Why menopause can be the trigger for anxiety

Hormones don’t just control your cycle — they play a huge role in your mental health.

Oestrogen boosts serotonin (your happy hormone) and keeps cortisol (your stress hormone) in check. Progesterone has a calming, stabilising effect. Testosterone supports mental stamina and focus.

When these hormones decline and fluctuate during menopause, brain chemistry shifts — like Wi‑Fi dropping in and out. This can make your internal “alarm system” (the amygdala) overly sensitive, triggering fight, flight, or freeze responses to situations that wouldn’t have bothered you before.

Why boundaries matter more in midlife

Midlife brings unique challenges — from hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause to evolving priorities and changing energy levels. Boundaries become essential tools for protecting your wellbeing and aligning your life with what matters most.

Most women at midlife have overflowing stress buckets. Hormonal changes can make the bucket leak, reducing resilience. Boundaries help remove unnecessary stressors while adding positive, resilience-building habits.

Understanding what stress really is

There are things in life that will always be out of your control—an unexpected email, a partner’s bad mood, a difficult conversation. But how long those things impact you? That’s shaped by your internal response.

Gail introduced the 90-second rule: when something stressful happens, your body floods with cortisol and adrenaline. But physically, those hormones dissipate after 90 seconds. What makes the stress linger is the story you attach to it.

The overthinking. The guilt. The spiral of "what ifs". That’s what turns stress into chronic stress symptoms.

Rebuilding your health in midlife starts with less, not more

If you’ve spent years pushing, striving, and trying to feel better by doing more, this season of life might be inviting you to try something different. In this blog, we explore how slowing down—through nervous system support, self-awareness, and the mind-body connection—can become one of the most powerful healthy habits in midlife.

Have you ever felt like you should be further ahead by now?

You’re not alone. So many high-achieving women in midlife feel like they’ve missed their moment, but the truth is you are not behind, and it is not too late. You are one decision away from changing how you feel and how you live. In this blog, discover how small, compassionate actions can help you rebuild your self-worth, trust yourself again, and step into a life that feels aligned with who you are becoming.

Struggling with sleep in midlife?

You’re doing everything “right.”
You’ve cut back on sugar, started walking more, maybe even swapped your evening scroll for a book. But the 3 a.m. wake-ups still come—and you’re left wondering, Why can’t I just sleep?

If that sounds familiar, I want you to know this:
You’re not doing anything wrong.
You’re not broken.
Your sleep has shifted because you have shifted.

And now, it’s time to gently shift with it.

In a recent episode of Women’s Health Unwrapped, I sat down with sleep consultant Imogen Russell to explore why sleep often feels harder in midlife—and what we can actually do about it.

This isn’t about miracle cures or fancy supplements. It’s about understanding your body, tuning in to what it needs now, and building small, meaningful habits that support the rest you deserve.

Nancy’s story: early menopause and a wake-up call

Nancy was diagnosed with osteopenia (a precursor to osteoporosis) after entering menopause at 43. She had all the classic midlife responsibilities—children, career, a packed diary—and, like so many of us, had put herself at the bottom of the list.

That diagnosis was her turning point.

She began walking every day, lifting weights, adjusting her nutrition, and learning how to work with her body instead of against it. She focused on sleep, recovery, and consistency—not perfection. And today, her bone health has improved without needing medication.

This is about a reset that feels real.

You don’t need to overhaul your whole life. But you do need a reset that helps you step out of the noise and back into clarity.

This is your moment to stop chasing happiness through hustle, and start creating it with intention.

Choose what matters. Act on it daily. Let that build the version of life that feels true to you.

You’ve done “should” for long enough. Now it’s time for something that feels like yours.

Rethinking Hormonal Health in Midlife

Here’s what really matters: the way you live every day has a huge impact on how your hormones behave. Victoria and I are completely aligned on this. We kept coming back to the foundations—the pillars of what I call the RESET Plan: Reclaim Energy, Strength, Empowerment and Trust.

You don’t have to accept brain fog, low energy or feeling not quite yourself as your new normal. This conversation was such a powerful reminder that midlife can be a time of awareness, clarity, and change—when we give ourselves the tools and support to feel well.

Do you wake up excited to start the day—or do you hit snooze, already feeling behind?

If energy is something you’ve been chasing (or feel like you’ve lost), you’re not alone. In midlife, many women find themselves tired, wired, and wondering where their spark has gone. But the truth is: energy isn’t just about sleep or caffeine. It’s about how you live, what you value, and whether you’re truly present in your own life.

In this blog, I’m pulling together some incredible insights from my recent podcast conversation with Charlotte Carter, a high performance coach and energy mentor who helps women feel good again.

Why willpower isn’t the problem

If you’ve ever told yourself, “I just need more motivation,” you’re not alone. But motivation isn’t the real issue. The problem is perfectionism, procrastination, and a lack of self-trust. You don’t need to overhaul your whole life – you need to take one small, manageable step that helps you feel better today.

How many times have you started a new health goal, full of good intentions: eat better, move more, drink the water, go to bed on time — only to feel like you’ve fallen off track a few days or weeks later?

I get it. I’ve been there too.

If you’re tired of the all-or-nothing cycle, feeling guilty for every “slip-up,” or wondering why you can’t just stick to the plan—you’re going to get so much from this.

I’m sharing what it really takes to build habits that last, how to take guilt out of the picture, and why starting small (and kind) is where real transformation begins.

Are you doing everything "right" but still feeling exhausted, foggy, or stuck in a body that doesn’t feel like your own? You’re not alone — and it’s not your fault.

What if the real issue isn’t your willpower, but your blood sugar?

In this blog, based on an episode of Women’s Health Unwrapped with nurse and integrative health consultant Beverly Mazza, we explore how blood sugar balance could be the key to finally feeling good again in perimenopause and beyond.

Ever feel like your work schedule is running the show when it comes to your health? If you’re working shifts or juggling unpredictable hours, you’ve probably noticed how much it impacts your energy, digestion, and even your weight—especially in midlife when hormones are already throwing enough at you. But here’s the good news: with a few simple changes, you can start feeling better without overhauling your entire routine.

What if losing your hair meant losing a part of your identity? For many women, hair is deeply intertwined with confidence, self-worth, and emotional well-being. Whether due to cancer, alopecia, or other health conditions, hair loss can be an incredibly challenging experience—one that goes beyond appearance and touches the core of who they are.

Nicola Wood, founder of The Wonderful Wig Company, TEDx speaker, and author, shares the emotional and psychological impact of hair loss.

There’s a narrative around midlife that many of us have unconsciously absorbed—the idea that once we hit our forties and fifties, things start going downhill. But what if midlife isn’t the beginning of the end but the start of something incredible?

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the changes that perimenopause and menopause bring, this blog is here to remind you that you are not past it. You are just getting started.

Struggling with self-doubt? This blog post explores the power of self-worth, how it shapes your confidence and success, and practical steps to build it daily. Learn how to break free from limiting beliefs and step into your true potential.

If you’ve been ignoring your pelvic floor health, it’s time to rethink that decision. Did you know that poor pelvic floor health can lead to a variety of issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, and even lower back discomfort? In this blog post, we’ll explore why pelvic floor health should be a priority for women, particularly during midlife and menopause, and how you can take simple, actionable steps to strengthen this vital part of your body.

Struggling to break free from unhealthy habits? Discover three simple, actionable steps to create lasting health changes in this inspiring podcast episode. Learn how to rewire your mindset, overcome common barriers, and build habits that align with your goals. Dive into expert insights and practical strategies to transform your health journey today!

Being healthy is everywhere you look, so you feel like it’s time you did it too. You join the local gym, set your alarm early four mornings a week and throw yourself into smashing your new year goals.

Your body aches. It hurts to sit down and walk up the stairs. You’re wondering if this healthy living thing just isn’t for you.

By the end of January, you’ve thrown the towel in. It’s impossible to get healthy. It hurts too much. You don’t have time. You feel worse, not better.