Hi there, I'm Jo. A 46-year-old mum of three, originally from the UK, now living near beautiful Barcelona. I'm currently navigating midlife and doing my best to feel great in every way — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Here are some weekly practices that help me feel my best. Everyone's different, so take what resonates and leave the rest!
The 8 Pillars of Wellness That Help Me Feel My Best In Midlife
1. Morning Routine:
I wake up before my kids to have some quiet time. I sit in front of my little altar, which has a candle, fresh flowers, crystals, and my oracle cards. I pull a card each morning to connect with my intuition. Then, I sit, breathe, and try to tune in to my feelings and what my soul wants to tell me. I journal, read my vision statements, and if there's time, I do some gentle movements to stretch and wake up my spine.
(Image Source: Personal Photo) / My current Autumn altar, candle, flowers, rose quartz crystal, and a clay ghost that my kids made!
2. Mediterranean Diet (80/20 Style):
I follow the 80/20 rule when it comes to food. 80% of the time, I aim to eat a sattvic diet – fresh, unprocessed, home-cooked, and seasonal food. This makes me feel lighter, more energized, and hormonally balanced, plus my skin loves it! I meal plan each week for the family, which helps me stick to this way of eating. The other 20% of the time, I enjoy whatever I fancy – wine, birthday cake, pizza, you name it. Life's too short not to enjoy!
(Image Source: Personal Photo) / An outdoor table with delicious, healthy seasonal mediterraean food that I have cooked.
3. Embrace Nature:
I'm fortunate to live near the stunning forests of the Serralada Litoral and a short drive from the Maresme Coast. I never take this for granted, having once lived in London with a brick wall as my view. I enjoy nature hikes and walks with my kids, and I lead Family Circles outdoors to celebrate the seasons. Regular time in nature is a must for me. It's where I feel most alive and connected.
(Image Source: Personal Photo) / An autumn walk in nature with my family, gathering fallen colorful leaves.
4. Face Life's Challenges:
The past few years have brought up many issues I needed to address. I believe perimenopause has a way of making us confront what's not working in our lives. I've worked with a therapist to navigate these challenges, and I think everyone deserves this kind of support. Just as we exercise and have physical trainers, why not have guidance for our mental health, too?
5. Daily Movement:
I move every day, whether it's yoga, dancing, or intuitive movement. Teaching yoga weekly helps me stay committed to my practice. I also have a Monday morning forest walk and a Friday beach run. But I’m a great believer in listening to my body and following my cycle. I alter and shift the type of movement I do based on how I feel that day. If I’m low energy or feel sick, I won't run. Instead, I'll try some restorative yoga. But fundamentally, every year I get older, I realize how important it is to move every day. It will be the foundation for my health in my later years.
(Image Source: Personal Photo) / A workout and yoga pratice in my garden
6. Career Flexibility:
I'm still working on my career, which I want to fit around the life I have and love. After leaving my corporate job in London and focusing on raising my kids, I'm now ready to contribute financially again. I teach, run circles and ceremonies, and content write for businesses. I’m looking to make this more financially profitable. It's not easy coming back after a career break, but I'm determined to build a financial safety net and a legacy for my kids.
7. Family First:
My kids and my relationship with my husband are my top priorities. We have two designated times each week just for us – one for planning and checking in, and another for a fun day date.
(Image Source: Personal Photo) / My family, the most important thing to me.
8. Build Community:
Moving abroad meant leaving behind friends and family. I've intentionally created a community here, leading women's circles and making wonderful friends.
(Image Source: Personal Photo) / Celebrating my local community and friends
All of these 8 pillars compliment and build upon each other to help me feel well in myself. None of these elements work as stand-alones. It’s the small habits, intentions, and behaviors combined, that create my sense of overall wellbeing. It’s taken me years to get to having these as part of my everyday life.
How do your habits compare to the practices I do? I’d love to hear what makes a difference for you, and where you feel you struggle.
Here’s an idea of something you can do if you’d like to feel better in your midlife:
1. Write down one area that you’d like to build upon.
2. Define why it is you’d like to focus on that pillar, and importantly how it would make you feel if you could give it some extra focus and attention.
3. Think of one small action or practice that you could begin today to build into your day-to-day to enrich your life.
4. Start and see what follows.
Acknowledgments:
I recognize my privilege as a white, cis, able-bodied, educated, and financially supported woman living in a safe, democratic country.
Also worth noting, many of these practices weren't possible when my kids were young. If you're in that phase, remember it's just a season and will pass.
I'm currently training to be a Life Coach and will be sharing more about these aspects of my life. I'd love to hear what resonates with you. If you’re struggling and want to reach out for some support to empower yourself, reach out to me via email.
Until next time in circle,
Much love,
Jo x