Brain Fog Diaries – 2nd Edition
Back in February, I wrote about the insightful glory days of Brain Fog that we women in our 50s tend to experience. If you missed that blog—or if your Brain Fog simply made you forget it ever existed—click HERE for a little refresh.
Side note: refreshers are not only allowed… they’re basically required at this stage. I personally need daily reminders just to keep my brain from wandering off mid-thought.
Now, if you’ve officially entered your “glory years” of menopause, you may have noticed your estrogen levels have decided to quietly pack their bags and leave. And with that little exit comes a very important reminder: maintaining your exercise routine is no longer optional… it’s essential.
Your brain… It’s basically begging for it.
Exercise—especially strength training—helps keep all those important brain connections firing properly so your nerves stay healthy and, ideally, a little less forgetful – at least we hope so.
You see…
Exercise helps lower cortisol—that lovely little stress hormone that likes to stir up trouble and cause you to become frazzled, stressed, and at times a bit crazy. As estrogen decreases, your body becomes much more sensitive to stress, and cortisol can start to wreak havoc.
Not only might your loved ones start wondering if you’ve been temporarily replaced by an alien, but your body may start showing some changes too:
Cortisol Belly – When your abs have gone into Witness Protection – Increased cortisol and decreased estrogen can lead to more abdominal fat, slower metabolism, and reduced muscle mass… making weight loss feel like an uphill battle.
Changes in Insulin Resistance – When stress turns sugar into a full time job – Higher cortisol can raise blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease.
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats – Because sleeping was going too well – Random overheating at 3AM may keep night-life interesting, but it can be exhausting.
Bone Weakness – My skeleton needs a pep talk – Lower estrogen and higher cortisol can weaken bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Skin & Hair Changes – My mirror and I need a break – That once-glowing skin and luscious hair may start to feel a little more “vintage” than vibrant.
But here’s the good news…
Regular exercise (at least three times a week, with weights!) can help all of this. It supports your metabolism, balances blood sugar, improves sleep, strengthens bones, and yes—even helps bring back a bit of that glow we all remember from our 30s.
Why strength training matters during menopause:
- Helps prevent muscle loss
- Keeps you mobile and strong
- Maintains bone density
- Boosts metabolism
- Supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Improves mood (hallelujah)
- Fights fatigue
Strong muscles and bones aren’t just a “nice to have”—they’re a “must have” for living well.
So here’s the real question…
Do you want to be sidelined by the time you are 65, missing out on travel, adventures, and time with your grandchildren?
Or, do you want to fully embrace these glory years—climbing stairs without thinking twice, exploring new places, and getting down on the floor to snuggle that sweet new grandbaby – with just as important effort of getting back up again with ease?
I know which one I’m choosing.
These years are truly extraordinary—and I fully intend to keep them that way.
For me, that means sticking to a structured workout plan. I rotate through specific training days, adjusting my weights as needed, and I work with a personal trainer who keeps me on track (and gently reminds me what I’m supposed to be doing when my brain forgets).
And let’s be honest—keeping up this routine means when I travel (and if you’re a regular Laughter and Luggage reader, you know how much I LOVE to travel), I feel energized, strong, and ready to explore all the incredible places God has created for us.
If you’ve been thinking about getting started or want some extra guidance and/or personal training – whether that is online or in person – help is available.
Click the link below for more information.
Let’s take care of the bodies we’ve been given—strong, capable, and still full of so much life ahead. These aren’t the years to slow down… they’re the years to rise up, feel our best, and truly enjoy every moment.
You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
