No One Told Me This Happens After 30: Body Changes You Should Know

If I could go back and sit down with my 30-something self, this is the letter I’d write—not about career or relationships (though… maybe those too), but about my body. Because in my 30s, I thought I had things figured out. I was active, healthy-ish, and resilient. I could bounce back from anything with a strong coffee and five hours of sleep. But now that I’m in my 40s, I know better.

Here’s what I wish I knew about my body back then—and what I’d lovingly tell my younger self now.

Dear 30-Something Me,

If we could sit down over coffee (maybe one you didn’t reheat three times), I wouldn’t start with your job or your relationship or the 1,000 things on your to-do list. I’d talk to you about your body—because it’s working so hard for you, and you don’t even realize how much it’s trying to say.

Right now, you feel strong. You can rally with coffee and a nap. But trust me—your 40s are coming with a plot twist. And if you knew these things now, that transition would feel a whole lot easier.

Let me tell you what I wish you knew…

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1. Hormones Are Running the Show

You think hormones only matter during your period. But girl—your hormones are running everything: your energy, your mood, your sleep, even your metabolism.
Estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol aren’t just monthly visitors—they’re the behind-the-scenes crew running your daily life. The mood swings, the anxiety, the “random” weight gain? Those are your hormones waving a flag. Start paying attention. Support your cycle. Learn about perimenopause now—not when it smacks you in the face later.

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2. Muscle Is More Important Than the Number on the Scale

You’ve always been active—and that’s amazing. But please stop ignoring strength training. Don’t be afraid of lifting heavy. You don’t need to be “toned”—you need to be strong. You can read my article on why I am now training to be strong, not skinny using progressive overload!

Future you will thank you when climbing stairs and carrying groceries still feels easy. Muscle is gold as you age. It protects your bones, balances your blood sugar, supports your metabolism, and helps you feel empowered in your own skin. Strength training isn’t just a fitness trend—it’s your best long-term investment.

3. Sleep Is Not a Luxury

I know—you’ve got little kids, and sleep feels like something for other people. But no, five hours isn’t enough. Not even close.
Sleep is when your body resets. Without it, your hormones get out of whack, your cravings go crazy, and your skin shows it. Make sleep sacred: cool room, dark space, no screens. Prioritize rest like your well-being depends on it—because it does.

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4. Gut Health Affects Everything

That constant bloating and fatigue? It’s not just “getting older”—it’s your gut telling you it needs help.
In your 30s, you’re eating on the go, skipping meals, and barely thinking about how food makes you feel. But your gut is the gateway to everything: your immune system, your mood, your digestion, even your skin.
Start paying attention. More protein. More fiber. Fewer processed foods. And stop just eating salads! Trust your gut—it knows what’s up.

5. Chronic Stress Is Not a Badge of Honor

You’re juggling it all and thinking that’s what being a good mom, partner, or professional looks like. But under all that productivity is a nervous system on the edge.
Stress isn’t just mental—it shows up physically. Inflammation. Fatigue. Hormonal imbalance. Learn how to slow down, say no, and take a break without guilt.
And that anger or irritability you feel? It’s not that you’re “too emotional”—you’re overstimulated. You need quiet. You need space. You need care too, not just your kids. Check out my article on my favorite ways to relieve stress.

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6. Supplements Are Just That—Support, Not Solutions

You’re trying every new wellness trend, hoping for a miracle fix. But there isn’t one.
Supplements can be helpful—yes, magnesium, collagen, and creatine are staples for me now—but only after you build a strong foundation. Good food. Quality sleep. Movement you enjoy. That’s where the real transformation happens. You can read my article on the supplements I take now.
Then, and only then, do the right supplements help fill in the gaps.

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Final Thoughts:

You don’t have to get it all right, 30-something me. But I wish you’d listen more closely to your body—not just how it looks, but how it feels.
You are strong, beautiful, and capable—but you are also human. Tune in. Be gentle. Build habits that support your long-term health, not just your short-term goals.

And if you’re reading this and you’re in your 30s, consider this your loving nudge to get curious about your body now—not later. And if you’re in your 40s or beyond? It’s never too late to learn, heal, and thrive.

With love,
Me (a little older, a lot wiser)

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💬 Let’s keep the conversation going:
What’s one thing you wish you had known about your body earlier?
Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear from you

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