The Importance of Rest

Rest Is Just as Important as Movement This Winter (Especially in Menopause)

Let’s be honest — when it’s dark by 4pm and your bed is calling louder than your gym shoes, motivation can vanish faster than your oestrogen levels. But here’s the good news: slowing down in winter isn’t lazy. It’s smart.

Your body isn’t being difficult — it’s being brilliantly intuitive. During menopause, your hormones are already doing a juggling act worthy of the circus. Cortisol (your stress hormone) loves to join the show too, and when it does, it can crank up your symptoms — from hot flushes and sleep struggles to bloating, weight gain, and the “why am I crying over a tea advert?” moments.

So if your body’s whispering, “please, can we not today?”, it’s not being weak — it’s being wise.

You Deserve Downtime

🌙 Rest Isn’t Quitting — It’s Recovery

We live in a world that worships hustle — the “no days off”, “grind harder”, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” nonsense. But in menopause, that attitude can backfire spectacularly.

When you push too hard without proper rest, your body stays in a constant state of stress. Your nervous system never gets the memo that it’s safe to relax — and that means higher cortisol, poorer sleep, and more stubborn belly fat (because cortisol loves to store fat right where your jeans don’t want it).

Rest, on the other hand, is the quiet hero of your health story.

It’s when your muscles repair after a workout.

It’s when your hormones rebalance.

It’s when your mind resets and your mood lifts.

Think of it like recharging your phone — you wouldn’t expect it to run for days on 2% battery, so why expect that from yourself?

☕ How to Lean Into the Slower Season

Winter’s the perfect time to tune into your body’s natural rhythm instead of fighting it. Try these simple swaps and you’ll feel calmer, stronger, and far more in control:

💤 Prioritise quality sleep.

Create a bedtime routine that feels like a hug. Ditch the phone an hour before bed, sip a calming tea, and invest in a cosy blanket or eye mask. Quality sleep is hormonal gold.

🚶‍♀️ Move, but move kindly.

Not every workout has to feel like a HIIT class filmed in a sauna. Swap one intense session for a long walk, a gentle yoga flow, or some light stretching. Your joints (and hormones) will thank you.

Move Kindly

🍲 Nourish, don’t punish.

Warm, comforting foods aren’t the enemy — they’re your allies. Think soups, stews, and slow-cooked meals that stabilise blood sugar and support hormone balance.

Nourish not Punish

🛋️ Schedule guilt-free downtime.

Actually write it in your diary — “REST”. Because if it’s in the diary, it’s official. Take a nap, watch a film, read a book — whatever fills your cup instead of draining it.

Rest & Recover

💫 The Magic Is in the Balance

Movement and rest aren’t rivals — they’re teammates.

One builds your strength; the other helps you keep it.

And when you honour both, you create the balance your body’s craving — especially through menopause.

So this winter, stop fighting the slower pace. Wrap yourself in a blanket, take that deep breath, and remember: rest is part of the work.

Because when spring comes around, you won’t just feel rested — you’ll feel recharged, radiant, and ready to thrive.

Love & Light

Emma x

PS: Ready to support your body this winter — not punish it?

Join my online group plan – The Menopause Method for just £20/month and get short, effective workouts, easy nutrition plans, and real-life support that fits your energy (and your mood!).

👇🏼Join Here👇🏼

MENOPAUSE METHOD ONLINE PLAN