We all know that as we age, energy levels can feel like they're on a downward spiral. There was a time when I felt like I was running on empty every single day. The fatigue was more than just physical—it weighed heavily on my mental and emotional well-being. But I knew there had to be a way to turn it around. And I’m here to share how I did just that!

Understanding the Root Cause

First things first, I had to understand why I was feeling so drained. Fatigue in midlife can stem from various factors—hormonal shifts, poor sleep, stress, and even our dietary habits. For me, it was a mix of everything. Once I acknowledged that it wasn’t just “normal” aging, I felt empowered to make changes.

Dietary Changes: Fueling My Body Right

I started by taking a hard look at what I was putting into my body. My diet wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t doing me any favors either. The first change? Cutting down on sugar and processed foods. I replaced them with whole foods—lean proteins, leafy greens, and healthy fats like avocados and nuts.

One of the game-changers was adding more iron-rich foods to my diet. Fatigue can often be linked to low iron levels, especially in women. I started eating more spinach, beans, and even indulged in a bit of dark chocolate (a personal favorite!).

And let’s not forget hydration! It’s easy to overlook, but I noticed a huge difference once I started drinking more water throughout the day. Staying hydrated keeps everything in our bodies running smoothly, from digestion to brain function.

Exercise: Finding What Works for Me

Next, I tackled my exercise routine. I used to think more was better—long, intense workouts that left me exhausted. But I realized that wasn’t sustainable, especially when I was already feeling fatigued.

I shifted to shorter, more focused workouts that included strength training and low-impact activities like walking and yoga. Strength training has been incredible for boosting my energy levels. It doesn’t just build muscle; it also revs up your metabolism and helps regulate hormones.

On days when I felt particularly drained, a gentle yoga session or a simple walk in nature worked wonders. These activities not only energized my body but also calmed my mind.

Mental Health Practices: A Mindset Shift

Speaking of the mind, I knew I couldn’t ignore the mental aspect of fatigue. Stress and anxiety were playing a huge role in how tired I felt. I began incorporating mindfulness practices into my daily routine. Meditation became my go-to for managing stress. Even just five minutes in the morning helped set a positive tone for the day. I also started journaling—a way to release any pent-up emotions and clear my mind.

Another key practice was prioritizing sleep. I created a bedtime routine that included turning off screens an hour before bed, drinking on a glass of Nature’s Calm Magnesium, and listening to a calming meditation podcast. Quality sleep became my non-negotiable.

Real-Life Transformation

So, what’s the result of these changes? A complete transformation! Gone are the days when I’d struggle to get through the afternoon without needing a nap. Now, I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

One example that stands out is when I started implementing these changes. Within weeks, I noticed I had the energy to do things I hadn’t felt up to in a long time—like going for an early morning walk or cooking a healthy dinner from scratch. It wasn’t an overnight fix, but with consistency, the difference was remarkable.

Practical Tips for Your Own Journey

If you’re struggling with fatigue, here are a few practical tips you can start with today:

1. Revamp Your Diet: Focus on whole foods, cut down on sugar, and stay hydrated. Try my 7 Day Hormone Balancing Meal Plan.

2. Find Your Exercise Groove: Choose activities that energize rather than exhaust you. Like my Arm Blaster or 5 Minute Abs

3. Prioritize Mental Health: Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, or journaling into your routine. Grab your free copy of A Guide for Mindfulness.

4. Improve Your Sleep: Create a calming bedtime routine and stick to it. Try either of these for tips on creating a nurturing bedtime routine. 8 Tips for 8 Hours or The Sleep Solution

Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Small, consistent changes can lead to big improvements in how you feel.

Embrace the Fabulous You

Midlife doesn’t have to mean accepting constant fatigue. By making thoughtful changes to your diet, exercise, and mental health practices, you too can go from feeling fatigued to fabulous. It’s all about listening to your body and giving it the care it deserves. You’re worth it!

If you're ready to make changes and need just a bit of support, take a look at "Embracing Midlife" program. It's only $27 until August 31, 2024.

"Embracing Midlife" is the best of all I offer put into an easily manageable 8-week self-paced program conveniently located in your private membership portal.  And for you … it’s only a one time payment of $27!  Jump in now before the price increases.

Here's to embracing midlife and feeling our best every day!

In Health & Happiness

Sheryl Vega