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"When Strength Looks Like Stillness: Embracing Rest in Midlife"

By Laura Lynn

For most of my life, I’ve been a doer. A fixer. A problem-solver. A multi-tasking, go-go-go kind of woman who finds satisfaction in productivity and purpose. But something shifted as I reached midlife—a subtle tug, a whisper from deep inside: “It’s okay to slow down.”

At first, I resisted it. I thought the rest was weakness. I mistook fatigue for failure. But the more I leaned into the hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause and menopause, the more I realized: rest isn’t giving up. Rest is repair. Rest is wisdom.

The Culture of Overdrive

We live in a world that glorifies burnout. Hustle is rewarded, and slowing down is often met with guilt or judgment. For women in midlife, this becomes even more complicated—many of us are juggling careers, caregiving, aging parents, and unpredictable bodies that feel like strangers some days.

I used to push through everything. Even on days I felt completely drained, I’d guilt myself into productivity. But deep down, my body wasn’t asking me to push harder. It was begging me to listen.

Learning the Language of Stillness

Stillness is not laziness. Its presence. It’s choosing to pause, not because you’re broken, but because you’re wise enough to know what you need.

I’ve found strength in turning off my phone and sitting outside with my bare feet on the earth. In naps I once thought were indulgent. In saying “not today” when my soul is whispering “please, rest.”

Why Midlife Demands a New Rhythm

Hormonal shifts in midlife aren’t just physical—they’re spiritual. They ask us to reflect, rewire, and release. Our bodies are changing, yes—but so are our priorities. What mattered at 25 may no longer serve the woman we’re becoming at 45 or 55.

There’s beauty in slowing down. In being selective with your energy. In choosing peace over people-pleasing.

Give Yourself Permission

So today, I’m inviting you—wherever you are on this journey—to take a deep breath and give yourself permission to rest. Whether it’s an hour on the couch, a quiet walk without your phone, or a weekend without plans… know that you are not lazy. You are listening. And that is powerful.

🩷 Stillness is your strength now. Own it.

Menopause and Your Mood: 7 Signs Your Hormones Might Be Affecting Your Mental Health

If you’ve found yourself snapping at your loved ones, crying over commercials, or feeling anxious for no clear reason, you’re not alone. One of the most overlooked parts of the menopause journey is the powerful connection between hormones and mental health.

As your levels of estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone begin to fluctuate, your neurotransmitters—like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA—also shift, often leading to unexpected emotional changes.

So, how do you know if it’s “just life” or your hormones speaking louder than usual?

Here are 7 signs your mood changes may be hormonally driven:

1. You’re More Anxious Than Usual—Even Without Triggers

If you're suddenly overwhelmed by everyday tasks, dealing with racing thoughts, or waking up with a sense of dread, your estrogen levels may be dropping. Estrogen helps regulate serotonin and dopamine—key players in mood balance.

2. You Cry More Easily—or Feel Numb

Emotional sensitivity is common, but so is emotional flatness. These shifts may be due to changes in progesterone, which has a natural calming, GABA-boosting effect on the brain.

3. You Can’t Sleep, and It’s Making You Moody

Hormonal insomnia is real—and it’s more than annoying. A lack of deep sleep increases irritability, sadness, and even depression, often leading to a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.

4. Your Patience Is Paper-Thin

Do you find yourself irritated by sounds, people, or situations that never used to bother you? Hormonal swings—especially in perimenopause—can reduce your threshold for frustration.

5. You Feel Depressed, but It Comes and Goes

Unlike clinical depression, hormone-related low mood tends to be cyclical or episodic—you may feel down for a few days, then bounce back, only to repeat the cycle. This is especially common around ovulation or your period.

6. You Feel a Loss of Confidence or Motivation

If you suddenly feel like you’re not good enough, losing interest in things you once loved, it may not be "in your head." Low testosterone—yes, women have it too—can contribute to these symptoms during midlife.

7. You’re Starting to Question Your Sanity

Mood swings that come out of nowhere, forgetfulness, brain fog, and panic can feel scary. But you're not broken. You're going through a massive neurochemical shift, and it's time we talk about it more.

So, What Can You Do?

You’re not at the mercy of your hormones. Here are a few options to consider:

• Talk to a menopause-literate provider about hormone therapy or alternatives

• Track your mood with your cycle to identify patterns

• Support your brain with B-vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3s

• Prioritize sleep (even if it means midday naps)

• Don’t isolate—join supportive communities (like Perimenopause Chat Lounge!)

Final Thought:

Your emotional health matters. If you feel like you’re not yourself anymore, you deserve answers, not dismissal. Perimenopause and menopause aren’t just physical—they’re emotional, mental, and deeply personal. And you're not going through it alone.