Stop Trying to Fix Yourself: How to Support Your Body Through Midlife

In Episode 17 of The Intentional Pause, I had the opportunity to talk with a remarkable guest: Dr. Natalya Borakowski, founder of Desert Bloom Skincare in Scottsdale, Arizona. Natalya is a naturopathic doctor with an undergraduate background in cell biology and genetics. She brings a refreshing, holistic perspective to women’s health, beauty, and the often-confusing world of midlife wellness.

As women navigating perimenopause and menopause, we are constantly bombarded with external noise, conflicting health trends, and unrealistic societal expectations. In our conversation, we explored how to quiet that noise, decode what our bodies are telling us, and shift from a mindset of fixing to one of supporting.

Start with an Intentional Pause

In a world driven by social media, AI recommendations, and non-stop wellness advice, it is easy to lose touch with our own inner voice. Natalya defines the “intentional pause” as a vital first step to slow down. It helps us separate external influences and emotional reactions from true biological and physiological needs. Whether you are considering a medical intervention, a new supplement, or a skincare treatment, pausing helps you make choices that genuinely empower and support your body, not decisions driven by panic or emotion.

Shift from “Fixing” to “Supporting”

Society loves a quick fix. When dealing with midlife weight changes, hormonal shifts, or skin concerns, our immediate reaction is often, “I need to fix this.” You cannot “fix” fluctuating hormones. Instead, we need to view our symptoms, whether it is a sudden breakout, fatigue, or weight gain, as messages from our bodies. They signal internal inflammation. By shifting our mindset to ask, “How can I support my body right now through sleep, hydration, and nutrient-dense foods?” we change our entire relationship with our physical health.

Redefining GLP-1s and Medical Tools

There is a massive amount of stigma and misinformation surrounding peptide therapies and GLP-1 drugs. Natalya clarifies that these powerful signaling molecules are not villains, nor are they meant to be lifelong crutches or shortcuts to look like a teenager. Instead, when used mindfully and with proper guidance, they can provide a temporary “push” to help a stuck system while you do the foundational work. The true goal is to use that window to relearn your body’s cues, improve your relationship with food, and build sustainable habits. Medical treatments and skincare are simply tools; they carry only the moral or emotional weight society assigns to them.

The Mind-Body Connection and Food as Nourishment

Eating while distracted, such as scrolling on your phone or watching television, disconnects us from our body’s natural satiety signals. When we slow down, take time to prepare colorful, nutrient-dense foods, and engage our senses by smelling and savoring our meals, our digestive system naturally prepares itself by secreting enzymes and acids. True nourishment is a multi-sensory experience. When we stop punishing ourselves with restrictive “diet foods” we hate and start viewing food as a form of care, everything changes.

Embracing the Midlife Software Upgrade

Perimenopause and menopause bring profound neurological and hormonal changes. This midlife shift is not a downgrade, but a “software upgrade”. Understanding that your brain chemistry is shifting helps you drop the self-critical narrative, realize you are not falling apart, and embrace this empowering chapter of life on your own terms.

Pause with Purpose: Your Action Item for the Week

If the number on the scale didn’t exist, how would you define progress?

This week, take a moment to choose a different measure of success. It might be having more energy, feeling stronger, sleeping better, or simply feeling more comfortable in your skin. Write it down and focus on that metric.

When you catch yourself speaking critically to your body, pause and ask: Would I ever speak to someone I love this way? If the answer is no, offer yourself the same grace and compassion you would give a dear friend.

As Louise Hay wisely said: “If you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked, try approving of yourself and see what happens.”

Download your Episode Companion Guide: Decoding Body Wisdom & Midlife Well-Being

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