A Second Season: Supporting Women’s Health Through Change

I’m hosting a Women’s Health Workshop next week, and it’s had me thinking a lot about how we talk about women’s health — and how we experience it.

So often, we only start paying attention when something feels off: energy dips, sleep shifts, mood changes, or new patterns around weight and cycle symptoms. But these changes aren’t failures — they’re signals. And learning to support your body through them is one of the most empowering things you can do.

Small shifts that matter most in this “second season” of life:

1. Prioritise protein
Protein supports muscle, mood, and metabolism — all of which naturally change with age. Aiming for some source of protein at every meal helps stabilise energy and blood sugar (and supports bone health too).

2. Don’t skip calcium + vitamin D
Our bone density peaks in our 30s and gradually declines afterward. Adequate calcium — from food or supplementation if needed — and daily vitamin D (especially in Canadian winters) are key for long-term strength and hormone health.

3. Regulate your nervous system
Stress hormones have a direct effect on reproductive hormones. Daily practices that calm your nervous system — walking, yoga, deep breathing, or mindful breaks — support hormone balance more than we often realise.

4. Stay socially connected
Women’s health isn’t just physical — community, belonging, and shared experience all play a major role in mood and resilience. Connection literally buffers stress.

According to research, most women experience menopause-related symptoms for up to 7 years, though some experience them for even longer. This “second season” is not a decline — it’s an invitation to recalibrate, to listen, and to redefine what thriving feels like.

✨ Your body isn’t turning against you — it’s asking you to turn toward it.

If this resonates, join me next week for my Women’s Health Workshop — at Reform+Restore a space to understand these changes, support your body naturally, and feel more like yourself again. https://get.mndbdy.ly/Jd96B8zFsXb

End-of -Year Wellbeing

Small Shifts That Make a Big Difference

The last two months of the year can feel like a sprint — deadlines, events, travel, and a little too much screen time. It’s a lot.
Our healthy habits tend to take a seasonal hit… and that’s okay.

This isn’t about restriction or reinvention — it’s about supporting yourself through a busy season with a few simple wins that actually stick.

Three small shifts with a big payoff:

1. Balance your plate at events
Start with colour and protein — think vegetables, fish, chicken, or beans — before adding the extras.
Keeping your blood sugar steady means better focus, fewer crashes, and more enjoyment overall.

2. Anchor your sleep + wake times
Late nights happen, but try to keep your wake time consistent. Your body loves rhythm — it supports energy, mood, and immunity, even when bedtime shifts.

3. Micro-movement over perfection
A five-minute stretch break, a walk around the block, or a few deep breaths between meetings — these micro-moments calm your nervous system and sharpen focus far more than an hour you don’t have.

✨ Your wellbeing doesn’t go on pause until January.
Small, steady choices compound — not just for your performance at work, but for how you feel day to day.

Reset Your Nervous System This Autumn

As the seasons shift, so does our energy. Autumn naturally invites us to slow down, reflect, and reset — yet for many of us, the change of pace can feel anything but restful. With busy schedules, shorter days, and cooler weather, it’s easy to feel scattered, anxious, or depleted.

That’s where the parasympathetic nervous system — often called the rest and digest system — becomes essential.

Why the Parasympathetic Nervous System Matters

Our bodies are designed with two primary branches of the nervous system:

• Sympathetic (fight or flight): Heightens alertness, raises heart rate, gets us through stress.

• Parasympathetic (rest and digest): Lowers stress hormones, supports digestion, improves sleep, and restores balance.

But here’s the challenge: according to the World Health Organisation, stress is one of the leading health concerns contributing to chronic disease risk, fatigue, and mental health challenges worldwide. Many of us live in a near-constant fight or flight state — rushing, multitasking, and rarely pausing.

Autumn is the perfect season to gently shift gears and strengthen the parasympathetic response.

Simple Ways to Reset This Season

Restorative Movement

Gentle yoga postures like Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle) or Child’s Pose calm the body and mind. Even 10 minutes before bed can improve sleep and reduce stress.

Nourish With Seasonal Foods

Warming, grounding meals — think roasted root vegetables, soups, and herbal teas — support digestion and energy. Magnesium-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, leafy greens, lentils) are especially calming to the nervous system.

Set Rhythms With the Season

As the days shorten, create small rituals that align with nature: dim lights earlier, reduce screen time at night, and aim for consistent bedtimes to honour your circadian rhythm.

Why It Matters Now

By supporting your parasympathetic nervous system, you’re not just “managing stress.” You’re giving your body the conditions it needs to restore, digest, and heal. Entering the cooler months with balance means fewer colds, steadier energy, and greater emotional resilience.

Autumn reminds us: slowing down isn’t falling behind — it’s how we prepare for what’s ahead.