221: Menopause, Sleep, Stress, & Recovery
Total Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman
Release Date: 05/06/2025
Total Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman
You know those moments where you’re standing in the kitchen, not even hungry, just… eating? You’re not alone. And more importantly? There's nothing wrong with you. In this short and powerful bonus episode, I’m sharing what’s really behind the patterns of overeating so many midlife women struggle with, and why it’s not about the food at all. We’re talking about the invisible forces behind our choices, and the subtle ways we’ve been taught to use food to cope, distract, reward, and even just get through the day. I'll tell you what happened the night I ordered way too much Indian...
info_outlineTotal Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman
We think that health is all about eating and exercising. But that’s not the whole story. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right,” eating well, exercising, and following all the health rules, but still not seeing the results you expect, this episode is for you. The truth is, diet and exercise are only part of the equation. What’s often missing? Stress, sleep, rest, and recovery. These are the overlooked pillars of true health, especially in midlife when your body starts playing by a whole new set of rules. In today’s episode, we dive deep into why...
info_outlineTotal Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman
Have you ever made progress with your health… and then, slowly, without realizing it, started letting the little things slide? In this episode, I dive deep into a universal experience in health journeys: the quiet backslide that happens after success. I call it the “cocky syndrome,” that phase where we get a little too confident, start cutting corners, and convince ourselves it’s just balance or moderation. But when the momentum starts slipping and we don’t feel as good as we used to, we’re left confused, frustrated, and often blaming ourselves. But here’s the real magic of...
info_outlineTotal Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman
What if the key to transformation isn’t about doing more but about being more? In this episode, I sit down with Kim Damon, a true expert in personal growth and transformation, to explore the deep shifts that lead to lasting change. Kim shares her journey of breaking through limitations, embracing authenticity, and stepping into a life of purpose. Her insights challenge the conventional approach to self-improvement, encouraging us to move beyond surface-level tactics and into profound, identity-based transformation. Throughout our conversation, Kim reveals the mindset shifts and...
info_outlineTotal Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman
Ever started strong with your health habits, only to fall off track and feel like a failure? What if I told you that relapse isn’t proof you’ve failed... it’s actually, part of the process? In this episode of the Total Health in Midlife podcast, I’m breaking down the biggest mindset shift that separates those who succeed from those who stay stuck. You’ll learn why slip-ups happen, how to stop them from turning into full-blown backslides, and the one question that will completely change how you handle setbacks. If you’ve ever thought you just need more willpower to stay consistent,...
info_outlineTotal Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman
Are you struggling with hot flashes, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, or low energy? What if I told you that the solution isn’t about pushing harder, but training smarter? In this episode, I’m diving into how the right kind of exercise, especially strength training can help ease menopause symptoms, boost energy, and keep you feeling strong and capable as you age. And the best part? You don’t need long, grueling workouts to see results. For years, we were told that the key to fitness was spending hours sweating it out at the gym. But in midlife, that approach doesn’t just...
info_outlineTotal Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman
Midlife is a time of transformation, not crisis. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by emotions you can’t quite name or struggled with fatigue despite doing “all the right things,” you’re not alone. In my conversation with Soul Alignment Coach Sarah Sparks, we explored the deep connection between emotional well-being and physical health. Sarah’s ‘HEALED’ process—a six-step journey designed to release emotional burdens and reconnect with your true self—offers a powerful way to find clarity, ease, and renewed energy. One of the most powerful insights Sarah shared is...
info_outlineTotal Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman
What if I told you that hitting a plateau isn’t a sign of failure, but actually proof that your body is working exactly as it should? If you've ever felt stuck—doing everything "right" but seeing no progress—you're not alone. Plateaus are a natural part of any weight loss journey, yet most people aren’t prepared for them. Instead of panicking or making drastic changes, what if you could anticipate them and navigate through them with confidence? In this episode, we uncover why plateaus happen, what they really mean for your progress, and the most effective ways to push...
info_outlineTotal Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman
Spring is here, and with it comes that familiar nudge—you want to feel better in your body, but the thought of another diet? Absolutely not. You’ve been down that road before, and you know how it ends. But here’s the problem: health has become so confusing. One person says cut carbs, another says eat more protein, and somehow, even water is controversial now. It’s overwhelming. So instead of moving forward, you put it off for another day, waiting until you have all the answers. In this episode, I’m breaking down why that all-or-nothing approach is keeping you stuck and what to do...
info_outlineTotal Health in Midlife with Elizabeth Sherman
Have you ever felt like you're constantly falling short of your health goals—like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to make lasting changes? What if the problem isn’t you, but the approach you’re taking? In today’s episode, we’re tackling the mindset shifts that could completely transform your health journey. If you’ve ever been stuck in the cycle of high hopes followed by disappointment, this conversation is for you. We’re diving into why the relentless ‘shoulds’ in your head are doing more harm than good, and how accepting where you are right now might...
info_outlineWe think that health is all about eating and exercising.
But that’s not the whole story.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right,” eating well, exercising, and following all the health rules, but still not seeing the results you expect, this episode is for you. The truth is, diet and exercise are only part of the equation.
What’s often missing? Stress, sleep, rest, and recovery. These are the overlooked pillars of true health, especially in midlife when your body starts playing by a whole new set of rules. In today’s episode, we dive deep into why prioritizing rest isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity for real, lasting health.
We live in a world that glorifies doing more, pushing harder, and ignoring the warning signs of burnout. But as women in midlife, we can’t afford to keep running on empty. When stress levels soar and sleep suffers, our bodies react in ways that sabotage even the best intentions, holding onto weight, ramping up cravings, and making us feel stuck despite our efforts.
This episode unpacks how chronic stress impacts your metabolism, hormones, and overall well-being. More importantly, we’ll explore practical shifts to help you restore balance so you can finally see progress without burning yourself out in the process.
If you’ve ever blamed yourself for not having enough willpower or discipline, it’s time to change the narrative. Your body isn’t working against you, it’s trying to protect you. And once you understand how stress and recovery play into the bigger picture, you can start making real, meaningful changes that actually stick.
Tune in as we break down the science of stress, the power of sleep, and why true health isn’t just about what you do but also about how well you rest and recover.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/221
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
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Why eating right and exercising aren’t enough. Discover the missing piece that’s secretly running the show in midlife health.
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How stress, sleep, and recovery impact weight loss and hormones. And why ignoring them could be sabotaging your progress.
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The surprising reason you feel stuck despite doing everything "right," and the simple shifts that can help you break free.