Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode

Can you believe we’ve wrapped up 24 seasons of the Grace Health Podcast?! The journey has been nothing short of incredible. For those new here, I typically run three seasons a year, each with its own flavor—sometimes focused, sometimes a bit more “loosey-goosey,” but always with the goal of bringing you value, encouragement, and practical health wisdom.

I love doing these season recaps for two reasons. First, if you’re new, it’s a great way to get a high-level overview of what we’re about. I know when I discover a new podcast, I look for recap episodes to get a sense of the content and see if it’s a good fit. Second, even my most loyal listeners can’t catch every episode. Life happens! These recaps let you see what you might have missed and revisit topics that resonate.

We’re about to hit a major milestone—500 episodes! I’d love your ideas on how to celebrate. If you have thoughts, please use the “click to text” feature in your podcast player or episode description. And as we head into the holidays, remember: the best gifts aren’t always wrapped. Sharing an episode with a friend is a wonderful way to show you care.

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode

Today on the podcast Becky Fields shares her extensive personal experience caring for aging parents and in-laws, emphasizing that proactive planning makes transitions significantly easier than waiting for a crisis.

Becky is writing a workbook with practical checklists and a book called "Daughters of Naomi" addressing the emotional aspects of caregiving. She also runs a service buying homes from families who need to transition parents quickly. Her core message: maintain open communication, start planning early, build a support community, and trust God through the process.

Main points discussed:

1. Early Planning is Critical

2. Warning Signs to Watch For

3. Communication Strategies

4. Emotional Considerations

5. Practical Resources

Links:

Purchase Becky’s Book, Guiding Them Home, here

Connect with Becky:

https://grandmahousebuyer.com/

https://daughtersofnaomi.org/

Instagram: @grandmahousebuyer

YouTube: @grandmahousebuyer

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode

Forget the matching workout sets, the perfectly planned gym sessions, and the hour-long commitment that never happens. Here's the plot twist: One minute of vigorous movement = 40% lower risk of premature death.

Yes, one minute. The same amount of time it takes to microwave leftovers.

We overcomplicate everything, including exercise, when we just need to show up for ourselves.

From this episode on "Fitness Snacking", I pray you learn to embrace short workouts as a legitimate and effective approach to fitness, particularly for women in perimenopause and menopause.

Main topics today:

1. The Power of Short Workouts ("Fitness Snacking")

2. Key Benefits

3. Why Short Workouts Work

4. Practical Implementation Options

Links Discussed:

YouTube: @amyconnell (psst subscribe if you haven’t and like the episodes…it’s super helpful!)

10-Minute Workouts

Research for Today’s Episode

One-minute bursts of activity during daily tasks could prolong your life, finds study

Analysis: Short bursts of physical activity during daily life may lower risk of premature death

Short, intense bursts of exercise more effective after stroke than steady, moderate exercise

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

Have a question? Click here.

Pelvic floor issues often worsen dramatically during perimenopause and menopause. By age 50, estrogen can drop by 50%, which decreases collagen production—the building block of pelvic floor tissue. Today you'll hear an informative conversation with PT Christina Walsh from Tighten Your Tinkler about pelvic floor health, particularly for women in perimenopause and menopause.

Main points discussed:

1. Why Pelvic Floor Issues Worsen with Age

2. Dysfunction vs. Prolapse

3. Medical Care Challenges

4. Birth and Risk Factors

5. Exercise Recommendations

5. Practical Tips to Start Today

LINKS

Episodes Featuring Christina and Jenn of Tighten Your Tinkler:

These two common exercise moves aren't helping your pee issues. Here's why. Season 15 Episode 9

The surprising reason for your back and hip pain (not visible on x-ray) Season 13 Episode 13

Episodes Mentioned

Should I wear a weighted vest

Fiber and menopause

Resources

Take the 5-minute quiz

https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/backandhiprelief

Use code GRACEDHEALTH for $50 off the Tighten Your Tinkler Signature Program

Connect with Christina and Tighten Your Tinkler

https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/

Instagram: @tighten.your.tinkler

YouTube

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

Have a question? Click here.

In this episode, we'll discuss the often-overlooked phenomenon of post-stress crashes—the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that follows high-intensity seasons like work deadlines, book launches, caregiving, weddings, or major life transitions.

Key Topics Covered:

• What qualifies as a stressful season
• How crashes manifest
• The science behind it
• Chronic vs. acute stress
• Biblical perspective on rest
• Practical recovery strategies

*** Have you had a season of high stress then the recalibration was rough? Hit reply and let me know!

Links Mentioned:

Protein Playbook

How I Heard From God Without Spending Time in Prayer or Worship

B.COMPLETE

Strong and Vibrant at Home: Strength Training and Wellness for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode

In this episode, Dr. Torkil Faero, a Norwegian emergency physician and author of "The Pulse Cure," shares how heart rate variability (HRV) can be a powerful tool for managing stress and improving sleep—especially for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. After losing his father to cancer during a four-year sailing adventure, Dr. Faero transformed his own health by learning to track and optimize his autonomic nervous system using wearable devices. He explains how HRV reveals our body's stress balance and provides practical guidance on using this data to make better daily health decisions.

You have more control over your health than you think—wearables and heart rate tracking can guide you toward a sustainable stress balance and better overall health.

Main points discussed:

1. Understanding Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

2. Best Practices for Tracking HRV

3. Factors That Impact HRV (negative & positive factors)

4. Using HRV Data Effectively

5. Key Lifestyle Factors

Links

The Pulse Cure Book

Garmin Watch

Oura Ring

Whoop Band

Athlytic App

Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

Connect with Dr. Torkil Faero

ThePulseCure.com

Instagram (US) @dr.torkil

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

Have a question? Click here.

In this episode of the Grace Health Podcast, Tamara Newell joins us. She is a writer, holistic health coach, Pilates instructor, and former dancer. Tamara shares her powerful journey from struggling with an eating disorder and body image issues during her ballet career to finding freedom and peace through her relationship with Jesus. She introduces her "Peaceful Body Pyramid" framework and discusses how to approach health and body image from a place of love, acceptance, and faith rather than shame or comparison.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Tamara's Background & Journey

2. The Peaceful Body Pyramid (Six Keys)

3. Body Image Insights

Links

The Peaceful Body Approach

Listen to the first chapter for free

Visit Tamara’s etsy shop for gratitude journal, scripture cards and more.

Connect with Tamara

www.peacefulbodyandbeauty.com

YouTube

Instagram: @tamaranewell_

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell

Have a question? Click here.

This conversation between Shaela Daughtery and I focuses on introducing The Stronger Collective, a faith-based fitness community designed for women who have completed the Strong and Vibrant at Home course or are looking for a supportive workout environment.

With the Lord's guidance on what to focus on each month, you can have the freedom to customize workouts to match your season of life, calling, and capabilities.

About Shaela:

Shaela is a Christian Fitness Coach and founder of The Stronger Collective Workout App for Christian Women, known for helping women build sustainable health rhythms through strength training, whole foods, and faith. With a background in functional fitness, corrective exercise, and habit-based coaching, she’s here to help guide women toward real-life results, starting small, building consistency, and honoring the body as a vessel for God’s calling.

Main Points Discussed:

1. About The Stronger Collective (Mission & Philosophy)

2. Program Structure (Seven different trainers!)

3. Key Features

4. Non-Workout Programs (Nutrition & Rest)

5. Info For Strong and Vibrant at Home Graduates

Links

Join The Stronger Collective

Strong and Vibrant at Home

Listen to Shaela’s Podcast: Simple Fitness Habits

My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter

30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)

Connect with Amy:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
YouTube: @AmyConnell