behavior change

My dog and I pose for a selfie while on a walk

Joyful Movement in Midlife: What My Dog Taught Me About Success

I never meant to be a runner. I didn’t start running because I loved the idea of 5K races or dreamed of medals on the wall. I started almost ten years ago because of a 1-year-old Labradoodle puppy who had more energy than three toddlers hyped up on Halloween candy. Jasmine at 2 years old From Walks to Runs Labradoodle puppies are famous for their boundless energy, and I honestly tried to out-walk Jasmine’s zoomies. We walked and walked and walked… and she was still raring to

Melissa Monroe, Pn1

Nov 4, 20253 min read

Person sleeping peacefully in a cozy bed with white bedding, softly lit room. A calm and serene mood is conveyed. Black and white photo.

One More Reason to Pick Up the Weights: Strength Training Improves Sleep

If you’re in midlife and your sleep has gone completely rogue—hello, 3 a.m. ceiling-staring session—you’re not alone. Between hot flashes, stress, and hormones that can’t seem to make up their minds, it’s no wonder most women feel like good sleep is some kind of rare luxury item. But here’s the plot twist: science just dropped another reason to strength train, and this one’s a game-changer. Ready? Your muscles are secretly talking to your brain about when it’s time to sleep.

Melissa Monroe, Pn1

Oct 21, 20252 min read

An array of colorful fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains

Eat More, Not Less: The Secret to Feeling Better in Midlife

If cutting carbs feels like self-punishment and you wonder why diet culture doesn’t stick, here’s a fresh mindset: focusing on adding nutrient-rich foods—not restricting yourself.

Melissa Monroe, Pn1

Jul 18, 20253 min read

Woman holding head among clouds, with text "BRAIN FOG" above. Blue background, green shirt. Conveys confusion or mental haze.

Menopause and the Brain Fog That Makes You Question Reality

If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and finding your brain feels like a browser with 42 tabs open—five of which are frozen and one is playing music somewhere—welcome to the fog. You're not going mad. You're just hormonal.

Melissa Monroe, Pn1

Apr 25, 20252 min read