen to as we head into the holiday season) :

Family Traditions to Quell Stress:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPcJljbOC9A

To hear other episodes of the Finding Contentment podcast: use this link https://www.stress.org/podcast/

Linda is available for podcast appearances, reach out on her website: https://www.lindapenkala.com

11/18/2025

As Seen on TV! 📺✨

Heart health advocate and author Linda Penkala is on a mission to help women stay strong, calm, and healthy through the holidays—and beyond.

You may have seen her on WUSA 9 Great Day Washington and Fox 5 DC ’s DMV Zone, sharing simple, powerful tips to protect your heart during the busiest time of the year. ❤️

Now you can bring Linda’s life-changing guidance home…

📘 Get your copy of her book:
The Pause to Relax: A Woman’s Guide to Robust Heart Health
👉 Visit lindapenkala.com
📦 Also available on Amazon
Let’s make heart health a daily priority. 💗

11/17/2025

Are you embracing moments of intentional breathwork as you come into the holidays? Here is a quick and straightforward toolbox to help in the next few months:

Explore "Rest, Rhythm, and Relationships Of the Holidays, Into the New Year," by Linda Penkala, Author at Optimum Health For Life in Columbia, MD. Discover tips for a stress-free holiday season.

11/07/2025

Linda Penkala shared powerful tips on Fox 5 DC 's DMV Zone Program on Thursday, November 6th.

She talked with Anchor Marina Marraco about ways to help you avoid “Holiday Heart Syndrome” and keep your stress (and your heart!) in check this season.

As a former trailblazing Maryland jockey turned wellness advocate, Linda knows the toll stress can take — and how simple daily habits can protect your heart health through the holidays and beyond.

💻 We posted the full segment below for you to watch and enjoy.

📘To learn more or get your copy of her book The Pause to Relax: A Woman’s Guide to Robust Heart Health visit lindapenkala.com or on Amazon.