Meegan Cares About Midlife

How To Tame Emotions In Midlife

In this revealing episode join me as I unravel my journey through trauma, Crohn's disease, menopause and the lessons learnt in becoming resilient.
 
This episode provides a deep dive into the crucial role of emotions in defining our life experiences, especially the turbulence that often arises in midlife, menopause, and beyond.
 
I share my challenges with emotional dysregulation, dissociation from feelings and the aftermath of trauma. These narratives underline my connection with my own emotions and how changing HOW I relate to emotions was pivotal in my journey of resilience and healing.
 
We're not here for toxic positivity, and I underline the importance of acknowledging our own range of emotions, both positive and negative. The episode underscores the necessity of self-understanding and maintaining a connection with our 'feeling selves'.
 
I also discuss how to use a powerful tool for managing difficult emotions – the RAIN technique, from Tara Brach, a Buddhist teacher and psychotherapist, the episode provides practical tips for its use. Detailing each step from recognizing and allowing emotions, to investigating and nurturing them with self-compassion, the RAIN technique is an effective roadmap for psychological freedom.
 
This discussion is not only insightful for those navigating midlife and menopause but also for anyone who wishes to embark on a self-discovery journey by initiating healthier relationships with their emotions. 
 
Grab your headphones and join me as we tame emotions in midlife!
 
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.
 

Get Strong: Fiona Ross Empowers Midlife Women with Exercise Wisdom

Midlife women's strength is their superpower! In this episode, I chat with Fiona Ross, a great friend and colleague. We explore the importance of lifting heavy (for you) weights and finding the right exercise routine for strength, confidence, and ageing well.
 
We share our personal experiences and address the complexities of midlife changes, resilience, and wellness among women. Fiona candidly discusses how menopause impacted her fitness and nutrition routine, and the proactive steps she took to ensure her wellbeing.
 
This revealing talk explores not just physical changes, but the equally significant emotional and intellectual aspects of this stage in life.
 
And of course, we debunk some ageing myths and risky quick-fix solutions surrounding menopause, emphasizing the need for self-awareness, patience, and careful experimentation.
 
As the discussion deepens, we cover critical aspects of fatigue, its impact on women, and how to manage it effectively. The importance of staying active via the correct exercise for you, along with the need to pay attention to individual needs and capabilities.
 
Also addressed are the psychological and emotional aspects involved in ageing and midlife transition. We talk inner peace, satisfaction levels, and the priceless wisdom gained over the years. 
 
"I would say it it felt like I was getting my power back in the sense of Yeah. Prior to that, I was like, well, what am I doing wrong? What's happened? And it did knock, you know, my self esteem, and I also was very conscious of working with my clients and thinking, if I can't, excuse my language, short sort my shit out, then how am I supposed to help these people that are looking for advice?"
 
Fiona Ross is a Movement and Lifestyle Coach. "Together we uncover the best version of You"
https://www.instagram.com/fit_fi17/
https://www.instagram.com/rampagefitnessnewplymouth/
https://www.facebook.com/rampagefitnessNP
 
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.

Transforming Irritability and Anger into a Force for Growth in Perimenopause and Midlife

Waves of irritability and anger used to come out of nowhere.
 
I was in the beginning phases of perimenopause and these mood fluctuations were an unwelcome surprise, I'd had some experience of them as a teen but I had no idea irritation, anger and even rage are common symptoms of perimenopause.
 
We go into why this happens in perimenopause and midlife, how to tackle these surprising fluctuations in mood, and when it's time to seek professional help.
 
While anger is frequently regarded as negative, especially for women, I discuss how to harness the transformative nature of anger as an agent of change, promoting self-awareness and self-acceptance, and why it's so important at this time of life.
 
By unmasking anger as a signal of boundary violations, and a force for personal evolution, it supports women to express emotions transparently and directly.
 
"If we know we're in perimenopause and this is happening, and we know that this is a common symptom of perimenopause, then how we respond to that, how we react to that, and what we do to support ourselves when this is showing up, it's going to be very different."
 
Midlife can be a massive opportunity for growth and evolution and when you know how to work with anger to create change you create an empowered second stage of life.
 
Tune in to this empowering conversation and don't miss out on the wisdom and support you deserve!
 
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.

Justine Jeddy Dishes The Dirt On Midlife Health, Nutrition & Weight Loss

"No need to cut out specific foods to lose weight; all foods can fit into a healthy diet." - Justine Jeddy
 
This week on the podcast I'm joined by Justine Jeddy, an evidence-based health and nutrition coach specializing in women's fitness and nutrition. And I wanted to get to the truth about diet culture, weight and nutrition in perimenopause, menopause and midlife.
 
We debunk myths and clear up misconceptions about metabolism and insulin resistance, discuss the (surprising) long term impact of diets on weight loss, and address the challenges of perimenopause and menopause. Justine also offers strategies for navigating hunger, cravings, and fatigue. It's a must-listen for women in midlife!
 
Discover Justine's "2 thirds method" for balanced meals and her insights on importance of structured, balanced meals for sustained energy. 
 
I had a lot of questions and used my own experience of midlife weight gain to understand the truth behind some of the weight and health misconceptions that are currently doing the rounds!
 
Tune in to gain valuable insights and be inspired to prioritize your health and well-being in midlife and beyond. Let's navigate this midlife journey together, prioritizing our health and embracing the power of community and support.
 
About Justine Jeddy
Justine is a Peri+Post Menopausal Fat Loss, Nutrition & Fitness Coach with over 9 years experience helping peri+post menopausal women to lose weight for the last time, have a healthier relationship with food and get their mojo and confidence back. 
 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/coachjustinejeddy
Instagram: @iamjustinejeddy 
Website: www.coachjustinejeddy.com 
 
 
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.
 

Lisa Pomare Unravels the Vital Role of Vitamin D in Midlife

The Importance of Vitamin D for Menopausal Women: "And about 90% of them were at the very, very low end of the blood serum range of vitamin D, and some were very, very low. And these women had a lot of symptoms, and some of those are quite similar symptoms."
 
This week, Lisa Pomare joins us to explore the powerful impact of Vitamin D on women's health during perimenopause and menopause.
 
Lisa is a naturopath, nutritionist, and a menopausal woman herself, she provides invaluable insights into the role of Vitamin D in our bodies and how to achieve optimal levels for health and wellbeing.
 
In this episode she guides us through the importance of Vitamin D for the body and mind, how to find out if it is sub-optimal and how to treat low Vitamin D levels. We cover its essential roles and impact on not just bone health but also cardiovascular conditions, insulin resistance, vaginal and urinary symptoms. We also touch upon the association with estrogen and sunlight exposure, highlighting the critical processes our bodies undergo to produce the necessary Vitamin D levels.
 
Lisa also exposes shocking data on the prevalence of low to medium vitamin D levels among women and emphasises the significance of sun exposure and omega-rich food sources as alternatives for Vitamin D. Practical advice around suitable sun exposure times and Vitamin D absorption is provided.
 
This episode is a treasure trove of information and guidance for any woman navigating through menopause and a call to action to prioritize their health and well-being.
 
 
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.
 

My Three Step Empowerment Model in Midlife & Menopause

In this week's episode I challenge and change beliefs that no longer serve us, and advocate for awareness and intentional imagination as we embrace the next stage of life, through understanding my 3 Step Empowerment Model.
 
The 3 Step Empowerment Model in Menopause:
The OpportunityThe ProblemThe Solution
 
My 3 Step Empowerment Model dismantles stereotypes and unravels the profound nature of the midlife journey, focusing on the distinct stages of perimenopause and menopause. We dive deep and explore the internal changes, societal misconceptions, and challenges that arise during this significant life phase and highlight the often overlooked opportunity it harbours for self-growth and transformation.
 
Perimenopause and midlife are not just about managing challenging symptoms, it's also a gateway to a new life chapter, a period of belief reshaping, and enhanced self-awareness. 
 
Tune in to the episode, explore the 3 Step Empowerment Menopause Model, and join me on this transformative journey towards psychological freedom and empowerment in midlife.
 
 
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.
 

The Top 5 Mindset Mistakes Women Make In Midlife

"The faster we can get on board with the change, the faster we can work with our system to support it, then we can come into, once again, this collaborative relationship with our body."
 
This week, I delved deep into the top 5 mindset mistakes that women make in midlife and how they affect our overall well-being.
 
From denying or resisting the natural changes that come with perimenopause to isolating emotionally and comparing ourselves to our younger selves, these mindset patterns impact our confidence, mental health, and ability to adapt.
 
I shared valuable insights on how to overcome these mindset obstacles and embrace the present moment with self-compassion and acceptance.
The episode confronts the peril of perfectionism and binary thinking, promoting a shift towards embracing life's joys and nurturing organic growth. This pivot is seen as a powerful tool for boosting resilience and personal empowerment. The importance of self-validating and radical self-acceptance also receives a noteworthy mention.
 
I’m excited to share the transformative journey of embracing imperfection and finding strength in navigating midlife with authenticity and courage.
 
Timestamp:
00:00 Perimenopause symptoms subside in postmenopause journey.
04:18 Embrace hope, self-compassion, and adaptability.
09:23 Rapid adaptation crucial for perimenopause and menopause.
12:44 Healthy relationships fostered by self-acceptance, not comparison.
14:06 Valuing aging beyond patriarchy's lens reveals beauty.
19:48 Embrace imperfection, find personal empowerment, and acceptance.
22:38 Adult brain, societal conditioning, perimenopause, mindset change.
 
 
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.

Lisa Pomare Has Sleep Solutions for Midlife Women

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.
 

Amy Luttrell On Burnout, Reinvention & Exposing Expectations

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/

How To Resolve Stress Cycles In Midlife

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/