Why Seasonal Resets Matter in Midlife (and How They Can Change Everything)

Midlife brings a special kind of wisdom—and some unique challenges.

Our bodies and lives no longer operate on the endless "go-go-go" cycle we once powered through in our 20s and 30s. Hormonal shifts, life transitions, career changes, and family demands create a perfect storm that can leave us feeling drained, stuck, or simply out of sync. If this is you, you might prefer the term 'shit sandwich' it can be tough.

But here’s something most women were never taught:

Your body craves a reset at the turning of each season—especially in midlife.

Why seasonal resets matter (especially now)

In Chinese medicine—and in nature—everything works in cycles. Seasons change. Energy rises and falls. If we stay aligned with these rhythms, our vitality naturally renews itself.

But modern life disconnects us from these natural transitions. We tend to treat every day, month, and season the same, while our bodies quietly tell a different story.

By midlife, this disconnection can start to show up as:

• Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest

• Hormonal imbalances (hello, perimenopause and menopause)

• Mood changes and mental fog

• A sense of stagnation or feeling "off"

A seasonal reset gives your body and mind a chance to catch up, recalibrate, and replenish. It’s like clearing out energetic clutter and letting in fresh air—for your health and your life direction.

At midlife, this recalibration becomes even more essential. Our physical energy may no longer feel as limitless as it once did, but our inner wisdom is richer than ever. The problem? We rarely give ourselves the time or space to process, reflect, and integrate the changes that midlife brings. Without pausing to reset, it’s easy to accumulate not just physical tension but emotional and mental overwhelm too.

Think of it this way: just as the trees release their leaves in autumn or the ocean ebbs before it flows, we, too, are designed to let go and renew. Yet most of us push through seasonal changes without noticing how much we’re carrying from one season to the next. A seasonal reset helps you consciously release what’s no longer serving you—whether that’s old habits, stagnant emotions, or simply the fatigue of trying to do it all.

This isn’t just about self-care—it’s about self-honouring. By intentionally stepping into seasonal practices, you signal to your body and mind that it’s safe to pause and receive. You allow your nervous system to downshift, your hormones to regulate, and your spirit to reconnect with what truly matters.

And from that place? Real clarity emerges. Decisions become easier. Your energy becomes more sustainable. And you move through the rest of the season (and your life) with a renewed sense of flow and purpose.

Pause & Reflect

Here's an invitation to pause and reflect as you consider the season you’re in—both in nature and in your life—ask yourself:

🌀 Where am I holding on to what no longer serves me?
🌀 What do I need to release to create space for renewal?
🌀 What would replenishment look like for me right now?

Take a few quiet moments to journal your thoughts or simply sit with them. These small acts of reflection are the first step in aligning with the natural cycles that can support your healing, clarity, and growth in midlife.

What does a seasonal reset with me look like?

It’s not just about green juice and early nights (though those can help!).

A true seasonal reset means:
✔ Honouring the energy of the season. Every season supports a different organ system and emotional landscape in Chinese medicine. Learning to support these shifts brings profound renewal.
✔ Intentional self-care practices. Qi Gong, acupressure, seasonal foods, herbs, breathwork, and body-based rituals that align you with nature’s cycle.
✔ Time away from your everyday environment. Even a one-day retreat can create a powerful energetic shift when done with intention.
✔ Connecting with others. Midlife is a time when women often feel invisible or isolated. Coming together in a shared healing space can be incredibly validating and uplifting.

Ready for a reset?

If your body (and soul) are craving a fresh start this season, I have two beautiful opportunities for you:

One Day Seasonal Immersive Natura Reset Retreats
Join me in Sussex for nourishing, seasonal self-care days. We’ll explore the wisdom of Chinese medicine, move Qi with gentle practices, and create a reset tailored for this time in your life.

Dates available throughout the year—spaces limited - 18th May, 10th August, 14th September, 9th November. Check them out here.

☀ The Natural Reset: 5-Night Retreat in Spain (June)
Step away from it all and immerse yourself in a complete seasonal reset. This intimate retreat combines deep healing practices, luxurious rest, and the stunning natural beauty of Spain’s countryside.

Dates for 2026 —spaces limited - 16th - 21st June + 22nd - 27th September Check them out here. This is for women who want not just a pause, but a transformation. 

Midlife can be a renaissance.

But only if we give ourselves the space to reset, renew, and realign.

I’d love to help you do just that.
Join me here →

If you'd like to know more about acupuncture and how I can help you, pop me an email hello@jodarling.co.uk

About Jo Darling MBAcC Lic Acu, Founder Menopoised®

Jo Darling is an acclaimed Chinese medicine practitioner and retreat leader, with expertise in women’s natural health and the founder of Menopoised® She’s passionate about helping women transition through menopause, whether natural or medically induced and is an experienced oncology acupuncturist.

Jo’s mission is to empower women to live healthier, happier lives sharing her 15 years of clinical experience harnessing the ancient wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine. She successfully works with patients to support them with mental and physical health imbalances from hot flushes to anxiety, low mood or low energy, migraines, insomnia and much more.

Jo integrates a range of Chinese medical techniques including acupuncture, gua sha, moxibustion and offers lifestyle advice (yang sheng) to help women help themselves. She offers both in person and remote treatment incorporating the use of essential oils to activate specific acupuncture points.

Jo Darling Wellness Retreats

Jo runs Chinese medicine retreats in the UK and abroad. Rooted in the principle of the Chinese clock, (when we do the right thing at the right time 1 day can seem like 3) Jo curates your stays to make the most of the energy of the day and season. Making selfcare effortless and lasting.

Her workshops are designed to make Chinese medicine a joy to embody, teaching selfcare tools to inspire you to take care of yourself. Enjoy gentle movement practices, acupuncture treatments, wonderful food and exquisite locations.

Spanish Wellness Retreat, Andalucia 16-21st June & 22-27 September 2025

Rest, restore and revitalise in the magical mountains, waterfalls and sunshine of Andalucia, Spain.

During our time together I’ll introduce you to the theory of the ‘Chinese Clock’ which explains that each organ has peak energy at a specific time of day. I’ll show you how to harness this energy to optimise your wellbeing.

We’ll live and breathe the concept through a series of workshops, gentle movement practices and acupuncture treatments to help you take care of yourself. With lots of spare time in between to enjoy the wonderful food, sunshine, pool and caves of our magical luxury retreat. More info here.

About Bazi Health Readings With Jo

Jo offers Bazi (chinese astrology) health readings to help you to understand yourself better. Through a reading with her you can find out what aspects of your health, mental and physical need more support and find out how to harness your strengths to help you feel better.

What you’ll get from a reading:

* Empower yourself with greater self knowledge

* Understand you physical, emotional and mental potential

* Recognise and hone your strengths

* Learn how to support your health weaknesses

If you’d like to find out more about a Bazi health reading with Jo click here.

How Jo’s Cancer Patients Changed Her Life

Her work with cancer patients, helping to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal treatment has been life changing not just for her patients but also for her.

She noticed her cancer patients often experienced immediate and intense menopause symptoms (as a side effect of their treatment) and for some their hot flushes were so overwhelming they couldn’t even drive to her clinic. Menopausal herself and rocked by her best friend’s cancer diagnosis she decided enough was enough.

Jo says:

“I looked around for effective natural solutions, aligned with my principles and ethos that I could recommend to my patients. What I found was nothing. At least nothing that was proven to be effective that women could use at home and get the same effects as seeing an acupuncturist.

That’s when I took things into my own hands and created Menopoised®. Effective, natural, side-effect free and beautiful to boot. Because, quite frankly why shouldn’t products for menopausal women look and feel gorgeous!”

Armed with her extensive knowledge, practise-based evidence and expertise in Chinese Medicine she set about creating beautiful, effective products herself under the brand name Menopoised®.

Menopoised® Products

The Menopoised Menopause Magnet

For when your menopause is too hot to handle, helps get your cool back naturally. Each box contains four ready-to-wear magnets and 24 replacement plasters. Fast-acting, wear anytime and side effect free.  Read our FAQs here.

Cool & Calm Aromatherapy Cream

This luxurious Cool and Calm cream blends pure essential oils to calm the mind, balance the hormones and cool you down when you’re feeling the heat.

When your temperature’s rising Rose Geranium supports hormonal balance and cooling Peppermint brings a breath of fresh air and clarity. Woody Frankincense instills a sense of peace whilst Lavender’s relaxing properties infuse calm. Wise and cool Clary Sage helps to calm the nerves, with an affinity for hormonal health.

Beautifully blended to nourish and restore this Cool and Calm cream harnesses the richly moisturising properties of cocoa and shea butters to help rehydrate and protect tired skin.

Jo Darling

Please Note

The information on our site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. If you experience any discomfort while using our products, please discontinue use immediately. Do not use our products on broken skin. Please refer to the ‘sensible precautions’ outlined on our packaging and product leaflets. Contact the Menopoised Team on hello@jodarling.co.uk if you need any further advice.