What do curly hair and your midlife health journey have in common?

More than you'd think.

In Episode 247 of Total Health in Midlife, Elizabeth Sherman shares a personal story about ditching the flat iron—and discovering that the path to healthier hair was eerily similar to the path so many midlife women take toward better health. The endless trial-and-error, the frustration, the belief that there must be one perfect product (or plan) out there if you could just find it.

This episode is for every woman who's ever said "Just tell me what to do" and still ended up feeling stuck, exhausted, or like her body just doesn't respond the way it used to. Elizabeth dives into the mindset traps, the false promises of quick fixes, and the deeply empowering truth about what actually works.

The biggest problem women in midlife face when it comes to their health isn't a lack of discipline—it's the belief that someone else has the secret formula. This belief shows up in the constant search for the "right" diet, exercise plan, supplement, or routine that will finally solve their unexplained symptoms, weight fluctuations, or chronic fatigue. But much like hair care, health isn't a plug-and-play system. What works for one woman in one environment doesn't necessarily work for another.

Women often blame themselves when these one-size-fits-all plans fail. They think they're the problem, rather than recognizing that the plan wasn't made for their body, lifestyle, or needs. This mindset leads to a shame spiral, confusion, and resignation—and keeps them stuck in the cycle of trying harder instead of trying differently. Episode 247 reframes this problem and empowers women to reclaim agency over their midlife health by learning how to trust their own bodies.

• Why your body not responding to health changes might actually be good news

• The surprising connection between hair routines and sustainable health habits

• How to stop outsourcing your health to experts, influencers, or algorithms

Start with the lowest-hanging fruit. In the episode, Elizabeth shares how she stopped expecting instant transformation and began identifying the small, sustainable changes that fit her unique body and lifestyle. You can do the same.

Rather than looking for someone else's answer, shift your mindset to curiosity and observation. Ask: What makes me feel better? What actually fits into my day? Just like curly hair requires different products, application techniques, and care based on texture and climate, your body requires a custom approach that honors how you live and what you need.

The biggest takeaway from this episode is that you are not broken. If the diet didn't work, if the workouts feel like a punishment, or if your symptoms aren't going away—it's not because you're failing. It's because your body needs a different approach.

This episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and empowered. It's an invitation to stop trying to follow someone else's plan—and start building one that actually works for you. The relief? It's not perfection. It's permission to find peace in what's already working.

• Download the 8 Basic Habits That Healthy People Do Guide and Checklist

• Podcast: Total Health in Midlife

• Follow Elizabeth on Instagram @elizabeth.sherman.coach

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/247