Together We Pause - Episode 3: Body Changes – How We Feel About Our 40-Something Year Old Bodies

In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins dive deep into the topic of body changes in midlife. With honesty and humour, they share their experiences of navigating the physical changes that come with being in your 40s. From hormonal shifts to the challenges of staying active, this episode explores how women feel about their bodies and how they embrace these changes with compassion and self-awareness.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Acknowledging the Changes: Faye and Helen open the episode by discussing how their bodies have changed as they’ve entered their 40s. From weight fluctuations to changes in skin elasticity, they reflect on how these shifts can be difficult to accept at times, but how important it is to embrace the journey with self-love.
• Hormonal Shifts and Impact on the Body: The conversation turns to the hormonal changes that often occur in midlife, especially around perimenopause and menopause. Faye shares her experiences with hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in energy levels, while Helen discusses the emotional impact these shifts have had on her sense of self.
• Body Image and Self-Acceptance: Faye and Helen explore the complex relationship women have with their bodies, particularly as societal pressures often dictate unrealistic beauty standards. They talk about the importance of shifting the narrative and redefining beauty to include all stages of life, including the changes that come with age.
• Exercise and Staying Active: Both hosts talk about the importance of staying active to support their changing bodies. Faye discusses her love for walking and how it helps her feel more in control of her physical well-being, while Helen shares how she’s learning to adapt her fitness routine to better suit her needs as her body changes.
• Mental and Emotional Aspects of Body Changes: The hosts reflect on the emotional side of body changes, acknowledging that it’s not just about physical transformations—it’s also about how these changes affect mental and emotional well-being. They stress the importance of checking in with themselves and others, as well as seeking support from friends and professionals when needed.
• Celebrating What the Body Can Do: Faye and Helen end the episode by encouraging listeners to celebrate their bodies for all they do, rather than focusing solely on appearance. They talk about how mindset shifts can play a powerful role in transforming the way we feel about our bodies as we age.
• Looking Ahead: They wrap up by teasing the next episode, which will delve into topics surrounding self-care and finding joy in the midst of midlife challenges. They express their hope that listeners find comfort in knowing they are not alone in their experiences.

Action Items:

• Reflect on how you feel about your body and any changes you’ve noticed as you’ve entered your 40s.
• Focus on what your body can do rather than what it looks like.
• Experiment with new routines or activities that make you feel good in your body, whether it’s exercise, relaxation, or self-care practices.
• Practice self-compassion and embrace the changes with a mindset of acceptance.

Call to Action:
Join Faye and Helen in this open and honest discussion about body changes in midlife. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and remember—you’re not alone on this journey. Be sure to like and subscribe to Together We Pause for more conversations on navigating the complexities of midlife with grace and humour.