In this episode of A Grown Up’s Gap Year – The Podcast, Monique unpacks mid-life maintenance mojo – from mammograms and strength training to swimsuits, perimenopause, and why you should just wear the bikini (if you want to).

You’ll hear:

• Why mid-life maintenance is not vanity – it’s logistics for the adventures you still want (Italian hills, ocean swims, last-minute trips)
• The real talk on swimmers, bodies and confidence: kaftans you don’t actually like, “sensible” shorts, and finding swimmers that let you get in the water, not hide beside it
• A quick, evidence-based nod to Dr Stacy Sims and why women in perimenopause and menopause are not “small men” when it comes to training, hormones and recovery
• The 60% rule: how aiming for “good enough” on decorations, grazing platters and emails can free up the energy you actually need for your own health and happiness
• A listener story about booking five nights at a wellness retreat – just for her – and why maintenance is part of your adventure strategy, not an optional extra

Plus, Monique shares three simple Weekly Actions to get your mid-life maintenance mojo going:

• Book one appointment for Future You (hair, health check, mammogram, GP, physio, strength coach).
• Audit your swimmers and one outfit – anything that makes you wince or tug, goes.
• Choose one area this festive season to apply the 60% rule, and use the saved time for a walk, a swim or a lie-down with a book.

Episode Resources & Links:

• Your SPACE Prescription
• Free Weekly Newsletter
• Dear Blokes Downloadable
• Setting Boundaries That Stick - checklist
• MID Podcast with Dr Stacy Sims

📚 Get your copy of A Grown Up’s Gap Year the book, from Amazon, moniquevantulder.com, bookshops and libraries, subscribe to the podcast, and take the first step toward your own A Grown Up’s Gap Year.

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