Climbing Kilimanjaro at 40: Health and Resilience Lessons | Altrincham & Hale GP

Climbing Kilimanjaro at 40: What a Mountain Taught Me About Health, Resilience and Self-Belief

By Dr Varshini Rajakulendran, GP, Mayfield Clinic Altrincham & Hale

For more than 20 years I’d dreamed of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. In 2025 I finally made it, marking my 40th birthday with an expedition that became a turning point in how I think about health and wellbeing. Climbing that mountain taught me that long-term goals and better health really are achievable at any stage of life.

The Journey Begins

I first heard about Kilimanjaro through university friends. Later, during medical electives in Malawi and Mozambique, I absorbed the warmth, positivity and resilience of African culture. In 2009 I hiked Mount Kinabalu with my sister and felt the peace and perspective only a summit can give. Problems shrink, gratitude grows and you’re reminded of your place in something vast.

Training While Being a Mum

Balancing early mornings, late evenings and family life was challenging. I often felt mum guilt leaving my children to train. Yet I wanted them to see that women can chase big dreams, that their mum could do hard things and one day they could too.

Lessons from Altitude

Altitude hit me with headaches and breathlessness, like a mild asthma flare that never eased. Some team members struggled more and supporting each other became our glue. Pole pole – slowly, slowly – taught me that pacing, rest and community support matter as much as determination.

Big goals are achieved through small steps taken consistently.

Common Challenges and Practical Takeaways

I often see patients feeling overwhelmed, stuck or lacking confidence. You may ignore your own needs because of guilt or a busy family life. Perhaps you’ve lost routine, sleep or time in nature, feel isolated or experience physical stress symptoms like fatigue, headaches and muscle tension.

Start by slowing down and focusing on one small step – even 10 minutes of walking, fresh air or better sleep can help. Talk to someone you trust and lean on your community. Here are my five key tips:

• Prioritise rest, sleep and recovery as much as effort
• Build a gentle routine: small, consistent habits create lasting change
• Spend time outdoors: nature genuinely boosts mood and resilience
• Lean on your community: shared support makes challenges lighter
• Break goals into tiny steps – one foot in front of the other

If you’re feeling persistently overwhelmed, low in confidence or stuck in patterns affecting your wellbeing, sleep or physical health, early support makes a huge difference.

Book an appointment with me at our Altrincham or Hale clinic or explore our general practice services in Altrincham or in Hale to start making sustainable changes today.