Have you ever found yourself feeling off at work, frustrated, tired, or just not quite yourself, without really knowing why?
Maybe you used to love your job, but now it doesn’t feel as fulfilling or enjoyable. If that sounds familiar, let’s explore something that often goes unspoken, which is the role our emotions and hormones play in how we feel at work.
It’s Not Just About the Job
As women, especially those of us over 40, our bodies and minds are constantly shifting. Hormonal changes, whether it’s perimenopause, menopause, or just the natural ebb and flow of life. can have a massive impact on how we feel. This blog isn’t necessarily about perimenopause or menopause (although that’s definitely part of it for some). It’s about the broader emotional journey of being a woman in a time of change.
When we don’t understand what’s going on inside us, we often start to think the problem is external.
We might blame the job, the boss, the endless Zoom meetings. We wonder if we need to leave and start fresh somewhere else. But sometimes, it’s not about the job, t’s about us.
My Journey: From Feeling Off to Feeling Understood
Here’s what helped me:
- Tracking My Emotions
I began noting how I was feeling each day, whether that was anxious, feeling low, exhausted, or even craving sweet things and marked the day and date in my Google Calendar. I will always, try new things for a minimum of 3 months, as I feel that that is a time, when you to start to see patterns started to emerge and I did, which helped me to understand myself better. - Reading and Learning
A brilliant book called 28 Days by Gabrielle Lichterman was a real turning point. It breaks down the 28-day cycle of moods and cravings, helping you see that you’re not “crazy” for feeling the way you do. It gave me a sense of relief and understanding. - Nutrition and Supplements
I’ve been vegetarian for years, and I realised that as we age, we can lose key nutrients like B12. These deficiencies can really affect our mental wellbeing. By paying attention to what I was eating and making sure I was getting what my body needed, I saw real improvements. - Understanding Others, Too
It’s not just about knowing ourselves better, it’s about understanding those around us. Tools like the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman helped me see why some colleagues need words of affirmation, while others need acts of service or quality time. It makes work relationships easier and more compassionate.
Why This Matters for You
If you’re feeling off at work, even if the job itself still excites you start by looking inward:
- Track how you’re feeling and when.
Use a diary, a calendar, or a journal. - Pay attention to your body.
What are you eating? Are you getting enough of what your body needs right now? - Explore your cycles.
Hormonal patterns don’t end at 40 they keep evolving. Knowing yours can be a game-changer. - Consider how you relate to others.
Understanding your colleagues’ appreciation languages can build empathy and smoother communication.
Before Making a Big Change…
If you’re feeling stuck or off, don’t rush to quit your job or make a huge leap. Instead, take a moment to ask:
- Is this really about the job or about me and how I’m feeling?
- Do I need more self-care or support before deciding?
- Does this job still align with my values and what I want now?
If you need support to explore these questions, I’d love to help. I offer free discovery calls where we can look at where you are, what you need, and what your next steps might be.
You don’t have to stay stuck in that “off” feeling understanding your body, your emotions, and how they fit with your work can be incredibly empowering. And most importantly, it can help you reconnect with the confidence and sense of purpose you deserve.
I hope that you find this helpful and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
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