Jessica Dickson is 53 and standing on that familiar edge so many of us reach in midlife: the verge of menopause, where your body starts doing things you didn’t sign up for and your mind feels like it’s running different software overnight. She genuinely believed that eating well and taking care of herself would mean an easy ride through perimenopause, and then came the plot twist: weight gain, belly fat, broken sleep, hot flashes, night sweats, exhaustion, and a personality shift that left her wondering who she’d become. In this conversation, Jessica shares what it was like to feel suddenly unfamiliar to herself and how she steadied the ground beneath her feet with simple, consistent support, especially prioritising sleep and learning that boundaries aren’t selfish, they’re necessary.
Who are you, and what season of midlife are you in right now?
I am a 53-year-old woman on the verge of menopause. I honestly thought if I ate right and took care of myself, I would breeze through perimenopause without any issues.
What surprised you most about midlife or menopause?
I was surprised when I turned 50, and I suddenly did not know whose body and mind I was living in. I gained weight and belly fat, I couldn’t sleep, I had hot flashes and night sweats, and I had zero patience and was exhausted all the time. I was worried I would have to work quickly because I was so weak and tired. I was turning from a friendly, easy-going person into someone who was uptight and irritated all the time.
What’s been the hardest part that people don’t talk about?
I started reading and studying everything I could get my hands on to try to find ways to deal. I felt encouraged when I talked to other women and found out I wasn't alone in this struggle.
What has helped you most (a habit, a mindset shift, support, HRT or no HRT, community)?
Getting enough restful sleep was a priority for me. I found that taking Holy Basil, magnesium and tart cherry juice before bed helped me to sleep through the night. I felt so much better and handled life more calmly when I was rested. I was able to do my daily workouts and get through a full day of work. I did not need HRT, but would have considered it if nothing else helped me.
What are you unlearning?
I am unlearning being available for everyone all the time. I know now that I do not have the endless energy I had when I was younger. I need to set boundaries around my schedule and take the time I need to care for myself.
What do you wish you could tell your 35-year-old self?
I wish I could tell my 35-year-old self to slow down and enjoy every little thing. Years go by fast, and you never get the time back.
What do you want other women to know they’re not alone in?
I want other women to know they're not alone in feeling lost. We don't have the body, the looks and the energy of our youth, but we do eventually get to a place of calm and wisdom that is a gift to cherish.
What’s one small ritual or practice that’s keeping you steady in your daily life?
One small practice that keeps me steady in my daily life is taking time to stretch and meditate at the end of the day. It keeps my body and mind going strong.
What I appreciate about Jessica’s story is how honest and practical it is. She doesn’t pretend it was easy, but she also doesn’t make it dramatic. She shows what so many women discover the hard way: when you’re rested, you can cope. When you’re depleted, everything feels heavier than it needs to. Her commitment to sleep, gentle supplements, daily movement, and the quiet ritual of stretching and meditation is a reminder that midlife support doesn’t always have to be complicated; it just has to be consistent. And her message lands softly but clearly: if you’re feeling lost, you’re not alone. You may not have the looks or energy of your youth, but what you’re moving towards is something just as valuable, a steadier kind of calm, and a wisdom you’ll be glad you grew into.
If you’d like to be part of the ‘5 Minutes With…’ series, or you know a woman whose voice would feel like medicine here, email me at hello@kiransinghuk.com. And if you’re reading this thinking, same, tell me in the comments: what are you unlearning in midlife?