"The most productive thing you might do today is deciding how your workday will end."

Reader,

I want to share a personal journey that transformed my relationship with rest and self-care during perimenopause. It's a simple story about creating boundaries that might resonate with many of you navigating similar waters.

For months, my evenings followed a downward spiral pattern. I would set a reasonable 10pm bedtime, then I'd mysteriously become wired just as the hour approached. The day's unfinished business would flood my mind, and I'd find myself doomscrolling or attempting to work—getting nothing done but delaying much-needed rest.

Sundays were the worst. Each overlooked weekend task would trigger my inner critic: "If you were more organized, you'd have finished everything by now." The self-judgment was relentless, and I'd punish myself by staying up later to work. I'd start Monday already depleted.

What I didn't realize was how these patterns got worse with perimenopause, that decade before our periods officially end. The hormonal shifts our bodies undergo during this decade make nervous system regulation more crucial than ever—but my habits were doing exactly the opposite.

The turning point came unexpectedly. I found myself teaching a Sunday evening yoga class, guiding others to breathe, release and relax. I heard myself say: "There's nothing more important for you to do at this hour other than sleep." The words resonated deeply—I needed to hear them more than anyone in the room.

That evening, I created a simple shutdown ritual:

• Electronics curfew: All devices "go away" at 9pm. I started reading books or simply doing alternate nostril breathing
• Comedic relief: I listened to something comedic that allowed me to giggle my way to sleep
• Tactile comfort: A five-minute foot massage with sesame oil or magnesium lotion
• Cleansing practice: A warm, mindful face wash that rinses away the day

Was implementation perfect? Nope. The ritual came together in fits and starts. Resistance appeared regularly: "Just one more email," or "I should finish this quick task." Sometimes I'd honor the boundaries, other times not.

But gradually, this simple sequence became sacred—a non-negotiable transition between productivity and rest. The results have been profound, not just for sleep quality but for my entire relationship with self-care during perimenopause.

I've come to understand that during this time of hormonal fluctuation, creating deliberate nervous system resets isn't a luxury—it's essential maintenance. My body requires more intentional care now, not less, and honoring that need has been transformative.

Today's Reflection Question: What small ritual might help you disconnect and honor your body's need for rest? I'd love to hear your thoughts or experiences with creating boundaries around work and rest—especially during perimenopause. Reply to this email to share your story.

Until next time,

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Adhana

P.S. One Day Can Shift Everything

On May 10th, I’m hosting a Nervous System Reset Retreat in Rock Island, IL. Time: 10 AM - 4 PM

This isn’t just another workshop. This is your lifeline.

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What You’ll Experience

• Nervous system regulation techniques

• Sound healing with Heather

• Mindfulness practices with Adhana

• Reflective practices with TEDx speaker Tasha Tanks

• Strategies to navigate life’s transitions

• A community of women who understand

• Includes: Full-day reset, lunch, take-home resources

Featuring Experts:

• Adhana McCarthy: 20-year military veteran, Integrative Physician Assistant, Certified Yoga Therapist, Life Coach

• Heather Dalhoff: Sound Healing and Mindfulness Expert

• Tasha Tanks: TEDx Speaker, Therapeutic Life Coach, Author, Executive Director of No Longer Silent
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​Your Moment of Choice

You have two paths:

1. Continue pushing through, losing yourself bit by bit

2. Take ONE day to reset, reconnect, and rediscover yourself

Pricing:

• Early Bird: $250 (Before April 1 at 11:59 CST)

• Regular: $297 (Before May 1)

• Last Chance: $347 (Final 10 spots)

Your Next Step

$250.00 Nervous System Reset On May 10th, I am hosting a 1-Day Nervous System Reset Retreat on Rock Island for women in transition. What does it... Read more I want to go!

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Don’t let another moment pass you by.

Know a friend in the midwest who this can help? Tell them about it. Invite them to take care of themselves for Mother's Day.

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