Smash the Crash: Meet Your Host, Melissa Hinman

Welcome to episode 14 of Smash the Crash! I'm your host, Melissa Hinman, and today we're hitting rewind to get to know each other a little better.

A Perimenopausal Mom on a Mission

I'm a busy woman – a registered nurse, three months shy of 40, a certified health coach, and a certified menopause coaching specialist in the making. Like many of you, I'm in the throes of perimenopause, juggling the challenges of aging parents, growing kids (one in elementary school, one in middle school), and a demanding job.

From Autopilot to Self-Care

For a while, I was going through the motions on autopilot. Healthy choices fell by the wayside, replaced by stress-induced snacking and a disconnect from my family. As a nurse, I knew this path wouldn't lead to a healthy future.

Healthy Habits at Every Age

Growing up, maintaining a healthy weight was easy. I confess, I graduated high school at a tiny 89 pounds! Back then, I could eat anything without consequence. However, things have definitely shifted with age and motherhood. The demands took their toll, pushing healthy habits to the back burner.

The Surprise of Silver Strands

Perimenopause can bring unexpected surprises, like early gray hairs. While some women embrace them, others find them shocking. Have you noticed these early signs? Interestingly, my silver strands appeared at 18, although I didn’t ditch the hair dye and embrace my natural color until 5 years ago.

Prioritizing Mental Wellness

Five years ago, I also embarked on a journey of self-discovery. This included several months of therapy for anxiety and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – a powerful tool for emotional healing. 

From Stress to Strength

Four years ago, I made a big decision – to break free from the autopilot lifestyle. Stress-induced snacking, late-night couch naps, and a meager 3,000 daily steps were taking a toll. I craved change, and I knew I had to start small.

Micro-Changes, Macro-Results

My focus shifted to intentional movement and healthy eating. I tried (and abandoned) the keto diet – while it offered some weight loss, it wasn't sustainable. Instead, I embraced micro-changes: more walks outside, online fitness classes, and conscious food choices. Swapping carb-heavy snacks for protein options (goodbye M&M's, my chocolate weakness!) made a big difference.

Empowering Perimenopausal Women

These changes brought a surge of energy, improved self-esteem, and a renewed ability to be present for my family. This is why I'm so passionate about supporting other perimenopausal moms.

The Perimenopausal Rollercoaster

This stage can feel like a wild ride. I hear you – you barely have time to breathe, let alone overhaul your life. Don't worry, mama, I get it! That's why we focus on micro-habits – small, sustainable changes that create a significant impact over time.

Building a Supportive Community

We'll delve into practical tips for healthy eating, exercise routines, stress management, and navigating the challenges of midlife – because it's not all sunshine and rainbows. By chipping away at stressors, we can create space for self-care, prioritization, and self-preservation.

Real Stories, Real Connections

Information alone isn't enough. We need relatable stories and real-life scenarios. The Smash the Crash podcast is more than information – it's a platform for connection, hope, and a safe space for perimenopausal women to be seen, heard, and supported.

Let's Talk About It All

We'll tackle everything from career changes to managing emotions, from the joys and challenges of raising children to navigating aging parents and loss. This season can feel overwhelming, but together, we can learn to manage our time and energy more intentionally.

Join the Smash the Crash Movement!

We're here to smash all the things that make perimenopause feel overwhelming. Are you ready to take control and reclaim your well-being? Join this supportive community where you can learn, share, and grow alongside other amazing perimenopausal women.

Let's transform the perimenopausal rollercoaster into a joyride. Don't forget to subscribe for more tips and inspiration. Join our online email newsletter and online community to connect with other amazing perimenopausal moms just like you. You are strong, capable, and amazing – and together, we can Smash the Crash!