Midlife, Weight, and Why I’m Done Pretending Everything Feels the Same

Let me start with this: I’ve always been active.

I walk, I teach yoga, I move my body daily, and I mostly eat well.

But lately — over the past few years — things have started to shift.

I noticed my jeans getting tighter around the belly and thighs.

I felt a bit puffier, softer, slower.

And no, it’s not about shame or vanity — it’s just… different.

And I wanted to understand why.

Because I was doing “all the things” — so what changed?

Hormones, Stress & the Midlife Body

What changed was me.

My biology. My hormones. My nervous system. My pace.

In midlife, we move through a powerful transition — hormonally, emotionally, energetically.

Things that worked in our 20s or 30s don’t always work the same anymore.

For me — and for many of the women I teach — that shows up as:

• Weight gain (especially around the midsection)
  
  

• Changes in sleep, digestion, and mood
  
  

• Increased anxiety or feeling “wired but tired”
  
  

• A slower metabolism, despite the effort
  
  Sound familiar?

Ayurveda Helped Me See the Whole Picture

In Ayurveda, this phase of life is called the Vata time — the stage of life governed by air and space, which brings change, movement, and lightness.

But when Kapha gets aggravated — which it often does due to stress, emotional holding, or slower digestion — we can feel stuck, heavy, and tired. That’s when we see:

• Belly weight
  
  

• Emotional eating
  
  

• Fatigue
  
  

• Mental fog
  
  

• Resistance to change
  
  

Even if you’re a naturally Kapha type (steady, calm, nurturing), you’re not immune to this. In fact, Kapha tends to hold on — to fat, to memories, to “just in case.”

And if Vata is also out of balance — with too much movement, overthinking, poor sleep — we become a swirl of anxious energy and deep exhaustion.

(Welcome to the party, right?)

But here’s the thing: This isn’t failure. It’s not about “doing something wrong.”

It’s about recognizing what your body needs now — not what worked a decade ago.

I Don’t Need More Intensity — I Need Rhythm

At first, I thought I needed to work harder.

More effort, more cardio, more rules.

But my body gently (and sometimes not so gently) said: “No.”

What I needed was:

• Movement that supports metabolism without draining me
  
  

• Practices that build strength while calming my nervous system
  
  

• Rest that actually feels productive — because it is
  
  

That’s when I started building a new rhythm for myself.

And now, I’m sharing it with you.

Fire + Rest — A New Way to Practice in Midlife

This August, I’m launching a new Thursday evening yoga series called Fire + Rest Thursdays.

It’s designed for real people in real midlife bodies — no pressure, no performance, just a rhythm of effort and ease that works.

Thursdays at 7:30 PM (Online)

• 1st & 3rd Thursdays: Rest & Replenish
  
  Restorative Yoga + Yoga Nidra to calm the nervous system, support sleep, and help your body feel safe enough to let go.
  
  

• 2nd & 4th Thursdays: Fire & Flow
  
  Strength-building yoga designed to energize, activate circulation, and support natural toning (without burning out).
  
  

✨ I’m also offering Morning Yoga every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30 AM (30 minutes) to help you start your day with energy and calm.

Try My 3-Minute Fire Ritual

Not sure if Fire Thursdays are for you?

Here’s a short 3-minute practice you can do right now:

It includes:

• 30 seconds Forearm Plank
  
  

• 30 seconds Sphinx Pose
  
  

• Repeat 3x = A total body + nervous system reset
  
  Simple. Powerful. Effective.

What’s the Ideal Practice Rhythm?

If you’re wondering how often I should practice to see results? — here’s what I’ve found works best for myself and my students:

• 3–5x/week (even 30 min/session is enough)
  
  

• Include 2–3 active sessions to build strength and metabolism
  
  

• Include 1–2 restorative sessions to lower cortisol and support deep healing
  
  

It’s not about perfection — it’s about consistency and kindness.

💛 Join Me 

Whether you want to move more, rest more, or just feel better in your own skin — you’re welcome here.

 Class Options:

• Morning Yoga (Mon/Wed/Fri at 7:30 AM): 30 min
  
  

• Fire + Rest Thursdays (Thursdays at 7:30 PM): 60 min
  
  

• Drop-in available
  
  

• Ultimate Class Pass: all classes for $108/month
  
  → Up to 16 classes = $6.75/class — best value
  
  

If this speaks to where you are right now, I’d love to practice with you.

Just reply here and I’ll send you the schedule.

Your body isn’t broken. You’re just evolving.

Let’s find a new rhythm — one that honors both your fire and your rest.

With care,                                                                                                                          

Andrijana