A Grown Up's Gap Year

Mid-Life Maintenance Mojo: Just Wear the Bikini & Other Handy Hints

• Monique van Tulder • Season 2 • Episode 6

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In this episode of A Grown Up’s Gap Year – The Podcast, Monique unpacks mid-life maintenance mojo – from mammograms and strength training to swimsuits, perimenopause, and why you should just wear the bikini (if you want to).

You’ll hear: 

  • Why mid-life maintenance is not vanity – it’s logistics for the adventures you still want (Italian hills, ocean swims, last-minute trips)
  • The real talk on swimmers, bodies and confidence: kaftans you don’t actually like, “sensible” shorts, and finding swimmers that let you get in the water, not hide beside it
  • A quick, evidence-based nod to Dr Stacy Sims and why women in perimenopause and menopause are not “small men” when it comes to training, hormones and recovery
  • The 60% rule: how aiming for “good enough” on decorations, grazing platters and emails can free up the energy you actually need for your own health and happiness
  • A listener story about booking five nights at a wellness retreat – just for her – and why maintenance is part of your adventure strategy, not an optional extra

Plus, Monique shares three simple Weekly Actions to get your mid-life maintenance mojo going:

  • Book one appointment for Future You (hair, health check, mammogram, GP, physio, strength coach).
  • Audit your swimmers and one outfit – anything that makes you wince or tug, goes.
  • Choose one area this festive season to apply the 60% rule, and use the saved time for a walk, a swim or a lie-down with a book.


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