Stress Management Is THE Secret to Sustainable Weight Loss

I never meant to become a health coach.

I just wanted to help.

That’s how Valerie’s Health & Wellness was born—out of a desire to support women who were exhausted by midlife transitions, grief, burnout, and the chaos of “doing it all.” I thought I’d teach women consistency… how to eat better, move their bodies, and drink their water. That was just the tip of the iceberg.

I had no idea that everything—our energy, our relationships, our sleep, our ability to lose weight or maintain it—comes back to one overlooked piece of the puzzle:

👉 How well we regulate our nervous system.

Why Nervous System Regulation Matters More Than Willpower

Over the last 9 years, I’ve seen it over and over again—whether you're trying to lose weight, become a more patient person, stop drinking, start walking again, or just feel like yourself—the first thing that needs attention isn’t your discipline. It’s how you handle your stress. We always want to put off taking care of ourselves until ‘things settle down’ or when we have more time.

When your nervous system is dysregulated, your body stays in fight or flight. And no, that’s not just a buzzword. It means your digestion slows down, cravings go up, sleep quality tanks, and your body literally thinks it’s under attack.

You can't starve, sprint, or shame your way to health from that place.

So much of what we label as “lack of motivation” or “failure” is actually just a nervous system that's stuck in survival mode. (The Freeze of Fight or flight.)

We Were Taught to Smile, Not to Regulate

Especially in the South, most of us were taught to push through. Smile. You Be grateful. Be nice. Keep going. You really shouldn’t feel any negative emotions…🤦🏻‍♀️

No one taught us how to sit with anger, or breathe through disappointment, or recognize when we were abandoning ourselves for approval.

So when I started talking about breathwork, nervous system health, and emotional regulation, I got more than a few side-eyes. 😉

We often resist change. The unknown. Feels uncomfortable. THATS the moment we have to lean in.

What Weight Loss Programs Miss

Let me say this clearly: Don’t make your life’s work about weight loss. Don’t wait to do the things you love until you lose the weight.

Do it now. Do the thing you keep putting off!

If you are trying to lose weight, you need to understand that your nervous system plays a starring role especially in midlife. Cortisol levels tend to increase when estrogen and progesterone levels decline, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. This is due to a combination of factors, including the body's reduced ability to regulate cortisol and the heightened stress associated with hormonal shifts and other life changes at this stage.

Your stress levels, your hormones, your sleep, your self-talk—these matter just as much as what’s on your plate. Because if your body doesn’t feel safe, it won’t let go of anything. Not tension. Not excess weight. Not that last bite of chocolate.

When you regulate first, weight loss becomes a byproduct—not a punishment.

When your body feels safe, your habits stick.

✨ You sleep deeper.

✨ You stop snapping at everyone.

✨ You have more energy to move, plan meals, and care for yourself.

✨ You stop white-knuckling every health goal and start leading yourself with clarity.

🎯 Most of all—you trust yourself again.

This is why I believe nervous system regulation isn’t the reward after you've hit your goals. It’s the foundation beneath them.

Start Today, Right Where You AreThis doesn’t need to be complicated.

Try one of these simple, powerful tools today:

❤️ Breathe in for 4, out for 6 – This signals to your body that it’s safe.

❤️ 5 rounds of Cat/Cow – Gentle spinal movement calms your whole system.

❤️ Lay down with a hand on your belly – Breathe slowly. Let your thoughts settle. Stay for 3–5 minutes.

That’s yoga. That’s healing. That’s how we begin to change our lives from the inside out.

Join Me in the Garden at Dothan Nurseries

If you've been thinking about yoga but feel like you’re too stiff, too old, too tired, too stressed—or maybe just not the “yoga type”—this is your sign.

Yoga in the Garden is back!

📍 Dothan Nurseries, Back Pavilion

📅 Wednesdays: July 9 – August 13

⏰ 6–7 AM CST

💰 $120 for all 6 sessions

Yes, it’s early. NOPE! it’s not too buggy. And no, you don’t need to be flexible.

Come as you are.

Move a little.

Breathe deeply.

Reset your nervous system in one of the most peaceful corners of Dothan.

There’s no pressure to be perfect.

No mirrors. No fancy pants required.

Just you, your mat, and a chance to feel like you again. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??