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In this warm Sunroom conversation, Dr Corina Sims welcomes educator, counsellor, coach, and long-time friend Tasha Morath to explore a common but rarely named midlife experience: social withdrawal. Is it “normal”? When is it a red flag? Together they unpack the biology (oestrogen, serotonin, oxytocin), the psychology (mood, anxiety, identity), and the cultural lens that can turn “withdrawing” into wise selectivity—quality over quantity. You’ll leave with practical ways to support mood, connection, and confidence through perimenopause and beyond.

Key topics

• Midlife identity shifts and choosing depth over volume in relationships
• Emotional regulation, energy budgeting, and setting gentler social boundaries
• Reframing “I’m becoming less social” → “I’m becoming more selective.”

Practical takeaways

• Try one meaningful connection each week (walk with a friend, book club, small dinner)
• Support oxytocin: touch/therapy massage, warmth, kind interactions, time in nature
• Support serotonin: consistent movement, morning light, protein-forward meals (eggs, dairy, turkey, legumes, nuts/seeds), brief mindfulness
• Red flags to discuss with your clinician: persistent low mood, anhedonia, high anxiety, panic/heart palpitations, significant sleep disruption, withdrawal driven by distress rather than preference

About our guest – Tasha Morath M. Ed., M. Couns.
Tasha is an educator turned counsellor/coach with advanced training and a deep interest in mindset, behaviour change, and women’s midlife wellbeing. She blends evidence-based tools with practical, compassionate support—and she asks the best questions.

Chapter markers 

• Welcome & why this topic matters 05:30
• “Is it normal?” What the lived experience looks like 09:50
• Symptoms → social life: hot flushes, sleep, brain fog, mood 11:32
• Hormones 101: estrogen, serotonin, oxytocin 15:33
• Oxytocin/serotonin boosters you can use today 27:04
• Cultural reframes: renewal, wisdom, leadership 23:55
• When to seek help + simple next steps 43:16
• Closing reflections & encouragement 45:46

Links & resources

• Book a check-in with your GP if red flags resonate
• Find Tasha on instagram at @think_it_live_it or at www.thinkitliveit.com
• Connect with Dr Corina:
  • Join the Opt to Thrive mailing list: Here
  • Visit the official website at: Opttothrive.com
  • Follow Dr. Corina on Instagram: @drcorinasimsopttothrive
  • Connect on Facebook: Opt to Thrive (Dr Corina Sims)
  • Find out more about the Midlife Reset Program: Here
  • Join the Midlife Reset Program priority list: Here

Disclaimer
This podcast is for information only and is not medical advice. Please seek personalised care from your healthcare professional.