This week on The Midlife Edit, Jen gets real about what it feels like to lose yourself in perimenopause — physically, mentally, and emotionally — especially as the holidays approach. From walking into a store full of Christmas decorations in mid-October to realizing how much women take on this time of year, Jen opens up about exhaustion, stress, and the pressure to “make the magic happen” for everyone else.

If you’ve been feeling off — tired, unmotivated, disconnected, or just not like yourself — this episode is your reminder that you are not alone. Jen talks about how stress hits differently in midlife, why your hormones are not the enemy, and how small shifts in movement, nutrition, and music can help you find your rhythm again.

She also announces The Midlife Comeback Challenge: Holiday Edition — a 4-week reset to help women protect their peace and prioritize themselves before the chaos of the season hits.

Because before you take care of everyone else this year… it’s time to take care of the woman behind the magic.

🧠 In This Episode, Jen Talks About:

• That Target run moment when Christmas shows up way too soon 🎄
• How midlife women end up carrying the emotional and mental load of the holidays
• Losing strength, appetite, and energy — and why it’s not “just stress”
• How perimenopause messes with hormones, moods, and recovery
• Why stress feels heavier now (hint: it’s chemical, not character)
• How music can help you reconnect when you feel “off”
• The four-week Midlife Comeback Challenge: Holiday Edition and how to join

🪩 Challenge Breakdown:

Week 1: Nourish — Eat enough, fuel your energy, and support your hormones
Week 2: Move — Focus on strength and movement that feels good
Week 3: Breathe — Manage stress with intention (and a little grace)
Week 4: Reflect — Practice gratitude, compassion, and calm before the new year

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🎶 Mentioned in This Episode:

• Grey Street – Dave Matthews Band
• You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette
• Rage Against the Machine – for those “scream in the car” moments
• Bowling for Soup – for when you just need to dance it out

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✨ Quote from the Episode

“Before you take care of everyone else this season, take care of the woman behind the magic. Because your family doesn’t need perfect — they need present.”