Meegan Cares About Midlife
Kia ora, women navigating midlife, menopause, and beyond! I’m Meegan Care, your Midlife Mentor and Psychosynthesis counsellor & coach, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to a podcast dedicated entirely to your transformative journey in this incredible stage of life. Join me as we dive deep into the heart of midlife, unraveling the complexities of menopause, and exploring the uncharted territories beyond. Together, we’ll navigate through self-doubt, bid farewell to people-pleasing, conquer imposter syndrome, and tame those overwhelming feelings. It’s time to celebrate this vibrant second chapter of life, claiming your authentic confidence and courage along the way. Midlife isn’t a time to settle; it’s a time to unleash your purpose, make an impact uniquely your own, all while prioritizing your well-being. So, buckle up for conversations that resonate with the essence of your midlife journey, because here’s to embracing this stage with authenticity, empowerment, and a sprinkle of joy.
Episodes
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Lisa Pomare Has Sleep Solutions for Midlife Women
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Sleep is a big issue for many perimenopausal women - me included! 3 am would come around and I'd be wide awake for hours. Although I sleep pretty well now (unless caffeine has been to the party) I know this is a massive issue for so many of us - so I was thrilled to talk with Lisa Pomare, a medical herbalist, nutritionist, and naturopath at Next Phase Health.
In this week's episode dedicated to providing sleep solutions, we delve into the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause and understand how they can affect your sleep, as well as the consequences of sleep deprivation such as high blood pressure, anxiety, weight gain, and more.
Lisa highlights strategies for rescuing sleep during menopause. Brewed into our discussion is an understanding of night sweats and sleep apnea, troublesome menopausal symptoms, and practical tips for handling them. Our episode offers a holistic guide for women navigating menopause, with a focus on maintaining and recovering sleep quality.
If you're struggling with sleep problems or interested in improving your sleep hygiene, this episode serves as a thorough guide. Tune in to comprehend the importance of sleep during midlife and learn practical solutions to achieve more restorative sleep.
Lisa Pomare Next Phase Health
Lisa Pomare is a Tauranga based Naturopath and Nutritionist who is passionate about all things Peri/Menopause and healthy, happy ageing. She decided to begin her degree at age 44, while in the wild throws of her own perimenopause. She has ticked off many of the symptoms on the list, from mild to life impacting during her journey. Lisa works in clinical practice both one on one (online and in person) and providing group education, she speaks from not only research but personal experience. In her spare time Lisa loves to grow veges, read trashy novels and hang out near a beach, lake or waterfall.
https://www.nextphasehealth.co.nz
https://www.instagram.com/nextphasehealth/
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Please note: Nothing within this podcast constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Amy Luttrell On Burnout, Reinvention & Exposing Expectations
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
I sit down with Amy Luttrell Business & Life Coach, to explore the theme of reinvention and its profound impact on our lives, especially in midlife and beyond.
Amy's a deep thinker, and our candid conversations often open my eyes to a fresh perspective.
In this episode we open up about the challenges of shedding inherited expectations and the liberating process of intentional living, emphasizing the significance of nurturing oneself through various life stages.
We navigate the complexities of navigating perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, career shifts, and the courage to slow down and listen to our inner wisdom.
Amy and I candidly discuss the resistance, fear, and vulnerability inherent in the reinvention process, all while recognizing the transformative power of accessing desires, cultivating self-compassion, and embracing imperfection.
We delve into the nurturing and re-parenting of oneself, recognizing the importance of internal resourcing and the role of vulnerability in fostering profound change and creativity.
Our engaging exchange also touches on the value of demystifying well-being and tapping into our origin to guide our journey forward.
Join us in this venture into midlife transitions, where we celebrate personal growth, self-kindness, creativity and the embracing of life's many transitions.
Listen on for a fresh perspective, a restored sense of self and the stimulation to live intentionally one day at a time.
About Amy
Amy Luttrell a Business and Life Coach, Speaker, and Co-Founder of Be Well + Good - advocating for a shift in the business landscape. Challenging the dominance of the masculine side in business, Amy embraces the rise of human-centred and sustainable models, marking the end of 'hustle culture'. Despite facing challenges, navigating burn-out and PTSD she believes in the power of trust and creativity to overcome obstacles. She invites others to nurture inner confidence, by designing a life that stimulates joy, connection and fulfilment.
https://www.instagram.com/be_well_good_creativegroup/
https://www.bewellgood.co.nz/
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
How To Resolve Stress Cycles In Midlife
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Welcome to a transformative conversation about breaking free from the grip of stress cycles, particularly for women navigating midlife and menopause.
Join me as we discuss how our bodies react differently to stress during perimenopause and menopause, and how the resulting decrease in resilience to stress can make even minor challenges seem insurmountable.
In an enlightening deep dive, I reference Emily Nagoski’s “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle”. And we discuss the difference between stressors and stress response, explain stress cycles, and emphasize the integral role physical activity has in releasing stress.
Explore the stark reality of modern life—incomplete stress cycles and learn how to regulate your nervous system through stimulating physical activities.
Discover how feelings emerging from stress can be managed, regardless if external stressors persist or not. Arm yourself with practical methods to deactivate stress, allowing you to navigate midlife and menopause with vitality and confidence.
This episode also addresses the common fear we have towards our feelings due to our upbringing and how this fear amplifies stress. By focusing on our bodily sensations and meeting these feelings with kindness and compassion, we can dissolve stress.
Whether dealing with stress at any life stage, this episode encourages listeners to confront their feelings with kindness and awareness, engage in physical activity, and consider shifting from solo self-care to connected care for achieving psychological freedom.
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Transforming Negative Self-Talk into Self-Compassion
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
In this enlightening episode, Meegan Care, an experienced midlife mentor, and psychosynthesis counsellor unlocks the intricate aspects of midlife, specifically for women transitioning through menopause. Gain a deep understanding of your inner journey during this crucial life-stage as Meegan candidly addresses common issues like self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the swings of emotional overwhelm.
This podcast addresses the often overlooked issue of negative self-talk experienced by many women during their midlife years, and provides practical tips to convert it into self-compassion. Discover insightful discussions on the bodily changes during perimenopause and its implications on a woman’s self-conception, including hormonal fluctuations and changes in brain chemistry which impact their mood and self-view.
I emphasize the importance of evaluating mental health in relation to hormonal states for women above 40. We shed light on the inadequacy of knowledge many practitioners possess about menopause and its impact on mental health. Through this conversation, you will be able to separate your thoughts from your identity and avert the compounding of negative self-beliefs.
As the episode continues, take away valuable strategies to break free from the loop of negative self-talk, particularly during the challenging perimenopause phase.
Learn to establish and manage triggers that catalyse negativity, and find out how journaling can help in detangling the mess of negative thoughts clouding our minds. By fostering a more positive outlook on life and practising the art of self-compassion, face life’s adversities with patience, strength, and a gentle acceptance of yourself, just as you are.
Join me in this enlightening journey of unraveling an important narrative and make a significant step towards your mental health and wellbeing in perimenopause. This podcast aims to inspire listeners to integrate more self-compassion into their lives, a practice that nourishes mental well-being and extends to all life aspects.
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
MVP: Emma Perks Physio Helps Women Navigate Sexual Wellness In Menopause & Midlife
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
In this MVP episode, I speak with Emma Perks, a pelvic health physiotherapist, about sexual and pelvic health during midlife.
Navigating sexual health during menopause and midlife can be challenging, particularly since it coincides with other major changes in life and there remains so much that isn’t openly discussed.
Tune in this week to one of our Most Valuable Podcasts where we talk about everything from decreased sexual desire and what to do about it, vaginal dryness, and urinary incontinence, to the benefits of vaginal moisturiser – just like facial moisturiser but not, of course, for your face!
Emma debunks myths about sex and explores societal pressures that hinder sexual experiences.
We also touch on the significance of challenging societal and gender constructs and important ways to communicate when dealing with decreased sexual desire.
Join us as we tackle these important and often taboo topics and provide valuable advice and insights to enhance your sexual health and well-being.
This is the conversation I wish someone had with me 10 years ago!
Timestamp:
00:00:55 Public health physiotherapist specializing in pelvic health.00:04:10 Summarized: Natural changes during a woman’s menstrual cycle can affect sexual interest and physical changes. Perimenopause is similar to puberty in terms of hormonal fluctuations and physical symptoms. Symptoms during perimenopause include vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence. These symptoms may vary but can be managed.00:13:47 Simple solutions for addressing sexual health.00:19:37 Using lubricants can prevent dryness during sex and reduce the need for more lube.00:24:51 Juggling multiple responsibilities creates stress and expectations. Women’s arousal differs from men’s.00:32:29 Understand sexual equality and explore other methods.00:36:13 Communication, variety, and sexual aids are normal.00:40:11 Invest in exchange for fruitful intimacy and satisfaction.00:43:30 The Less you have, the less you want.
Links & Products mentioned:
Emma Perks Full Circle Physiotherapy https://fcphysio.co.nz/
Dipsea app – Short & Sexy Audio Stories
Yes VM Vaginal Moisturiser
Olive & Bee Intimate Cream
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
In this MVP episode, we dive into a topic that effects every woman at some point in her life: menopause.
Tune in this week to one of our Most Valuable Podcasts where I speak with Nicola Douglas, a Women's Health Acupuncturist who shares her expertise on natural approaches to managing menopause and supporting women's health.
We explore how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views menopause, and how acupuncture can be used to support women during this transition.
We chat about the most common symptoms and imbalances that women experience during perimenopause, including the ones that sneak up on you before you are ready!
Nic is an expert in TCM and all things Women's Health, and is one of my go-to people for supporting my own health during menopause and beyond!
Plus, we'll discuss dietary and lifestyle recommendations, Chinese herbs, and how to work with a TCM practitioner to create a personalized treatment plan.
Join us for this empowering conversation!
Links & guest bio:
https://nicdouglasacupuncture.com/
Nicola is not your average acupuncturist. With years of experience, she's not just passionate about women's health and wellness, she is completely obsessed. Nicola has been an established part of the health and wellness community for years, offering individualised treatments and expert advice to women dealing with a wide range of health concerns.
When it comes to fertility, pregnancy, and women's hormonal health, Nicola is an expert. Her mission is simple: to help women achieve their best state of well-being, health, and happiness. She combines the best of both worlds by combining her knowledge in both traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine, creating a personalised treatment plan that addresses all components of health.
As a 48-year-old mother of four, Nicola knows first-hand the physical and emotional demands women face, especially during perimenopause. And she harnesses that knowledge to fuel her practice. Nicola creates a supportive and nurturing environment that makes her clients feel heard, seen, and understood.
Nicola is a registered acupuncturist with the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists and holds an Advanced Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as a Diploma in Nursing. She is constantly expanding her knowledge and skills to offer her patients the very best care, recently completing a Diploma in Fertility Acupuncture
With her compassionate approach and expertise in women's health, Nicola is the ultimate partner on your health journey.
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
MVP: Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right For You? with Catherine Keenan Pharmacist
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right For You? with Catherine Keenan Pharmacist
When I first went through menopause I didn’t think HRT was for me. Two years ago, after further research, and hearing of another woman’s experience with it, I began body-identical HRT, it changed my quality of life significantly and now I regret waiting so long to get started!
Tune in this week to one of our Most Valuable Podcasts where I speak Catherine Keenan a pharmacist, pharmacy owner, and advocate for women’s health. I sat down with Catherine and asked her all the questions I’ve wanted to know the answers to related to HRT/MHT and menopause.
From the difference between body identical, bio, and just plain generic HRT, the importance of starting hormone replacement therapy early to managing symptoms through exercise and diet, Catherine shares her own experiences and research on the topic.
She highlights the need for more conversations and information around menopause and urges women to find knowledgeable GPs who are up-to-date on perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy.
I’m grateful for Catherine’s expertise on this episode, tune in to learn more about managing menopausal symptoms and advocating for your own health.
About our guest:
Catherine KeenanVivian Pharmacy Ltd
Pharmacist and Owner/Founder of Vivian Pharmacy since 1994. Manage a team of 20 staff in a busy 7 day pharmacy in a medical centre in Vivian Street.
Board member of Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (2016-2021), Vice President (2019-2021)
“I noticed my perimenopause symptoms affecting my quality of life at the beginning of 2019 and with the help of my GP began HRT. This is a special interest of mine now and I read a lot of information to assist as many women as possible navigate this time of their lives. I also feel a holistic approach tailored to the woman themselves is important and this can include many practitioners. Personally, I have found talk therapy, meditation, mindfulness, acupuncture, along with regular exercise and dietary modifications have assisted me with symptoms and creating a positive approach to menopause and ageing.”
www.vivianpharmacy.co.nzFacebook: @vivianpharmacyInstagram: vivianpharmacy
Links shared:
Dr. Louise Newsom https://www.balance-menopause.com/
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B099JC5HQK/
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/56/
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Rethinking Life Purpose: Unmasking Misconceptions In Your Midlife Evolution
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Rethinking Life Purpose: Unmasking Misconceptions In Your Midlife Evolution
Let's jump into the concept of life purpose. I reckon we've been led up the garden path a bit when it comes to Life Purpose.
In this episode I challenge common misconceptions around life purpose, emphasizing that it's not solely about achieving specific outcomes but rather about finding meaning, value, and connection in our daily lives.
I also give examples of outcome and achievement-focused purpose and why it's a problem. The role of your ego when it comes to purpose and how taking a 1,000-foot view can offer a life changing reframe around finding and living our life's purpose!
As we navigate midlife and its hormonal changes, I explain why this is a valuable time for self-reflection and embracing a deeper sense of purpose that aligns with our authentic selves, as well as how nature helps us with this task.
Join me on this inspiring episode as we bust some myths, and explore, recontextualise and reframe the concept of life purpose!
Journalling Prompts:
What activities or moments bring me the deepest sense of fulfilment?
How do my values align or clash with my daily choices and actions?
And what impact do I want to have on myself and others around me?
How do you want to either inspire, support those closest to you?
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/55/
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Ditching Shame & Challenging Stigma in Menopause
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Ditching Shame & Challenging Stigma in Menopause
In this episode, I dive deep into the whole issue of shame, specifically how it affects women during the menopause phase of life. I talk about the stigma attached to menopause and how it impacts us, both emotionally and psychologically. Through the conversation, I emphasize the need to break down these barriers, embrace the changes and challenges, and reach out for the right support, like from medical professionals and menopause support groups.
I stress the importance of understanding that it's okay to seek help and that we shouldn't blame ourselves for the physical and emotional changes we experience during this transition. Also, I talk about letting go of societal expectations and radical acceptance, and the need to reach out to others and seek professional support during this transformative phase.
Many women find midlife difficult, and I'm not here to deny our challenges. But I also know in the bones of my being that midlife is just the beginning and that you're about to embark on the next and possibly most empowered stage of your life.
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/54/
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Completing Stress Cycles: Strategies for Women Through Perimenopause and Beyond
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Are you experiencing stress, anxiety, or overwhelm during midlife?
In this episode, we explore the physiological and emotional impact of perimenopause and menopause on our mental health. We are going to understand the role of the nervous system in stress response, and how to work with it rather than against it.
I discuss the importance of completing stress cycles, why this is more difficult in midlife, and provide practical techniques for managing stress in a way that serves us.
Midlife can be a time of great change and growth, but it is also accompanied by unique challenges. In this episode, I discuss the concept of stress cycles and how they impact our mental health during perimenopause and menopause.
Additionally, I address the societal stigma surrounding mental health in midlife and advocate for accessible support and treatment options.
If you're a woman navigating this transformative stage of life, join me as we uncover the secrets to reclaiming our authentic confidence and courage.
Resources mentioned:
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. Dr Emily Nagoski
Follow Meegan on Instagram here
Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/
Get full show notes and more info here: https://meegancare.co.nz/meegan-cares-the-podcast/53/
Meegan Care Midlife Mentor
I am a Certified Counsellor and Midlife Mentor with a holistic approach, dedicated to bringing clarity and life-changing breakthroughs to my clients.
I’m a Kiwi, I’m 53, and I’m now on the other side of menopause and I’ve been where you are now.
During peri-menopause I got to a stage where I was struggling to get through the week in my busy clinical practice.
Sometimes I had to postpone clients because there were mornings I was so exhausted I just couldn’t face a full client load and that broke my heart.
I was irritable, overwhelmed, and just plain over it!
Until I realised that my brain was undergoing a sort of transformation, sometimes referred to as an ‘Upgrade,’ and once I figured out how to collaborate with this Upgrade, life got so much better.
As a midlife mentor I draw on my extensive therapeutic training, over two decades of clinical and group work, and of course my own life experience.
I’ve helped clients for the past 25 years as a qualified Psychosynthesis Counsellor, Craniosacral Therapist (BCST), and experienced teacher of mindfulness and meditation.
Recovery from Crohn’s disease over 25 years ago, lead me to train extensively in various forms of therapy, mindfulness and healing with master teachers and coaches. I am the sole New Plymouth trainer for Mindfulness Works – New Zealand’s largest mindfulness training organisation. I also facilitate mindfulness education for individuals, groups and workplaces.