Graced Health: Perimenopause and Menopause Wellness for Christian Women
Want to feel strong and well in your body — without the diet culture pressure? The Graced Health podcast is for Christ-centered women in perimenopause and menopause who want to feel capable, grounded, and at peace in their bodies — without all the noise.
Here you'll find practical, grace-filled guidance on strength training, nutrition, body image, and wellness — all rooted in faith and free from diet culture. No shame. No comparison. Just clarity, encouragement, and a voice of reason.
I'm Amy Connell, a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach who grew up in diet culture doing step aerobics in a thong leotard.
God called me into Graced Health after showing me there's a more peaceful, less obsessive way to care for my body — so I can do what He's called me to do.
New episodes drop every week, covering everything from strength training and menopause to intuitive eating and body stewardship — all through a grace-centered lens.
Ready to get started? Download my free guide: 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause at https://www.gracedhealth.com/health
Graced Health: Perimenopause and Menopause Wellness for Christian Women
Inhale Calm, Exhale Stress: A Common Sense Guide to Breathing
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Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode
I made up a breathing technique involving a clock face. Yes, really. And it works. That's just one of 10 tools in this week's episode on mindful breathing for stress — perfect timing if your nervous system has felt a little extra "on" lately.
In this episode of the Common Sense series, I tackle a topic that's simple, free, and easy to overlook: breathing. A coaching client's request sparked this deep dive into how intentional breathing can help regulate stress — especially as cortisol and stress resilience shift during perimenopause and menopause.
In this episode:
- Why stress resilience changes in perimenopause/menopause
- The sympathetic vs. parasympathetic nervous system, explained simply
- Why a longer exhale than inhale is the strongest signal of safety to your body
- The vagus nerve's role in calming your system
- A simple 4-minute daily practice I love to use
Episode Links
Meditation Myths Busted: A Guide to Everyday Mindfulness with Ann Swanson
Sleep Better in Midlife: 16 Common Sense Tips That Actually Work
Rewrite your Food Story to change the way you eat, think and live with Elise Museles
3am Insomnia: When Hormones Hijack Your Sleep in Midlife with Kathleen Saucier
Melt Vagus Nerve YouTube Video
Products Discussed (Amazon Aff)
Meditation for the Real World by Ann Swanson
Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker
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
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Shaela Daugherty | Personal Trainer, Christian Fitness Coach, Christian Nutrition, Homeschool Mom