Calmer in 5, hosted by Thom Walters, helps you cultivate a more peaceful and balanced life in just five minutes a day. With insightful reflections and actionable tips, Thom guides listeners to slow down, reflect, and embrace calm amidst life's chaos. Perfect for those seeking a quick yet meaningful dose of mindfulness and serenity.
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Let the Moment Be Enough Episode Description: In today’s episode, I invite you to consider a powerful shift: what if you didn’t have to get anything out of this moment? Not growth. Not productivity. Not even calm. When we drop the need to constantly optimize or improve every second, we open ourselves to the quiet relief of simply being. This short …
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1752: Debunking the Premise of Just One Soulmate and One Passion
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8:54We lose our level of calm when we scrape and claw to find that one mythical soulmate or that one passion career. What if I told you that there isn’t just one perfect person, one perfect job/career? Today I talk about debunking a huge societal belief, one that may be keeping you stressed out. Links from the Episode! Learn how to ease the pain of anx…
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1751: Silent Walks: A Simple Way to Restore Peace
5:11
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5:11What if calm was waiting just outside your door—and you didn’t need to take your phone with you? In this episode, we’ll explore the power of silent, no-input walks and how they help you reconnect with the present moment. Links from the Episode! Learn how to ease the pain of anxiety with meditation - Schedule time with Thom (Free Consultation) THANK…
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Sometimes the fastest way to calm is the most natural. Today we’re talking about barefoot grounding—how a few minutes with your feet on the earth can regulate your nervous system and restore a sense of ease. Links from the Episode! Learn how to ease the pain of anxiety with meditation - Schedule time with Thom (Free Consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENI…
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1749: When You Let Go of Control, Calm Follows
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4:46Trying to control every outcome can quietly drain your peace. In today’s episode, we’ll explore how replacing control with curiosity can dissolve tension and help you meet life with a lighter, calmer mindset. Links from the Episode! Learn how to ease the pain of anxiety with meditation - Schedule time with Thom (Free Consultation) THANKS FOR LISTEN…
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1748: Breathe Into Calm: How Diaphragmatic Breathing Instantly Reduces Stress
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7:47When stress takes over, the breath is your way back to calm. In this episode, we explore diaphragmatic breathing—a simple, natural technique that signals your body to relax. Whether you’re new to this practice or need a refresher, you’ll learn how to shift your breath and your state of mind in just minutes. Links from the Episode! Learn how to ease…
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1747: Why We Crave Belonging: 5 Ways to Stop Compromising Yourself to Fit In
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8:35It’s human to want connection—but sometimes that desire to fit in pulls us away from who we truly are. In today’s episode, we explore the deeper reasons behind our need to belong and how it can create inner tension and stress. You’ll also learn 5 simple, powerful ways to honor your true self and let go of the pressure to conform—so you can feel cal…
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1746: 3 Reasons Why You Lose Calm When You Worry About What Others Think of You
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7:53It sure takes a lot of energy trying to read a room in order to fit in: making sure you say the right things, act a certain way. Not only does it take energy, it takes away our level of calm. Do you want to know why? Good. Come listen and find out. Links from the Episode! Learn how to ease the pain of anxiety with meditation - Schedule time with Th…
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1745: Knowing How to Support Someone Creates Calm
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9:31In today’s episode of Calmer in 5, we’re exploring how to show up for someone who’s going through a tough time. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or colleague, offering support can feel challenging—especially when you’re not sure what to say or do. I’ll walk you through four thoughtful ways to support someone with compassion, presence, and care…
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Welcome to Calmer in 5. Today’s episode is a powerful reminder: you are not broken. So often, we move through life believing there’s something wrong with us—something that needs fixing. But the truth is, you are whole just as you are. When we begin to understand and embrace that truth, we stop fighting ourselves. And in that space of self-acceptanc…
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1743: The Link Between Calm and Self-Compassion
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9:39On today’s episode of Calmer in 5, we’re exploring the powerful connection between self-compassion and calm. When we’re unkind to ourselves—through harsh self-talk or impossible expectations—it quietly fuels anxiety and stress. But the good news is, self-compassion is a skill you can grow. I’ll share three simple ways to begin treating yourself wit…
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Welcome to Calmer in Five, where the start to a calmer life is just five minutes away. Today I talk about bringing yourself into the moment to appreciate all the gifts that surround you. And there are a multitude around each of at any moment. Tune in to hear how to access all of them. Links from the Episode! Learn how to ease the pain of anxiety wi…
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1741: Discovering Your Defaults Can Lead to a Calmer Life
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9:58Welcome to Calmer in Five, where the start to a calmer life is just five minutes away. Today I talk about taking a look at your life and determining what your defaults are. Don’t worry, it’s not your whole life, but for now, just a couple of years. We all have personality traits and emotions that we express more than others. But the question is, do…
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1740: 3 Simple Ways to Shift from Doing Mode to Being Mode for Instant Calm
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11:05Welcome to Calmer in Five, the show that helps you shift into a more peaceful mindset in just five minutes. Today, we’re exploring three simple ways to move from doing mode to being mode—a shift that can ease anxiety, sharpen your awareness, and bring more calm into your day. If you’re feeling stuck in productivity overdrive, this quick reset is fo…
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1739: When Pity Becomes a Wall: Choosing Presence Instead
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11:08Welcome to Calmer in 5. Thanks for taking a moment to pause with me today. There’s an energy in pity that creates distance—it places one person above another, even if unintentionally. It separates us, when what we often need most is connection and understanding. A consistent meditation practice helps us become more present, softening the urge to ju…
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1738: The Calm That Comes with Perspective
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15:14Welcome to Calmer in 5. I'm glad you're here. Today, we're talking about how a simple shift in perspective can ease our suffering and anxiety. Often, it’s not the events in our lives that cause distress, but how we view them. When we learn to step back and see things through a wider, more compassionate lens, we invite calm into our day, even during…
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1737: Slow Down to Find Peace: How 2x Speed Steals Your Calm
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5:56Welcome to Calmer in 5, where we take just five minutes to help you feel more at ease in your day. Today, we’re talking about something many of us do without even thinking—listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or even conversations at 2x speed. It might seem like a great way to get more done, but have you ever noticed how it actually makes you feel? I…
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1736: Why Your Younger Self Deserves Your Gratitude
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10:13Welcome to Calmer in 5, where we make serenity simple—one thought at a time. Today, we’re turning our attention to someone who deserves more appreciation—your younger self. No matter what you’ve been through—joy, hardship, mistakes, or triumphs—every experience has shaped the person you are today. It’s easy to look back with regret or judgment, but…
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1735: Does Cleanliness Affect Your Peace of Mind?
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12:37Welcome to Calmer in 5, where we make serenity simple—one thought at a time. Today, we’re exploring a topic that can have a surprising impact on our peace of mind—cleanliness. For some, a tidy space creates a sense of calm and control, while for others, a little mess is simply part of life. Cleanliness is often seen as a virtue, something that soci…
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1734: The Hidden Benefits of Crying—And Why We Hold Back
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9:37Welcome to Calmer in 5, where we make serenity simple—one thought at a time. Today, we’re talking about something that many of us have a complicated relationship with—crying. Whether it’s seen as a sign of weakness, vulnerability, or even something to be ashamed of, society has a way of shaping how we feel about shedding tears. But what if we refra…
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1733: The Same Sun Warms You In Peace and in Stress
11:20
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11:20Welcome to Calmer in 5, where we make serenity simple—one thought at a time. Imagine yourself on a beach vacation, feeling the warmth of the sun, the gentle ocean breeze, and the ease of being fully present. Now, think about a typical workday, where the same sun shines above, yet stress and busyness seem to take center stage. The only real differen…
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There are many days when you might wake up and simply slip into autopilot, not really questioning…anything. Not really looking at your life, not questioning where it’s going or what’s up ahead. Today I ask you a simple question, one that you may think you have the answer to. But before you say anything, I would encourage you to think a little deepe…
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1731: How Deep Breathing Instantly Reduces Stress and Anxiety
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6:45Feeling overwhelmed? Just one deep breath can bring you back to calm. In this episode of Calmer in 5, we explore the science and simplicity of deep breathing and how it can instantly reduce stress. Thom Walters breaks down why mindful breathing works, how it affects your nervous system, and the easiest techniques you can use anytime, anywhere. Whet…
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1730: What Would Happen if You Chose to Simply Be?
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12:12We all have ideas about what we should do, or have to do. We have ideas about careers, productivity, responsibilities, etc. But did you ever think that all those things you are supposed to do aren’t real? They aren’t. Most of the things you feel you need to do are thoughts created by you and/or society. And following those directives without thinki…
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1729: Embracing Discomfort: The Surprising Path to a Meaningful Life by Diana Hill
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11:26Everything in our bodies and society tells us to avoid discomfort at all costs. But what if that advice isn’t the best way to grow. Hint; it isn’t. Today I share a great article by Diana Hill that talks about the benefits of leaning into discomfort; and she tells us 6 great ways to do that. Links from the Episode: Learn how to ease the pain of anxi…
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1728: Answer this question to Change Your Perspective
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10:51At times life seems long, and at other times it seems almost fleeting. If we perceive our lives as ending someday, what do we want to accomplish, if anything, in that time? That very question can bring up a great deal of anxiety. So why don’t we look t things from a different perspective; ask a different question. With this question answered and ex…
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1727: An Unusual Scavenger Hunt with Incredible Benefits
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7:09At one time or another, we have all become fully entrenched in our own “stufff”, our own lives. Some people exist fully on that level each day; no judgment. However, if we are to become calmer then one that will benefit us each day, is to connect with the world around us. To that end, I have created an unusual scavenger hunt that will yield incredi…
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1726: Let People Enjoy The Things That Make Them Happy
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6:00it’s human nture to see the world through our eyes; more to the point, through our biases, likes and values. But nature or not, it’s not the most serving way to interact with the world. Especially when we try to impress our likes and views on others. Do you want the premise of today’s episode? It’s real easy; you know nothing. Neither do I. We have…
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1725: It Takes Effort to Connect With People
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20:15Some of the greatest pain we will feel comes from distancing ourselves from the world. Think about it. So many people spend their lives trying to belong, whether it is to one person or a group. To feel connected. What if I told you that you could feel happier, less alone, if you would only seek to find connection…but not with just one person, or so…
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1724: Look Back to See Where Your Focus Is
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12:43How we see our life, creates our life. Meaning, if we see our lives as painful, sad and sorrowful, then that is how we will continue to live life. Conversely, and wonderfully, if we see life as full, loving and joyful, that too is what we will experience. So how do we know how we see the world? I have an exercise that helps with that very thing. Co…
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We all have an inner dialog; a worrisome voice that points out things to be afraid of, things to feel bad about. For some people it is just a whisper, almost silent. FOr others, many others, it is booming. Today CI5 is CI20, as I talk about ways to turn down the volume of that nasty voice. Links from the Episode: Learn how to ease the pain of anxie…
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There are many days when you might wake up and simply slip into autopilot, not really questioning…anything. Not really looking at your life, not questioning where it’s going or what’s up ahead. Today I ask you a simple question, one that you may think you have the answer to. But before you say anything, I would encourage you to think a little deepe…
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Maybe it’s just me, but I’m thinking many people crave silence, or at least enjoy it. I mean why would so many people like going to the beach or the woods to relax? Wherever you find silence, it’s safe to say that you find it, and not the other way around. Sure there are quieter places than others in the world, but for the most part the planet can …
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Worthiness is not based on anything you will do. Is that a common belief? Not by a long shot. Society tells us there are many things we need to do to be considered worthy. But you know what I say, you are the one that defines you and everything about you. Such is the case of worthiness. Let’s talk about it. Links from the Episode: Learn how to ease…
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We all understand that being kljnd is viewed favorably by society. But what does that mean, if anything? As we all know, it will serve us to only acknowledge and appreciate all the aspects of ourselves as we define them, not society. So the question is, what does kndness mean to you. Links from the Episode: Learn how to ease the pain of anxiety wit…
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1718: Calm Questions - How Long Does It Take to Become Calm while Meditating
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8:21Many people turn to meditation to help them become calmer; and that’s not a bad plan. But it won’t always work without the right motivation, and it will never work the same for everyone. Let’s finish out the week talking about calm and meditation. Links from the Episode: Learn how to ease the pain of anxiety with meditation - Schedule time with Tho…
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This week I have been answering the top five questions people have about becoming calmer. Since a poll was too involved and would take too long, I decided to opt for everyone’s best solution; ask Chat GPT. While today’s question is a bit like Monday’s there is a little bit of nuance to it. The question? How do I stay calm in chaotic environments? L…
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1716: Calm Questions - Best Practices for Relaxing
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6:57Today, and all this week, I have enlisted the help of Chat GPT. I wanted to answer the top questions people had about becoming calmer. Day three has us thinking about ways to become calmer with the things we do every day. Even though that list is really long, how about I tell you my top three. Links from the Episode: Learn how to ease the pain of a…
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1715: Calm Questions - Anxious When Relaxing
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7:52Today, and all this week, I have enlisted the help of Chat GPT. I wanted to answer the top questions people had about becoming calmer. Next up? Why do I get anxious when I try to relax? Links from the Episode: Learn how to ease the pain of anxiety with meditation - Schedule time with Thom (Free Consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Be a part of the s…
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Today, and all this week, I have enlisted the help of Chat GPT. I wanted to answer the top questions people had about becoming calmer. For the next five days I will be answering those questions. Let’s start with…How do I calm down in stressful situations? Come listen Links from the Episode: Learn how to ease the pain of anxiety with meditation - Sc…
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1713: Discovering Your Self-Worth by Ignoring the Thoughts of Others
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8:58From the day we are born we are judged…and it doesn’t let up. If you don’t have a method for helping you understand your self worth, then you are bound to base your value on the myriad ratings from the people around you. The trouble is, you lose your sense of calm when your misperceived self-worth is in contrast to what value you have as decided by…
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In our society we are often told to hide or disavow certain emotions; like anger, sadness or anxiety. We are encouraged to only show the parts of us that are lighter and upbeat. But what do you think happens when you mask how you are truly feeling? Not only does it become incredibly tiring, it contributes massively to our level of unrest. Let’s tal…
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1711: When We Get "Lost", Sometimes Our Souls Step In (R)
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6:14We definitely have the ability to make choices in our lives; to do what we feel is best. But it may be important to know that there is also something guiding us in the background. Before we even took human form, in my belief, our souls decided what they wanted to experience. So they know the destination, and they leave it up to us as to how to get …
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It’s safe to say that how you start the day sets the tone for the rest of the day. So wouldn’t it be better to spend some time each morning preparing yourself for the day; calmly, I mean. That was rhetorical btw. Let me share with you how I do it. Links from the Episode: Learn how to ease the pain of anxiety with meditation - Schedule time with Tho…
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1709: Take a Moment to Still Your Mind and Truly See this World
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11:23Our minds can hold us captive if we don’t take steps to reign them in. Today I talk about the beauty that presents itself when we take a moment to stop and bring ourselves fully into this moment. Links from the Episode: Learn how to ease the pain of anxiety with meditation - Schedule time with Thom (Free Consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Be a par…
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1708: The Serving and Un-serving Things We Do to Be Seen
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10:49It is part of who we are to want to be part of a group, to belong. All of us want to be recognized and seen. But the ways we go about that can either bring us the peace of belonging, while other ways will upset our calm and the calm of those around us. Come listen. Links from the Episode: Learn how to ease the pain of anxiety with meditation - Sche…
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Regret can be a tough pill to swallow. But it doesn’t have to be; at least not one type of regret. If there is someone (maybe many more) that you care about deeply, love. have you let them know how you feel? If not, maybe it would be a good idea. That way, in the event something happens, you won’t rue not letting them know. Let’s talk about it. Lin…
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When was the last time you saw a commercial, any commercial, where the people were not smiling, laughing and having a great time? There aren’t many. It’s because we are told we should be happy; urged to always appear to be joyous. But what happens when we don’t feel that way? Let’s talk about it. Links from the Episode: Learn how to ease the pain o…
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I was out for a walk the other day and felt my mind and body overcome by an alternate experience. I won’t delve into it here, but I will say that I was living in another place. The moment passed somewhat quickly but then it led me to a question…Where should I be? As you may have guessed, the answer came just as quickly. Come listen for the answer, …
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How old we are is one of the oldest societal agreements we all buy into. Which each passing your, some people become depressed; wishing they were younger. Much unlike other attachments, youth is a bit more “elusive”. It’s not as attainable as a car or. big house. So why don’t we talk about ways to live outside the paradigm of aging. Come on. :0) Li…
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