Join me this week and over the next two posts as we explore what
happens when holistic health meets wholistic health, and how true healing
begins when we treat the whole self.
When it comes to healing, I often talk about energy, emotion, and
the nervous system. But let’s not forget: this body we live in? It’s our home.
And when it speaks — through fatigue, tension, or pain — we’re meant to listen.
I recently asked my friend and colleague, Dr. Mike Laviolette, owner of Evolve Health, to share his wisdom around physical resilience. Dr. Mike is a
Doctor of Physical Therapy and board-certified orthopedic specialist who helps
people move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free through intentional,
whole-body training. (Oh yes — he said "intentional" and you
know that word speaks my language! 💛)
So today, I’m inviting him into the Intentional Calm space to
offer a perspective that pairs perfectly with holistic healing — because
physical health isn’t separate from emotional or energetic health. They all work
together.
Feeling Softer, Tired, or Stressed? Your Body’s Trying to Tell You
Something.
You’ve probably noticed it. Things that used to work just don’t
anymore.
You’re eating healthy, walking, maybe even tracking calories… yet your body
feels softer, your energy dips faster, and it takes longer to bounce back.
You don’t want to live in the gym or give up your favorite foods —
you just want to feel toned, strong, and confident again.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A lot of people I work
with start in that same place. Frustrated, discouraged, and wondering if this
is just “part of getting older.”
But what’s happening has a name: Sarcopenia — a
loss of muscle that starts creeping in during your late 30s and 40s. When
muscle goes down, metabolism slows, strength fades, and even simple things like
carrying groceries or climbing stairs can start to feel harder. It also
increases your risk for things like diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and
cognitive decline.
The good news?
You can turn that around. When you build muscle intentionally (Yes! — see why I love this guy? 🙌), with the right training, the right
nutrition, and a bit more focus on recovery, things feel different. You feel
capable again. You look firmer. You have more energy for the things you
actually want to do.
Dr. Mike was kind enough to share a game plan we can start today.
Even small shifts in our daily routine can add up. Remember: challenge
creates change — and if we keep doing what we’ve always done, we’ll
keep feeling the same way. So if you’re ready for something different, take a
look at what Dr. Mike recommends below…
🏋️ The 4
Pillars of Thriving After 40
(As shared by Dr. Mike)
1. Exercise: Train for Strength, Not Burnout
We don’t need more cardio or bootcamps. We need strength.
Lifting builds lean muscle, supports metabolism, and keeps you moving
confidently for decades to come.
2. Nutrition: Fuel Your Body. Don’t Deprive It.
Your metabolism isn’t broken — it just needs better fuel.
Prioritize protein, eat real food, and stop starving yourself. You’ll have more
energy and better results.
3. Sleep: So You Actually Wake Up Rested Again
Poor sleep wrecks progress.
Create routines that help you unwind — less screen time, consistent bedtimes, a
calmer mind. Your body can’t thrive if it never gets to recharge.
4. Stress: Because Cortisol Counts
Life’s not slowing down, but your body can only handle so much.
Walking, journaling, breathing, even saying no more often — these will all help
bring your system back into balance. (Incredible that he is talking about setting boundaries! Yes!💛)
"These four pillars work together. When one’s off, everything
feels harder. When they’re aligned, your body starts cooperating again. You
feel strong, calm, and in control.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters
most."
💛 My
Reflection
Dr. Mike’s insights remind us that the path to balance isn’t about
extremes. It’s about alignment — body, mind, and spirit.
In Part Two, I’ll be sitting down with Dr. Mike for a
Q&A-style post where he’ll answer some of the most common questions I hear
from clients and students — from strength training tips to healing through
intentional movement.
Then in Part Three, we’ll explore the deeper
integration of physical health with energy work, intuitive healing, and
emotional wellness — the space where wholistic meets holistic in
the most transformational way.
Stay tuned for the next two posts in this powerful series… and
start your reset — even if it’s just a few minutes today.
Be well,
Mary-Anne
No comments:
Post a Comment