When we’re young, we rarely think twice about what we eat, how much we move, or whether we’re getting enough rest. Our bodies seem to just get on with it. Late nights, takeaways, skipping meals, or grabbing sugar and caffeine to keep going—somehow, we bounce back.
But what we don’t realise is that in those younger years, we’re borrowing health from tomorrow.
And eventually, tomorrow comes.
As we move into midlife—often around the same time trauma and unresolved emotional patterns begin to show themselves more vividly—we start to feel the consequences. The body keeps the score, as Bessel van der Kolk reminds us, and it also sends the bill.
What Starts to Show Up
And for women, menopause adds another layer. Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can amplify the effects of poor diet and stress.
Trauma & the Nervous System
For those of us with trauma histories—especially complex or developmental trauma—the nervous system has often been running on survival mode for decades. This means our bodies have been prioritising immediate safety over long-term health. Digestion, immune function, hormone balance, and rest become secondary when we’re stuck in a sympathetic (fight/flight) or dorsal vagal (shutdown) state.
The Hidden Cost of Stress & Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Stress—especially chronic stress rooted in unresolved trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—has a profound effect on the body. The nervous system, designed to keep us safe, can become stuck in survival states, constantly scanning for danger. Over time, this prolonged state of hypervigilance impacts digestion, hormone regulation, immune function, and sleep quality. It’s no wonder many of us feel exhausted, inflamed, and overwhelmed by midlife.
In the absence of safety, food often becomes a coping mechanism. We reach for sugar to self-soothe, caffeine to stay alert, and carbohydrates to feel comforted. Emotional eating is not a character flaw—it’s a survival strategy. But while it may bring short-term relief, it often leads to long-term imbalance. Recognising this pattern with compassion is the first step toward healing. Nourishing the body with steady, grounding meals can help restore a sense of safety and support emotional regulation.
Healing from trauma is deeply connected to how we care for the body. It’s not just about therapy—it’s about nourishment, movement, hydration, sleep, and compassion.
You Can’t Put an Old Head on Young Shoulders…
It’s true. Until something becomes real, personal, and felt in the body, it’s hard to act. We don’t know what we don’t know. But if we want the next generation to avoid the pain and confusion many of us face in midlife, we must educate early and lead by example—not with fear, but with knowledge, curiosity, and compassion.
What Does a Healthy, Balanced Diet Look Like?
A balanced diet isn’t about perfection or punishment. It’s about giving the body what it truly needs to function well and heal.
It’s Never Too Late to Begin
Making changes in midlife can feel overwhelming, especially when trauma has made food a source of comfort or control. But this is also a powerful time. With the right support, you can begin to restore the relationship between your body, your choices, and your healing.
Start small. Walk daily. Add one more vegetable to your plate. Drink water when you feel foggy. Swap out sugary snacks for protein-rich alternatives. Pause before pouring another coffee.
Every small choice is a signal to your body: I’m listening now.
Let’s Break the Cycle for the Next Generation!
We didn’t know what we didn’t know. But we do now. Let’s use that wisdom to break generational patterns. Let’s show our children that nourishment is an act of self-respect, not restriction. That movement is medicine, not punishment. That healing includes the body as much as the mind.
Because a positive start… starts with us!