her Self: IFS & Spiritual Entrepreneurship 197 | Powerful Pivots I’m Making During Perimenopause
Today I’m getting personal and opening up about the shifts I’m making in my life and work as I begin to navigate perimenopause. From adjusting my diet and workout routines to overhauling my daily rhythms and embracing new self-care practices, I’m learning to honor my body’s call for something new during this time. This transition has required patience, compassion, and a commitment to growth, and I'm excited to invite you into how this journey is evolving for me right now.
Whether you’re navigating perimenopause now, preparing for it, or simply interested in learning more, my hope is that this episode will offer encouragement to honor feminine seasons and cycles in your life and work. Embracing these changes isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about stepping into a deeper, more aligned version of ourselves.
And, as a special gift, I want to offer you free access to one of my most popular programs, “Getting Out of Your Own Way” (an IFS Daily Parts Meditation Kit to help you cultivate inner wholeness, harmony, and Self-Leadership at the start of each day).
All you have to do is:
1) Leave a review of this podcast.
2) Email a screenshot of your review to hello@saraavantstover.com
It’s as simple as that!
In this Episode We Explore:
0:00 - 1:25: Introduction - Discussing personal shifts in life and work due to perimenopause.
1:25 - 2:35: Invitation to listeners - Embracing change and exploring womanhood.
4:10 - 5:25: Acknowledging the current context - Upcoming election in the U.S. and self-care reminders.
5:25 - 7:00: Personal journey - Initial perceptions of perimenopause and preparation.
7:00 - 9:30: Discussing health practices - Lifestyle changes and experiences leading to cervical dysplasia.
9:30 - 11:50: Healing journey in Thailand - Traditional medicine and learning about women's health.
11:50 - 14:00: The importance of honoring menstrual cycles - Personal appreciation for cyclical living.
14:00 - 15:25: Transitioning to perimenopause - Initial thoughts and feelings about the changes.
15:25 - 16:40: Shifts in health and energy - Noticing changes and acknowledging perimenopause.
16:40 - 18:15: Context and disclaimers - Not medical advice and personal experiences.
18:15 - 20:00: Discussing book launches - The demanding nature of bringing a book to market.
20:00 - 22:10: Preparing for book launch - Personal retreat and the importance of self-care.
22:10 - 23:30: Reflections on recovery - Needing downtime after a busy period.
23:30 - 25:00: Observations during August - Listening to the body’s needs during time off.
25:00 - 26:45: Dietary experiments - Shifts in eating habits and finding balance.
26:45 - 28:20: Physical activity changes - Introducing Pilates and weight training.
28:20 - 30:00: Reflections on workouts and energy levels - Noticing fatigue and rest needs.
30:00 - 31:50: Realization about perimenopause - Conversations triggering insights.
31:50 - 33:30: Emotional responses - Surprise, anger, and eagerness for knowledge.
33:30 - 35:00: Meeting with naturopath - Testing and evaluation of health.
35:00 - 37:15: Blood tests and health insights - The importance of a comprehensive approach.
37:15 - 39:30: Addressing adrenal health - Connection between stress and health shifts.
39:30 - 41:50: Dietary changes - Importance of protein and meal timing.
41:50 - 43:30: Weight training and muscle health - Addressing body composition.
43:30 - 45:00: Lifestyle shifts - Transitioning to different forms of exercise.
45:00 - 47:15: Maintaining a routine - Importance of walking and gentle movement.
47:15 - 49:00: Napping and pacing - Importance of rest and recovery.
49:00 - 50:30: Supplements and dietary protocols - Continuous adjustments for health.
50:30 - 52:00: Exploring the Bean Protocol - Personal experiences and adjustments.
52:00 - 53:30: Caffeine and alcohol elimination - Effects on health post-45.
53:30 - 55:00: Considering hormone therapy - Weighing options based on health needs.
55:00 - 56:40: Mindfulness and spiritual practices - Emphasis on deeper connection with self.
56:40 - 58:00: Embracing the second half of life - Intentions for future years.
58:00 - 59:40: Presence and awareness - Navigating changes with grace.
59:40 - 1:00:30: Gratitude for community and resources - Importance of shared stories among women.
1:00:30 - 1:01:50: Reflection on aging - Celebrating the privilege of growing older.
Resources:
- New Year’s Retreat for Women Leaders & Entrepreneurs
- Try Your Free, 30-day Trial with Kajabi
- Order Sara’s new book: Handbook for the Heartbroken
- Subscribe to Sara’s Sunday Journal
- Connect with Sara on Instagram
Mentioned in this episode:
DYDB 2026 Regular