Together We Pause - Episode 3: Body Changes – How We Feel About Our 40-Something Year Old Bodies

In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins dive deep into the topic of body changes in midlife. With honesty and humour, they share their experiences of navigating the physical changes that come with being in your 40s. From hormonal shifts to the challenges of staying active, this episode explores how women feel about their bodies and how they embrace these changes with compassion and self-awareness.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Acknowledging the Changes: Faye and Helen open the episode by discussing how their bodies have changed as they’ve entered their 40s. From weight fluctuations to changes in skin elasticity, they reflect on how these shifts can be difficult to accept at times, but how important it is to embrace the journey with self-love.
• Hormonal Shifts and Impact on the Body: The conversation turns to the hormonal changes that often occur in midlife, especially around perimenopause and menopause. Faye shares her experiences with hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in energy levels, while Helen discusses the emotional impact these shifts have had on her sense of self.
• Body Image and Self-Acceptance: Faye and Helen explore the complex relationship women have with their bodies, particularly as societal pressures often dictate unrealistic beauty standards. They talk about the importance of shifting the narrative and redefining beauty to include all stages of life, including the changes that come with age.
• Exercise and Staying Active: Both hosts talk about the importance of staying active to support their changing bodies. Faye discusses her love for walking and how it helps her feel more in control of her physical well-being, while Helen shares how she’s learning to adapt her fitness routine to better suit her needs as her body changes.
• Mental and Emotional Aspects of Body Changes: The hosts reflect on the emotional side of body changes, acknowledging that it’s not just about physical transformations—it’s also about how these changes affect mental and emotional well-being. They stress the importance of checking in with themselves and others, as well as seeking support from friends and professionals when needed.
• Celebrating What the Body Can Do: Faye and Helen end the episode by encouraging listeners to celebrate their bodies for all they do, rather than focusing solely on appearance. They talk about how mindset shifts can play a powerful role in transforming the way we feel about our bodies as we age.
• Looking Ahead: They wrap up by teasing the next episode, which will delve into topics surrounding self-care and finding joy in the midst of midlife challenges. They express their hope that listeners find comfort in knowing they are not alone in their experiences.

Action Items:

• Reflect on how you feel about your body and any changes you’ve noticed as you’ve entered your 40s.
• Focus on what your body can do rather than what it looks like.
• Experiment with new routines or activities that make you feel good in your body, whether it’s exercise, relaxation, or self-care practices.
• Practice self-compassion and embrace the changes with a mindset of acceptance.

Call to Action:
Join Faye and Helen in this open and honest discussion about body changes in midlife. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and remember—you’re not alone on this journey. Be sure to like and subscribe to Together We Pause for more conversations on navigating the complexities of midlife with grace and humour.

Together We Pause - Episode 2: What is Balance and How Do We Achieve It?

In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins dive into the concept of balance, exploring what it means and how it can be achieved, especially during midlife. They discuss their personal perspectives on balance, share practical tips, and offer insights into how they manage the demands of life, self-care, and hormonal changes.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Defining Balance: Faye and Helen kick off the episode by sharing their personal definitions of balance. For Faye, balance is about a sense of control and order, especially in a tidy home, while Helen sees it as a combination of actions and feelings. Both agree that balance is highly subjective, with no one-size-fits-all solution.
• Daily Habits for Balance: Helen talks about how her daily habits—like morning walks and indulgent bath rituals—help her maintain a sense of balance. Faye shares her focus on self-prescription and the importance of routines in her day-to-day life. They both emphasize the role of these small but consistent practices in coping with life's pressures.
• Setting Boundaries and Self-Care: Faye highlights the importance of setting boundaries to protect personal time and space. They both discuss the generational shift in expectations, particularly for women, and how saying “no” is essential to maintaining balance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself and prioritizing self-care.
• Hormonal Changes and Their Impact: Faye and Helen open up about the challenges of hormonal changes in midlife and how they can impact mental and physical well-being. They share their experiences with pre-HRT struggles, feelings of frustration, and the need for support during this transition.
• Practical Tips for Achieving Balance: Faye and Helen offer practical suggestions for maintaining balance, including making lists of joyful activities, experimenting with new routines, and embracing discomfort when trying new things. Faye shares her tip of hiring a cleaner to reduce stress, while Helen encourages listeners to embrace activities that bring happiness.
• Navigating Midlife and Parenthood: Faye and Helen reflect on how midlife presents unique challenges, especially when combined with the demands of parenthood. They discuss the differences between their experiences and those of previous generations, and the importance of setting new expectations for themselves as mothers and women in midlife.
• Closing Thoughts & Future Topics: The episode wraps up with a reminder that balance is not a linear process—it’s about navigating the ups and downs of life. Faye and Helen preview future topics, including body changes in midlife, and express their hope that the episode provides useful tools and reassurance to listeners.

Action Items:

• Experiment with activities that bring joy and happiness.
• Lean into the discomfort of trying new things, like ice baths, to see if they are beneficial.
• Make a list of reasons for feeling overwhelmed and changes in the body that may contribute to imbalance.
• Explore ways to make daily tasks easier, such as hiring a cleaner.

Call to Action:
If you’re ready to explore the journey of finding balance in midlife, grab a cup of tea and join Faye and Helen for this insightful conversation. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to Together We Pause for more tips and conversations on navigating midlife with grace.

Tune in now and start your journey toward balance!

Together We Pause - Episode 1: Welcome to Together We Pause with Helen and Faye

In the debut episode of Together We Pause, hosts Faye Cornhill and Helen Hopkins introduce their new podcast, created to address the challenges and joys of midlife, with a special focus on women in their 40s. Join them as they share their personal stories and discuss how open conversations about body changes, family dynamics, societal pressures, and more can help create a supportive community for women.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Introduction to the Podcast: Faye and Helen explain the inspiration behind Together We Pause and their goal to support women through the ups and downs of midlife. They discuss the excitement of launching their first episode and the power of friendship in shaping the podcast.
• Navigating Midlife Challenges: From health changes to raising teenagers, Faye and Helen open up about the common struggles women in their 40s face. They emphasize the importance of community and creating a space where no topic is off-limits.
• The Power of Open Conversations: Whether it's talking about body changes, grief, or everyday struggles, Faye and Helen stress the importance of being honest and vulnerable. They want to normalize these conversations and give women a platform to share their experiences without judgment.
• Personal Stories and Business Ventures: Helen shares her journey with The Batch Cooking Co. and her experience as a mum with two teenage children. Faye talks about her entrepreneurial life and how she helps others grow their businesses.
• The Origin of the Podcast: Hear the story of how Faye came up with the idea for the podcast and how she convinced Helen to jump on board. They reflect on the moments that led to the creation of Together We Pause, including their candid and often funny conversations.
• Different Yet Complementary: Despite their differences—like Faye’s love for adventure holidays and Helen’s preference for staying in—Faye and Helen highlight how their contrasting perspectives make for a fun and balanced dynamic.
• What’s Coming Up: In future episodes, Faye and Helen will dive into topics like HRT, raising teenagers, grief, and the importance of hope and passion in midlife. They encourage listeners to stay tuned for more thought-provoking and lighthearted discussions.

Call to Action:
If you’re ready to join Faye and Helen in embracing the messiness of midlife, grab a cup of tea and hit play! Don't forget to like and subscribe to Together We Pause for upcoming episodes, including an exciting discussion about finding balance in midlife.

Tune in now and be part of the conversation.

Together We Pause – Episode Trailer

Join Faye Cornhill and her co-host Helen Hopkins as they dive into the ups and downs of midlife in Together We Pause. With honest conversations about everything from hormonal changes and body shifts to raising teenagers and navigating grief, Faye and Helen offer personal stories, practical tips, and plenty of humor along the way. The first episodes are launching in June, so grab a cup of tea, hit play, and join them on this journey to embrace midlife with confidence and authenticity.

Subscribe now and don’t miss out on the first episodes coming soon!
Find out more at www.togetherwepause.co.uk.