Reclaiming the Divine Feminine: How "Doing It All" Impacts Your Nervous System and Menopause Symptoms
Reclaiming the Divine Feminine: How "Doing It All" Impacts Your Nervous System and Menopause Symptoms
The Pressure to “Do It All” and How It Impacts Your Health
As women, we’ve been conditioned to "do it all"—to be successful in our careers, maintain a perfect home, nurture our families, and achieve personal growth. The pressure to constantly perform, be productive, and give to others can feel relentless, leaving little room for rest and self-care.
While modern feminism has provided us with incredible opportunities for equality, it also introduced the harmful notion that our worth is tied to how much we can accomplish. But here’s the truth: this "do it all" mentality is costing us—especially when it comes to our health.
For women transitioning through menopause, the consequences of chronic stress and burnout are amplified. The demands we put on ourselves wreak havoc on our nervous system, creating a state of dis-regulation that intensifies menopause symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, mood swings, and fatigue.
In this post, we’ll explore how the constant pressure to "do it all" is impacting our nervous system and how this dis-regulation is at the root of many menopause symptoms. I’ll also share how reclaiming our divine feminine energy—through rest, self-care, and honouring our rhythms—can help us manage stress and create a smoother menopause transition.
The “Do It All” Mentality: A Toxic Norm That’s Hurting Our Nervous System
For years, many of us believed that to be truly empowered, we needed to excel in every area of our lives—career, family, health, and beyond. The narrative that “doing it all” is the key to success has been deeply ingrained in our culture, leaving many women feeling inadequate if they weren’t constantly achieving. We’ve been told that the more we do, the more valuable we are. But the reality is much different.
When we push ourselves past our limits and ignore the signals our bodies are sending us, we enter a state of chronic stress. This sustained stress triggers the release of cortisol—the body’s primary stress hormone—which can damage our physical, emotional, and mental health over time.
In fact, research has shown that long-term stress has a direct impact on the nervous system, which plays a key role in regulating hormonal balance. For women in menopause, this imbalance often exacerbates common symptoms.
Studies show that the constant “fight or flight” response brought on by chronic stress increases the intensity of hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and anxiety—common symptoms of menopause.
How Nervous System Dis-regulation Amplifies Menopause Symptoms
When our nervous system is out of balance due to chronic stress, it affects everything from our sleep quality to our mood and energy levels. During menopause, the hormonal fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone already contribute to these symptoms, but when combined with nervous system dis-regulation, it can feel overwhelming.
Here’s how stress and nervous system imbalance can intensify menopause symptoms:
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats: High levels of cortisol can disrupt the hypothalamus (the part of your brain that regulates temperature), which can trigger hot flashes and night sweats. Research shows that women who experience higher stress levels report more frequent and intense hot flashes.
Mood Swings & Anxiety: Stress triggers the release of cortisol and depletes serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. This makes it harder to manage the emotional rollercoaster of menopause. Many women report feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed during this time due to nervous system overload.
Fatigue & Insomnia: Cortisol dis-regulation disrupts the body’s sleep-wake cycle, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Menopause already comes with sleep disturbances, but stress adds another layer, leaving many women feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep.
Practical Action: How to Reclaim Your Power and Regulate Your Nervous System
The good news? We have the power to rebalance our nervous system and reduce the impact of stress on our bodies. By slowing down, practicing self-care, and reclaiming the divine feminine energy that celebrates rest, we can create space for healing and a smoother menopause transition.
Here are some actionable steps to help you reset your nervous system and support your body through menopause:
Prioritize Rest: Your body needs time to regenerate. When you give yourself permission to rest, you’re not just taking a break from productivity—you’re supporting your body’s ability to heal. Start by setting boundaries around your time, saying "no" to unnecessary tasks, and carving out time each day for rest.
Breathing and Meditation: Deep breathing exercises activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system), helping to calm the stress response. Try starting or ending your day with a 5-minute deep breathing or meditation practice. Apps like Headspace or Calm can help guide you through the process.
Mindful Movement: Gentle movement like yoga or walking in nature helps release tension in the body, regulate cortisol levels, and improve circulation. Aim for 20–30 minutes of movement each day to reduce stress and improve your mood.
Connect with Nature: Spending time outdoors in natural light can reset your circadian rhythm and reduce stress. Whether it’s a morning walk or simply sitting in a park, nature has a calming effect on the nervous system.
Support Your Adrenals: Chronic stress depletes the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing cortisol. Nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and B-vitamins support adrenal health. Consider incorporating foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and citrus fruits into your diet, or speak with a healthcare provider about possible supplements.
The divine feminine is not about doing it all. It’s about honouring the natural rhythms of rest, creation, and rejuvenation. Only then can we reclaim our true power.
The Path Forward: Embracing the Divine Feminine and Finding Balance
The divine feminine isn’t just about nurturing others—it’s about nurturing yourself. It’s about recognizing that you can be powerful without sacrificing your health, your peace, or your well-being.
By slowing down and prioritizing self-care, you can regulate your nervous system and reduce the impact of stress on your body. The more we honour our natural rhythms, the more we step into our true power—balancing both the demands of the modern world and our need for rest and renewal.
Conclusion: Reclaim Your Power and Honour Your Cycles
The "do it all" mentality is a toxic norm that we need to move away from—especially as we transition through menopause. By reconnecting with our bodies and honoring the divine feminine energy that encourages rest, balance, and nurturing, we can manage stress, reduce menopause symptoms, and embrace this phase of life with strength and grace.
🌿 Ready to Root into a New Way of Living?
If you’re ready to build sustainable rhythms that support your health, hormones, and next chapter — I’d love to support you.
"This is the kind of midlife wellness I guide my clients toward—one rooted in rhythm, nourishment, and embodiment."
Ready for a more soulful way to feel well? Explore my 1:1 coaching here → Work With Me
With warmth and wisdom,
Sandra
Coach. Guide. Woman in bloom.
