Podcast Summary: The Nourished Nervous System

Host: Kristen Timchak
Episode: Finding Balance in the Seasonal Transition of Perimenopause
Date: September 4, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Kristen Timchak explores the parallels between the seasonal transition from summer to fall (pitta to vata season in Ayurveda) and the life stage transition of perimenopause. Kristen shares both practical Ayurvedic and somatic strategies for restoring balance during periods of change, focusing on the impact of environmental shifts, daily routine changes, and internal transformation. Through personal reflection and actionable advice, she empowers listeners—whether parents, perimenopausal, or simply navigating change—to nourish their nervous system with intention.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Seasonal and Life Cycles Intertwined

• Kristen draws a vivid analogy between the progression of seasons (spring, summer, autumn/winter) and significant life stages—childhood (kapha), adulthood (pitta), and postmenopause (vata).
  • Quote: “This transition, this time we’re in right now, is the equivalent of perimenopause when we look at the seasons of our lives.” (02:03)
• She describes how physical and emotional changes in nature mirror those in the body and mind during perimenopause: variability, unpredictability, and preparation for rest.

2. Ayurvedic Doshas and Seasonal Qualities

• Kapha (Spring/Childhood): Moist, soft, fresh, new energy, steady growth.
• Pitta (Summer/Adulthood): Fire, water, drive, fullness, activity, vibrance.
• Vata (Autumn-Winter/Postmenopause): Air and space, inward movement, dryness, subtlety.
• The current seasonal shift brings dry, mobile, and erratic qualities—chief Vata traits—requiring special attention.
  • Quote: “Those three qualities, dry, mobile, and erratic, also happen to be three of the qualities of Vata dosha.” (09:11)
• Kristen offers a quick reference for those new to doshic theory (see show notes).

3. Practical Strategies for Balance

Addressing “Dry”

• Hydration: Drink room temperature or warm water.
• Foods: Eat juicy fruits (grapes, blueberries), brothy soups, juicy vegetables (cucumbers, zucchini).
• Body Oiling: Self-abhyanga (oil massage) is especially beneficial.
  • Quote: “If you haven’t been oiling in the summer, this is a really good time to start to put oil on your body.” (15:45)

Managing “Mobile”

• Stillness: Seek brief pauses—watching clouds, meditation, shavasana, yoga nidra.
• Limiting Sensory Overwhelm: Reduce background noise, media, and stimulation.
  • Quote: “Right now, in this time of year, I’m doing that less...finding more moments where I’m just choosing quiet, even if I’m still active and doing something.” (17:32)
• Media Choices: Intake media that feels nourishing and calming.

Stabilizing “Erratic”

• Rhythm & Routine: Reinstitute regular mealtimes and bedtimes post-summer.
• Rituals:
  • Walk after lunch
  • Presence with tea or coffee (make it a mindful meditation)
  • One-song dance break
  • Morning yoga or exercise
  • Foot baths, mindful showers
• Quote: “Little tiny things, when you create that rhythm with them, really make a difference in life...having some consistency with these practices to start to create those rituals.” (22:42)
• Kristen suggests resources like her “Nourished for Resilience Workbook” and “Nervous System Weekend Reset” (see show notes).

4. Zooming Out: Perimenopause as a Major Transition

• Kristen emphasizes that the strategies for seasonal ease are equally vital for the transition of perimenopause:
  • “How can we begin to think about these qualities, dry, mobile, and erratic, and find the small ways to balance them on a daily basis?” (24:07)
• She acknowledges societal resistance to aging and the lack of rites of passage for this stage.
• Accepting change and letting go of past selves is part of transformative growth.
  • Quote: “Transformation can be uncomfortable...but there’s a power in this; there’s a power in the ways that our bodies and minds are changing.” (26:27)
  • Observes parallels between nature’s ease with letting go (plants dying back, trees shedding leaves) and what’s required in perimenopause.

5. Invitation for Reflection and Action

• Small Step of the Week:
  • Wherever you are (in the world, in life), pause and consider which transitions you’re moving through.
  • Ask: What small ritual could help ease your current transition?
    • “Take a moment to reflect on the transition that you are in, and if there are any small rituals that could help to ease your transition.” (31:20)

Notable Quotes

• “Makes me think of hot flashes...It can be a bit windier, a bit stormier, and it’s just the season of change and preparation for winter.” (08:26)
• “I’m really checking that story [of busyness] and taking 10 or 15 minutes after lunch to go out and take a walk and be outside and take some deep breaths...” (21:11)
• “If nature can do it, so can I. Right? So can you.” (29:37)

Important Timestamps

• 00:04 - Introduction & seasonal context in Maine
• 02:03 - Life stages mapped to seasons (Kapha, Pitta, Vata, Perimenopause)
• 09:11 - Qualities of Vata and seasonal transition
• 15:45 - Balancing “dry”: hydration and oiling routines
• 17:32 - Reducing sensory input to create stillness
• 22:42 - Value of rituals and consistency
• 24:07 - Applying seasonal tools to perimenopause
• 26:27 - Embracing discomfort and transformation
• 29:37 - Lessons from nature on letting go
• 31:20 - Weekly invitation: reflect and choose a ritual

Tone & Style

• Warm, encouraging, gentle, and practical.
  • Kristen shares personal anecdotes and normalizes challenges, fostering a sense of community and self-compassion.
  • Practical, small steps are favored over overwhelming or “perfect” solutions.

Conclusion

Kristen Timchak invites listeners to embrace the natural cycles—both in seasons and in life—by noticing qualities of dryness, mobility, and erratic energy, and then skillfully introducing hydration, stillness, rhythm, and ritual. Her guidance is both practical and philosophical, urging presence, acceptance, and connection to nature as medicine for the nervous system in times of transition.

For further resources mentioned, see the episode’s show notes.