The days of punishing our bodies into submission for weight loss or improved health finally are coming to an end.
Throughout the years, women have learned the hard way that trying to force their bodies to lose weight or fit into a certain mold has led them down a path of disease, frustration and disconnection. But I believe 2025 will mark a turning point — a year when women begin to truly reconnect with their bodies and make lasting changes that feel good, sustainable and empowering.
For decades, women have been told to starve themselves, to obsess about calories in versus calories out as the ultimate solution to health and weight loss. Now that women are increasingly involved in research, it’s becoming clear that this equation was never the full picture.
Women’s bodies are intricate, intelligent systems that carry generations of wisdom and knowledge. They ebb and flow with the seasons of life and the rhythms of nature. What women are beginning to understand is that when they take the time to listen to their bodies, they can guide them back to health and well-being.
I believe that if women learn to speak the language of their bodies, they will thank us. By tuning in, women can understand what their bodies are trying to communicate through symptoms like headaches, hormone imbalances, anxiety, fatigue, weight fluctuations or a lack of appetite. These are signals that our bodies are trying to get our attention.
The first step in learning this language is education. Understanding how bodies work is essential. Once women know what’s happening inside, they can better decode the symptoms that arise and understand what their bodies need to restore balance.
Sometimes, seeking outside support — whether from a health care professional or a holistic practitioner — can help on this journey, guiding toward greater self-awareness and self-care.
Step two is about tuning in. Women must make time to truly listen to their bodies. This requires blocking out the noise of external influences, whether from social media, social circles or daily distractions.
I find that spending time in nature, journaling or simply sitting in solitude allows me to connect more deeply with my body’s messages. This quiet time can help women to hear what their bodies are telling them, allowing them to take the necessary steps toward healing and vitality.
Let’s make this the year of reconnecting with our bodies — not through force or restriction, but through understanding, compassion and partnership. When we listen, when we truly hear them, our bodies will lead the way back to health.
Bri Edwards is a holistic health coach at Healthy Foundations in Dubuque.
