Women over 40: Can Having Purpose in Life Improve your Midlife Health?

When I worked out in my 20s and 30s, my only purpose was to look good.  To be specific, I was always chasing the flat stomach.  Granted I did enjoy running, but not every day.  I would force myself to go because I thought I would gain weight.  That purpose or “why” wasn’t always strong enough to get me out the door and it was only about me.

Now, my purpose to be strong and healthy is for longevity so I can do all the hiking and walking I want during retirement, to be around as long as I can for my husband and kids and to be as self sufficient as I possibly can for as long as I can.  I also want to have excellent brain health.  

When you're navigating midlife as a woman, having a clear purpose gives your health journey direction and meaning. It becomes the anchor that holds your commitment steady, especially when the journey gets tough. Your "why" can be a powerful force, pushing you forward and reminding you why those health goals matter, even on the most challenging days.  Menopause can be challenging, but your purpose can help you keep moving forward even through the symptoms.

Flipping that around, focusing on health and lifestyle habits actually feed into fulfilling your purpose. Building strength, nurturing your heart and working on gut and immune health can be small steps and consistent steps that, over time, contribute to a stronger, healthier and happier you. And when you're in optimal health, you're better equipped to pursue and achieve your purpose. It's like laying a strong foundation for your future.

Both having a purpose and having healthy habits directly contribute to a strong mind and better mental health.  Both help you reduce stress, which reduces damaging cortisol that can stop your efforts and create inflammation.  Clients often feel more stressed out when they are “lost” and don’t have any direction.

Find a Deeper Purpose to Stay with Your Health Habits

One of my clients is facing the common challenges of menopause, struggling with weight gain and other symptoms. Through a reflective exercise, I helped her identify her purpose and reason for wanting to be healthier and have a stronger body.  She decided she wants to be a role model for her grandchildren, to be active and present in their lives for as long as possible.  What a great purpose!!

She started making small changes to her lifestyle. She focused on her health (instead of skinny)—eating intuitively, managing stress, and staying active daily. It's not just about losing weight; it's about being strong and healthy so she can actively participate in her grandchildren's lives.

Her driving force is the grandkids.  It gets her into her habits every day.  My client actually enjoys those habits now and the byproduct was losing weight.

Using Health to Fulfill Your Purpose

Before becoming a nutrtionist and health coach, I was a high school math teacher and cross country coach.  I really wanted to make a positive impact on my students and my runners.  By prioritizing my health, which at the time meant eating well, exercising, and managing stress, I was able to keep up my energy for my 100 math students and 30 runners every day.  I was also able to come home to 4 kids and my husband and be committed to them.  I learned the hard way when I didn’t stay up on my habits, I just didn’t deal well emotionally and was fatigued.  I wasn’t good for anyone in that state.  

I wanted to create a ripple effect down on the kids and you can do the same for everyone around you.  You can be the inspiration someone else may need to get healthy.

If you would like to know more about creating the lifestyle habits to create the best life and verison of you, just schedule a free 30 minute call with me.

XOXO,

Kim