Aging Gracefully: Because Midlife Isn’t a Crisis…It’s a Comeback!
Hey sweet friend!
This week’s blog is a little different, but here at Little Block of Happy, I’m all about encouraging women to be the very best version of themselves…whether you’re a brand-new mom, a midlife mom, or a grandma who has seen a thing or two. I love sharing faith-centered, real-life, relevant encouragement for every woman on this wild journey called LIFE.
We really are in this together, and today’s topic is one every woman deserves to hear. So grab your coffee, cozy up, and share this with another woman in your world. And don’t worry… I’ll let Mel do most of the heavy lifting on this one! She’s the pro and her host is an expert! I'm certainly not!
And speaking of lifting…welcome to this week’s theme: Aging Gracefully: Because Midlife Isn’t a Crisis…It’s a Comeback. Yes ma’am, we are claiming that truth right out of the gate.
Today at Treadmill University (you know… the unofficial campus where all deep thinking happens), I listened to a Mel Robbins podcast from January, and I could not wait to share it with you. I love a good podcast moment while I’m at the gym, and Mel always brings the kind of guests who make you want to take notes between reps. Her episodes are like little masterclasses in growth, mindset and self-help. And don’t even get me started on her “Let Them Theory.” If you haven’t read the book yet… GIRL. GET. IT. Add it to your cart, read it this weekend and thank me later. It’s amazing and a total must-read!!
Find it here on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4b726I3
If you’ve been whispering to yourself, “What is going on with my body?” … sister, today you’re getting answers. In a powerful episode of the The Mel Robbins Podcast, host Mel Robbins sits down with world-renowned exercise physiologist Dr. Stacy Sims to break down the brand-new science every midlife woman deserves to hear.
For far too long, women have been left guessing about hormone changes, weight gain, mood swings, sleep struggles, and why the workouts that used to work suddenly don’t. I know it’s true for me anyhow! Most of the advice out there is outdated or simply not based on the female body at all. But this conversation changes everything and it really hit home for me.
Dr. Sims, a professor at Stanford and AUT, and one of the leading researchers in women’s physiology, explains that menopause is not the end of you; it’s a transition. And with the right tools, your body can thrive for the next 40 years. Yes… thrive. Not just cope. Do you ever feel like you just want to punch someone in the face? I’m a Christian but I'm human and I’m just being REAL here…I do! Lol I’ve spoken to my OB/GYN and we’re working on a few things so hopefully my mindset will be on a better behavior soon! Lol
And fun fact that I learned while doing research on this: Did you know that “menopause” is 1 day on the calendar? It’s like a birthday (nooo - NOT a death-day!) That 1 day is THE DAY when you haven’t had a period in the preceding 12 months. Boom: Menopause. The next day, you are considered POST-menopausal. Fact check it….it’s true. 😊 I was like...WAIT...WHAT!? I had to fact check myself...lol
Here are the highlights that really stood out and will hopefully encourage and empower you:
-> You can rewire your body to thrive even without estrogen. There are science-backed habits that help your body adapt and stay strong. But I highly recommend you talk to your OB/GYN about pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if that’s an interest you may have.
-> That new belly fat? It’s not the same type as before, and it responds differently…which is why your old workouts don’t work anymore.
-> Nutrition matters more now than ever. This episode covers specific foods that support mood, sleep, and brain health as estrogen drops.
-> Menopause is basically “reverse puberty.” Your body is shifting, but it’s not betraying you. Think waaaay back to when you were 12 or 13’ish…all those hormones…yeah, enter peri menopause/menopause. They're back!
-> Strength training is the game changer. Heavy lifting (yes, you can start in 10 minutes) is the #1 tool for metabolism, bone density, and energy.
-> Cardio needs to change. Short sprint intervals work beautifully; moderate to hard cardio actually backfires. This one surprised me but you’ll hear why on the pod.
-> Common injuries like frozen shoulder and plantar fasciitis are preventable.
This episode is one that you should bookmark and share with all your mom friends and (female) family. But then again, men should know the facts because they have to deal with us. Lol Doubt they'll listen though...
Just know that you are not stuck and you don’t have to suffer. With the right plan, you can support your body beautifully…starting this week!
All credit to Mel Robbins, Dr. Stacy Sims, and their incredible research team. I found so much insight from this podcast that led me to some extremely helpful articles on peri/menopause. I just had to share this info!
There is relief…and it starts here. I hope you listen!
The Ultimate Guide to Menopause: How to Boost Your Metabolism, Build Muscle, & Balance Your Hormones Podcast episode link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mel-robbins-podcast/id1646101002?i=1000745184521&r=0
While doing some more research, I ran across another great episode of Mel's that you may enjoy…check out Dr. Stacy Sims’ first appearance on The Mel Robbins Podcast: The Body Reset: How Women Should Eat & Exercise for Health, Fat Loss, and Energy here:
And one more I’d like to share to learn more about menopause, listen to this interview with Ob/Gyn Dr. Mary Claire Haver: The #1 Menopause Doctor: How to Lose Belly Fat, Sleep Better, & Stop Suffering Now. Listen here:
Perimenopause and menopause may be a natural part of our journey, but they don’t get to define our future. You are stronger, wiser, and far more capable than you sometimes feel on the hard days. This season is not the end… it’s an invitation. A gentle nudge from God to care for your body with more compassion, intention and understanding. You are not “breaking down.” You’re transitioning into a new chapter and you get to step into it equipped, supported and hopeful. As our kids grow, they need us differently, maybe a little less so now it's your time...time to get back to taking better care of YOU!
And as you keep learning about your changing body, remember this: you’re not walking this road alone. We’re navigating it together, and knowledge gives us the power to advocate for ourselves and make informed, life-giving choices. Talk with your doctor, take what you’ve learned and give yourself permission to make small, steady changes that support the woman you’re becoming. There is so much life, energy, and joy ahead. You deserve to feel your best… and you absolutely can. I call it "aging gracefully",
You are so loved,
Kim xo