You Have to Shed to Thrive A Sisterly Reminder for Every Woman Over 35

Sis, let’s have a heart-to-heart. You don’t have to keep carrying everything with you into every season of life. The truth is, trying to hold on to it all—the stress, the habits, the expectations—only leaves you tired, frustrated, and further from the life you really want.

Think about the trees in fall. They don’t cling to their leaves out of fear of change. They release them, trusting that letting go is the only way to preserve their strength and prepare for the season ahead. That’s not weakness—it’s wisdom.

In this season of your wellness journey, what do you need to shed so that you can protect your energy, restore your balance, and step into the woman you’re becoming?

Why Shedding Matters More After 35

After 35, our bodies simply don’t bounce back from stress the way they once did. Research shows that chronic stress in women leads to higher cortisol levels, more stubborn belly fat, irregular cycles, disrupted sleep, and a higher risk of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.¹ ²

That “I’ll push through it” mindset might have worked in your 20s, but it doesn’t serve you anymore. Your body is asking for change. If you keep clinging to what drains you—late nights, processed foods, toxic stress, overcommitment—it will only cost you your energy, your confidence, and eventually your health.

But here’s the good news: women who learn to shed what no longer serves them and embrace healthier rhythms—balanced nutrition, consistent movement, restorative sleep, and stress management—see real results. Science shows these changes lower cortisol, improve insulin sensitivity, support hormone balance, and even slow down signs of aging.³ ⁴

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Right Now

1. What season am I in?

   
   

   Growth, harvest, or shedding? Being honest helps you know what your body and spirit truly need.

2. What’s weighing me down?

   
   

   Identify the habits, patterns, or relationships draining your energy.

3. What happens if I don’t let this go?

   
   

   Be real: holding on means more fatigue, more inflammation, more hormonal chaos.

4. What do I need to preserve?

   
   

   Like a tree protecting its roots, what values and routines must you protect—faith, family, rest, or movement?

5. What will I gain by shedding?

   
   

   Space. Energy. Balance. The freedom to thrive in the life you desire.

Sis, Let’s Be Honest

If you don’t shed, the weight only grows heavier. And it’s not just about pounds. It’s the stress, the health scares, the exhaustion, the constant feeling of being behind.

But when you choose to shed—whether it’s an unhealthy habit, unrealistic expectation, or toxic pattern—you’re preparing yourself for the future you keep saying you want. Shedding isn’t loss. It’s the foundation for the goals you’re chasing and the legacy you’re building.

Your Call to Action

This week, grab your journal and write down:

• What’s one thing I can shed right now?

• What will I protect?

• What do I want my next season to look like?

Take one small step toward change. Replace one processed snack with a whole-food option. Turn your phone off 30 minutes earlier at night. Say no to something that doesn’t align with your values.

The trees don’t apologize for letting go. They shed because they know that’s the only way to thrive. And so do you.

Remember—wellness isn’t about doing more. It’s about letting go of what keeps you from thriving. So shed what is keeping you from thriving and make wellness your best accessory!

Your sister in wellness,

Lauren

References

1. American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress in America: Women and Stress.

2. Matthews, K. A., et al. (2019). “Chronic stress and cardiovascular disease risk in midlife women.” Journal of Women’s Health, 28(3), 308–314.

3. Harvard Health Publishing. (2022). How stress affects your body.

4. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Hormone changes after 35 and their impact on women’s health.