Your Body’s Changing—Your Tools Should Too
I used to be a morning person.
There were years when I’d pop out of bed, throw on my tennis shoes, sip some coffee, and hit the pavement before the sun came up. I loved it. Mornings felt fresh, full of possibility. The world was quiet, and I felt alive.
Fast forward to now… I’m 55, and mornings feel different.
There are days when getting out of bed feels like dragging a brick-filled backpack behind me. And I know I’m not the only one. The idea of waking up early when you’re already exhausted sounds—let’s be honest—kind of awful.
So when I tell women I’m leading a 6AM yoga class, I get the side-eyes.
“Why would I wake up early for a yoga class when I’m not even sleeping well?”
It’s a fair question. But here’s what I’ve learned:
Waking up with intention actually helps you sleep better at night.
It helps you handle stress better during the day.
It helps you reconnect with yourself in the middle of a life stage that’s changing everything—your hormones, your energy, your emotions, your needs.
And for me? These days, I don’t wake up to run.
I Wake Up for Sleep.
Yep.
Basically, everything I do now is in service of better sleep.
Remember those days we used to lay our little youthful heads on the pillow and—poof!—we slept? Out cold? No sleep routine.
No thoughts racing around at 3AM. 🤯🤣
Now? I adore sleep. I protect it.
And when I get it, I’m a much better human.
But it hasn’t always been easy.
There were months—years, really—when sleep felt elusive. Like a moody friend who ghosted me.
What changed? I stopped trying to outsmart my body and started listening to it.
I learned to give it what it needed before it screamed for help. I built a toolkit—breathwork, meditation, and gentle movement—that helped me feel safe, grounded, and calm.
And one of the biggest tools?
How I start my day.
Instead of scrolling or rushing, I roll out of bed and sit. I breathe. I pray. I stretch. I wake up early with the sun.
😬Even if I woke up anxious.
Even if I didn’t sleep perfectly.
🫤Even if I just didnt feel like it.
Getting up at early also forces me to wind down earlier, which helps with my sleep.
No more endless death scrolling. 😬🫣
No more squeezing ‘one more’ episode in.
It’s not perfect, but it’s better. And in midlife, better is a big win. 🙌🏼
Click here to get more info or to sign up.
Here’s What the Science Says About Morning Yoga—Especially in Menopause:
Midlife throws our hormones into a blender, which messes with everything from sleep to weight to mood. But gentle morning movement like yoga helps bring balance back.
Here’s why it works:
Cortisol support: Your stress hormone (cortisol) spikes in the morning. Yoga helps smooth the spike so you don’t crash later.
Circadian rhythm reset: A consistent wake time helps your body regulate melatonin production, which means deeper sleep at night.
Blood sugar balance: Morning movement improves insulin sensitivity, which can help with weight gain and energy swings in menopause.
Mood regulation: Yoga calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety—so you’re not operating on edge all day.
Inflammation reduction: Gentle stretching and breathwork reduce systemic inflammation, which impacts everything from hot flashes to joint pain.
You Don’t Have to Be a Morning Person.
You Just Have to DECIDE to Feel Better.
This class isn’t about getting fit or being flexible. Although it will be a wonderful after product!
It’s about returning to yourself before the chaos of the day begins. It’s about starting your day with presence, not panic. With stillness, not stress.
If you’re a menopausal woman chasing sleep, balance, or just a bit of calm in your day—this is a safe, beginner-friendly place to start.
🧘♀️ 6-Week Morning Yoga Class
Starts July 9 | Wednesdays at 6AM | Dothan Nurseries
No experience needed—just a mat, your breath, and a willingness to try something new.
