I recently had the most enlightening conversation with Vika Tisher, a certified health and wellness coach who goes by “Your Peri Godmother” (how amazing is that?), and let me tell you – this woman dropped some serious gems about navigating midlife as an entrepreneur. She shared her personal journey and gave us a roadmap for not just surviving this transition, but absolutely thriving in it.
Who Is Vika Teicher?
Vika is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Nutrition Consultant who helps women navigate midlife with a focus on hormonal balance, brain health, weight management, and overall perimenopausal wellness. With over 20 years of experience in yoga, bodywork, nutrition, and coaching, she takes an integrative, science-backed approach that addresses root causes rather than just symptoms. Vika blends modern research with holistic tools to offer personalized, sustainable strategies that support long-term health, vitality, and clarity through every stage of life.
The Real Talk About Midlife Entrepreneurship
First, let’s keep it 100. If you’re feeling different than you did five years ago, that’s not your imagination – that’s biology, honey! Vika shared something that blew my mind: most women entrepreneurs over 50 start businesses at a higher rate than any other group. We’re literally in our prime time for innovation and creativity, even when our bodies are going through major changes.
But here’s where it gets tricky. While we’re pushing forward with our dreams and visions, our bodies are going through perimenopause – that transitional period that can last up to 15 years (yes, you heard that right!). We’re dealing with sleep disruptions, brain fog, mood swings, joint issues, and a whole host of symptoms that can make running a business feel like climbing Mount Everest in heels.
The truth is, some women are literally leaving the workforce because of perimenopausal symptoms. But we’re not going anywhere, are we? We’re going to learn how to work WITH our bodies, not against them.
When Your Body Becomes Your Business Partner
Vika’s story resonated with me deeply. She went from pregnancy and breastfeeding straight into perimenopause, dealing with postpartum depression and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) without even realizing what was happening. Sound familiar? How many of us have been our own Google doctors, trying to figure out why we don’t feel like ourselves anymore?
The game-changer for Vika was getting educated about what was actually happening in her body. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to our health. Once she understood that her symptoms were hormonally based, she could create a strategy to address them.
Here’s what’s happening during perimenopause: our reproductive hormones (estrogen and progesterone) aren’t just declining steadily – they’re going up and down like a roller coaster. These hormones have protective effects on every organ and cell in our body, so when they start fluctuating, we feel it everywhere.
The ABALA Framework: Your New Business Model for Life
Vika introduced me to something called the ABALA culture, and y’all, this is revolutionary. It’s an acronym that represents the mindset shift we need to embrace our second act with grace:
A – Acceptance: This is step one, and it’s non-negotiable. We’re accepting that change is inevitable. We’re not going back to who we were at 25, 30, or even 35. Some things will get harder, some will get easier. Some relationships will deepen, others might end. Instead of working so hard to get others to accept us or trying to turn back time, we’re turning the tables and accepting ourselves first.
B – Belonging: This isn’t about fitting in – we’re way past trying to squeeze into old versions of ourselves (literally and figuratively). This is about belonging to a community where we can bring our whole, authentic selves. Even with brain fog, even with hot flashes, even with all the changes happening in our bodies. We’re finding our tribe and being real with each other.
L – Liberation: Here’s where it gets exciting! As our reproductive hormones decline, we’re being freed from years of being under their influence. Those hormones that once made us say “yes” when we should have said “no” are loosening their grip. We’re coming back to our essential selves, and that’s where the magic happens.
A – Allowing: Can we allow ourselves to expand? Can we allow a full range of emotions? Can we allow self-care to be a priority? Our bodies need more rest, more pause, more nourishment right now. And can we allow new interests and ideas to emerge? Because they will, and they’re going to be brilliant.
Fueling Your Empire: Anti-Inflammatory Living
Now let’s talk about keeping our energy up for all the boss moves we’re making. Vika emphasized the importance of anti-inflammatory eating and lifestyle, especially during this transitional period. When we’re losing the protective effects of estrogen and progesterone, it’s more crucial than ever to support our bodies through nutrition.
Here’s the real tea: our bodies are already dealing with hormonal chaos. If we’re adding inflammatory foods like highly processed items, excess sugar, and alcohol to the mix, we’re essentially adding fuel to an already burning fire. But when we focus on whole foods, plenty of vegetables, healthy proteins, and low-glycemic fruits, we’re giving our bodies a chance to cool down and function optimally.
The Sugar Situation: I know, I know – when we’re stressed, that chocolate or those cookies are calling our names. But sugar creates inflammation and leads to that terrible cycle of cravings. Instead, focus on balanced, nutritious meals that stabilize your blood sugar and your mood.
Grace Over Perfection: Here’s what I love about Vika’s approach – every meal is a fresh start. Had something less than ideal for lunch? Don’t let it derail your whole day. The next meal is another opportunity to nourish yourself well.
Feeling at Home in Your Changing Body
One of the most beautiful analogies Vika shared was thinking of our bodies like a houseboat rather than a fixed house. We’re riding the tides of hormonal fluctuations – sometimes it’s low tide (low hormones), sometimes it’s high tide, but we’re learning to feel at home in the movement.
What does “home” look like? It’s waking up after a rough night of sleep and accepting where you are. It’s giving your body what it needs – nutrition, hydration, movement, sunshine, and positive thoughts. It’s not wasting energy worrying about the imperfect night’s sleep or the hot flash that interrupted your important call.
Home is laughing about the brain fog moment when you walked into a room and forgot why you came. Home is treating your symptoms if you choose to, but not suffering in silence. Home is saying, “This too belongs” to every sensation, craving, and mood that comes up.
Building Your Village
Here’s something that absolutely cannot be overlooked: the power of community. Vika mentioned that in her workshops, women literally report their symptoms improving just from connecting and sharing with others. We’re not meant to go through this alone!
Start talking about this with your friends. Share what’s helping you, share where you’re struggling. Laugh about the ridiculous moments. Build relationships with healthcare practitioners who see you as an equal partner in your wellness journey.
Your Second Act is Just Beginning
The most exciting thing about all of this? We’re entering our most powerful phase. The data shows that women over 50 are starting businesses at unprecedented rates. Our brains are changing, our perspectives are shifting, and new ideas are emerging that we couldn’t access before.
This isn’t about managing decline – this is about stepping into our power. We’re not the same women we were in our 20s and 30s, and that’s exactly the point. We’re wiser, more discerning, more authentic, and more focused on what truly matters.
Take Action, Beautiful
If you’re ready to stop suffering in silence and start thriving in your second act, here’s what I want you to do:
- Get educated about what’s happening in your body
- Find your community – start those conversations with friends
- Prioritize anti-inflammatory nutrition and lifestyle choices
- Practice the ABALA mindset daily
- Work with practitioners who support your vision of wellness
Remember, every successful entrepreneur knows that adaptation is key to survival and growth. This season of life is asking us to adapt, and when we do it with grace, acceptance, and the right support, we don’t just survive – we absolutely soar.
Your second act is waiting, and it’s going to be spectacular. Let’s embrace it together, one nourished, rested, and empowered day at a time.
Connect with Vika
Website: https://vikahealth.com
