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What’s Happening to My Body? · My Sexy Menopause Body

• 0:04
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to my sexy menopause body, where we're flipping the script on what it means to feel strong, sexy, and empowered in mid-life and real.
• 0:16
  SPEAKER_00: Join your host, Kim Nicholson, and he gets real about the changes we face body, mind, and spirit.
• 0:24
  SPEAKER_00: And why this phase of life is an opportunity to redefine what sexy means on your terms.
• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: This is a space for honest conversations, expert advice, and stories from women just like you.
• 0:39
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, let's go.
• 0:49
  SPEAKER_01: Hey there, and welcome back to my sexy menopause body.
• 0:53
  SPEAKER_01: I'm Kim Nicholson, and let me just start by saying, first of all, how happy I am that you are here.
• 1:00
  SPEAKER_01: Whether this is your first time tuning in or you've been with me since the beginning, I want you to know this is a safe place, a place where we talk about the real stuff, the messy stuff, the complicated stuff, and sometimes beautiful changes we experience in our bodies, our minds, and yes, even how we see ourselves.
• 1:20
  SPEAKER_01: So today's topic is one that hits close to home for so many of us.
• 1:26
  SPEAKER_01: It's that moment when you wake up and look in the mirror and think, oh my goodness, what is going on with my body?
• 1:34
  SPEAKER_01: One day you feel good and confident and even sexy, and the next you feel like a stranger in your own skin.
• 1:42
  SPEAKER_01: It can be so disorienting, so emotional.
• 1:47
  SPEAKER_01: And let's be honest, it can be so downright frustrating too.
• 1:51
  SPEAKER_01: I've been there and I still have days where I'm there.
• 1:54
  SPEAKER_01: I remember standing in front of my mirror that one morning and thinking, when did this happen?
• 2:00
  SPEAKER_01: You know, when did I stop recognizing that person who's looking back at me?
• 2:04
  SPEAKER_01: And the truth is it doesn't happen overnight.
• 2:07
  SPEAKER_01: It's actually a series of changes that build up over time.
• 2:11
  SPEAKER_01: And the truth is, you know, we're we're at this moment, we spend one-third to one half of our life in some form of menopause, whether it's perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause.
• 2:27
  SPEAKER_01: So we're gonna talk about it today and everything that's happening to our bodies and why it's happening.
• 2:33
  SPEAKER_01: And most importantly, what we can do to feel good in our own skin again.
• 2:39
  SPEAKER_01: So let's start with some of the basics.
• 2:42
  SPEAKER_01: What's going on during menopause and perimenopause?
• 2:45
  SPEAKER_01: This phase of life isn't just one big shift, it's actually a series of changes.
• 2:51
  SPEAKER_01: Kind of like that, um, kind of like a domino effect, you know, happening all at once.
• 2:57
  SPEAKER_01: It's like our hormones uh like estrogen and progesterone are fluctuating, sometimes dropping drastically.
• 3:05
  SPEAKER_01: And because these hormones are connected to nearly every function in our body, the ripple effect effect is huge.
• 3:12
  SPEAKER_01: So let's talk about some of the common changes we all face.
• 3:17
  SPEAKER_01: Here's a let's look at a quick look at some of the most common changes that you might be noticing.
• 3:23
  SPEAKER_01: Um number one is a weight distribution.
• 3:27
  SPEAKER_01: Um suddenly you go to put those pair of genes on and your genes just don't fit like they used to.
• 3:33
  SPEAKER_01: And you know, even if you haven't changed your diet and you're still exercising, your body is storing fat differently, particularly around the midsection.
• 3:43
  SPEAKER_01: And another one is mood swings.
• 3:45
  SPEAKER_01: One moment you're laughing, and the next you're in tears.
• 3:49
  SPEAKER_01: Or snapping at somebody.
• 3:51
  SPEAKER_01: It feels like some sort of, I don't know, emotional roller coaster that I didn't sign up for.
• 3:58
  SPEAKER_01: Oh, and let's talk about the evil twins.
• 4:01
  SPEAKER_01: Hot flashes and night sweats.
• 4:04
  SPEAKER_01: Oh, the waves of heat that come out of nowhere, leaving you feeling like you're just burning up from the inside out.
• 4:14
  SPEAKER_01: We've all experienced that one in one form or another.
• 4:17
  SPEAKER_01: And then, of course, another one that's very common is brain fog.
• 4:21
  SPEAKER_01: You know, forgetting why you walked into a room, or opening a pantry door or closet and forgetting what you're looking for, or struggling to recall a word or a person's name.
• 4:33
  SPEAKER_01: It's so frustrating and it's real.
• 4:36
  SPEAKER_01: So some of these changes are can feel so overwhelming, but here's the truth you are not alone.
• 4:45
  SPEAKER_01: At this moment, millions of women are going through this.
• 4:50
  SPEAKER_01: And the first step to feeling better is understanding what's happening and knowing it's normal.
• 4:58
  SPEAKER_01: Another thing that I like to do is just name it.
• 5:01
  SPEAKER_01: What am I what am I feeling right now?
• 5:03
  SPEAKER_01: And name it, identify it.
• 5:05
  SPEAKER_01: Because it doesn't seem so overwhelming.
• 5:07
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, that's just something I do.
• 5:09
  SPEAKER_01: All right, so let's shift gears.
• 5:10
  SPEAKER_01: Sometimes I go off on tangents, but let's shift gears.
• 5:12
  SPEAKER_01: So, because while these changes are real within our bodies, so is your power to navigate them.
• 5:20
  SPEAKER_01: That's pretty powerful to think that way.
• 5:22
  SPEAKER_01: So, here are a few ways to feel more in control of your body and more connected to yourself.
• 5:29
  SPEAKER_01: If you haven't been to my site yet, kimnik.com, please go there.
• 5:33
  SPEAKER_01: Because one of my beliefs is that movement is medicine.
• 5:40
  SPEAKER_01: And movement, and I mean any kind of exercise, any kind of movement, it's not, and this kind of movement is not about punishing yourselves for gaining weight or trying to look a certain way.
• 5:50
  SPEAKER_01: It's about reconnecting with your body.
• 5:53
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, whether it's yoga, Pilates, or stretching, or even just a simple walk.
• 5:58
  SPEAKER_01: These things can do wonder wonderful things for easing the tension or lifting your mood or just simply reminding you that you're strong and you can get through this.
• 6:09
  SPEAKER_01: You know, try um like a 10-minute stretch in the morning.
• 6:12
  SPEAKER_01: I do this every morning before I even get out of bed.
• 6:14
  SPEAKER_01: I've got the exercises, these morning stretches on my website.
• 6:18
  SPEAKER_01: They're free for you to download.
• 6:20
  SPEAKER_01: But um, I do this 10-minute stretch every morning before I get out of bed, and it really does help wake up my body and start me on the right path for my day.
• 6:29
  SPEAKER_01: And in the evening, uh, we started doing this as a family.
• 6:32
  SPEAKER_01: Of course, we take our dog Zoe and Bucky with us too, but we go for a walk after dinner.
• 6:37
  SPEAKER_01: It's a wonderful way to calm your mind, and the bonus is it helps you digest your meal.
• 6:44
  SPEAKER_01: So again, this movement isn't about the calories we're trying to burn.
• 6:48
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, we'll save that for another episode.
• 6:50
  SPEAKER_01: It's about the connection, it's about the connection you build with yourself and your body.
• 6:56
  SPEAKER_01: All right, tip number two prioritize your sleep like your life depends on it.
• 7:02
  SPEAKER_01: Because guess what?
• 7:04
  SPEAKER_01: Your life does depend on it.
• 7:05
  SPEAKER_01: You know, sleep can feel impossible when you're dealing with night sweats or insomnia, but getting enough rest is so crucial for balancing your hormones and managing these symptoms along the way.
• 7:20
  SPEAKER_01: A couple tips that I offer my clients are you know, create set a uh a bedtime routine and start it every night at the same time.
• 7:28
  SPEAKER_01: And also try to wake up around the same time every morning.
• 7:31
  SPEAKER_01: So I have this little alarm on my phone that reminds me of a cute little chime that goes off and it's a bedtime reminder.
• 7:38
  SPEAKER_01: I love that.
• 7:39
  SPEAKER_01: But I have a bedtime routine.
• 7:42
  SPEAKER_01: I basically uh dim my lights and I read a book, not a book on my phone or on the computer, but a real book.
• 7:49
  SPEAKER_01: You know what that is.
• 7:51
  SPEAKER_01: And I do some light stretches before bed.
• 7:54
  SPEAKER_01: This really does help prepare my body and my mind to for a restful night of sleep.
• 7:59
  SPEAKER_01: And I also set up my bedroom for success.
• 8:02
  SPEAKER_01: I use uh I bought breathable sheets.
• 8:04
  SPEAKER_01: Incredible.
• 8:05
  SPEAKER_01: I use a fan when I need it.
• 8:07
  SPEAKER_01: And there are even things like cooling pillows.
• 8:10
  SPEAKER_01: Uh one of my clients was telling me one that she uses and she absolutely loves it to basically help keep your body temperature down.
• 8:17
  SPEAKER_01: Another suggestion I have is to take a cool shower before you jump into bed.
• 8:21
  SPEAKER_01: It feels wonderful.
• 8:23
  SPEAKER_01: And then, of course, you know, know when to seek help.
• 8:27
  SPEAKER_01: If your sleep feels like it's this ongoing battle, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
• 8:33
  SPEAKER_01: Talk to your doctor during these times.
• 8:35
  SPEAKER_01: Sleep isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.
• 8:38
  SPEAKER_01: So you're not in it alone.
• 8:41
  SPEAKER_01: Now, another one is about food, nourish and don't punish our bodies.
• 8:46
  SPEAKER_01: So you don't want to starve your body during this time.
• 8:49
  SPEAKER_01: Your body is changing, but so are your nutritional needs.
• 8:52
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and so instead of fighting it, I want you to lean into foods that make you feel good and support your health.
• 9:00
  SPEAKER_01: Like focus on things like leafy greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats to keep your energy steady at a steady level throughout your day.
• 9:11
  SPEAKER_01: Plus, by adding more fiber to your meals, it helps support your digestion.
• 9:16
  SPEAKER_01: And believe it or not, adding fiber helps reduce your bloating.
• 9:20
  SPEAKER_01: Now, here's another tip.
• 9:22
  SPEAKER_01: This is one of my favorites, is to stay hydrated.
• 9:25
  SPEAKER_01: I love this tip so much.
• 9:26
  SPEAKER_01: I actually wrote a book on it.
• 9:27
  SPEAKER_01: It's called The Miracle Molecule.
• 9:29
  SPEAKER_01: It's all about what water and you know clear liquids can do for your body.
• 9:35
  SPEAKER_01: It's amazing what what it your body can do once it's hydrated properly.
• 9:40
  SPEAKER_01: So, because even mild high dehydration can actually make you feel sluggish and foggy.
• 9:46
  SPEAKER_01: So, again, this is not about restriction or dieting.
• 9:50
  SPEAKER_01: It's not, I'm not talking about that.
• 9:52
  SPEAKER_01: It's about honoring your body and giving it what it needs to thrive during this time.
• 9:57
  SPEAKER_01: And of course, another tip is to uh practice self-compassion because let's be honest, some of the hardest things uh we can't change.
• 10:06
  SPEAKER_01: So, you know, some of these things, they're not always physical, it's emotional.
• 10:10
  SPEAKER_01: It's like looking at yourself and feeling like you've lost a part of who you are.
• 10:15
  SPEAKER_01: But what if instead of feeling that way, what if instead of judging your body, you approach your body with kindness.
• 10:23
  SPEAKER_01: And what I'm talking about here is to uh speak to yourself the way that you would speak to your child or your friend.
• 10:32
  SPEAKER_01: You wouldn't criticize her for gaining weight or feeling tired, would you?
• 10:37
  SPEAKER_01: No.
• 10:38
  SPEAKER_01: You'd be sympathetic or empathetic and remind yourself that your body is carrying you through one of the biggest transitions of your life, and that deserves gratitude, not shame.
• 10:52
  SPEAKER_01: And of course, what we're trying to do here is to build your village.
• 10:57
  SPEAKER_01: Menopause can feel so isolating, but it doesn't have to be.
• 11:01
  SPEAKER_01: Talk to your friends, your your spouse or your partner, or even join, you know, this online community here.
• 11:09
  SPEAKER_01: And I want you to share your experiences with each other and with me.
• 11:13
  SPEAKER_01: It can be a very powerful reminder that you are not alone in this.
• 11:19
  SPEAKER_01: And of course, if you're looking for more guidance, I do have online courses at KimNick.com to help you navigate, you know, with through this phase with tools and tips and you know, and some online programs.
• 11:31
  SPEAKER_01: So check it out.
• 11:32
  SPEAKER_01: But here's really what I wanted you to take away from today's episode.
• 11:36
  SPEAKER_01: Your body is changing, but it's still yours.
• 11:40
  SPEAKER_01: It's still capable of beautiful gifts like joy and strength and beauty.
• 11:46
  SPEAKER_01: This is a new chapter for you.
• 11:48
  SPEAKER_01: It's not the end of the book, it's just a new chapter.
• 11:52
  SPEAKER_01: Some days will feel harder than others, and that's okay.
• 11:57
  SPEAKER_01: Be gentle with yourself, listen to what your body needs, and take this journey one step at a time.
• 12:06
  SPEAKER_01: So thank you for joining me on today's episode of My Sexy Menopause Body.
• 12:12
  SPEAKER_01: If this episode resonated with you, please, please share it with a friend who might need a little encouragement.
• 12:18
  SPEAKER_01: And don't forget to check out my resources and online courses at kimnik.com to help you navigate this incredible chapter in your life.
• 12:28
  SPEAKER_01: So until next time, remember you define what sexy means.
• 12:34
  SPEAKER_01: And this journey, it's yours to own.
• 12:37
  SPEAKER_01: Till next time, take care.
• 12:46
  SPEAKER_00: Thanks for being here with us on MySexy Menopause Body.
• 12:50
  SPEAKER_00: Remember, this is your journey, your chance to own your body, mind, and spirit.
• 12:56
  SPEAKER_00: And define sexy on your terms.
• 12:59
  SPEAKER_00: If today's episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
• 13:06
  SPEAKER_00: Let's keep building this conversation and this community together.
• 13:10
  SPEAKER_00: Until next time, take care of yourself and keep showing up.