I never saw menopause coming and thought I would skip it, and that didn’t happen! Yeah that didn’t happen. Menopause hit me like a 90 foot wave and I am riding it however there are days I feel like the impact is overwhelming and I just can’t swim through it. Why are we not talking about this? I never expected the change nor understood the impact.
It can be truly surprising when it arrives, especially if you haven’t yet expected to go through it. It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions about this change. Believe me! Remember that your experience is valid, and there is always time to approach this phase with a mindset that supports your well-being. What helped? My mindset and support.
Navigating menopause with a positive mindset can significantly affect how you experience this phase of life.
Here are some tips to help maintain a healthy menopause mindset:
Table of Content:
Embrace Change as Growth
- View menopause as a natural transition that opens doors to new opportunities. This period can be a time for self-discovery, reflection, and personal growth.
Prioritise Self-Compassion
- Be kind to yourself. Understand that menopause comes with physical and emotional changes, and it’s okay to feel differently. Practice self-compassion by acknowledging your feelings and giving yourself grace during challenging moments.
Stay Informed
- Educate yourself about menopause. Understanding what’s happening in your body can reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
- Practice Mindfulness
- Incorporate mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your daily routine. These practices can help manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance well-being.
Cultivate a Support System
- Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or a community who understand and respect what you’re going through. Sharing your experiences with others can alleviate isolation and provide emotional support.
Focus on Physical Health
- Engage in regular physical activity, maintain a balanced diet, and get adequate sleep. Taking care of your physical health can improve mood, boost energy levels, and help manage menopausal symptoms.
Redefine Your Identity
- Use this time to explore new interests, hobbies, or career opportunities. Redefining your identity beyond your traditionally played roles can bring a renewed sense of purpose and excitement.
Seek Professional Guidance
- Don’t hesitate to consult healthcare professionals, such as doctors, therapists, or counsellors, for guidance and support. They can provide valuable advice and help manage symptoms effectively.
Celebrate Your Journey
- Celebrate your accomplishments and the wisdom you’ve gained over the years. Recognize the strengths and resilience that have brought you this far, and honour the journey ahead.
A positive menopause mindset can help you navigate this phase confidently and gracefully.
It’s natural to have mixed emotions about menopause. This transition can bring up feelings ranging from uncertainty and frustration to acceptance and even curiosity about what this new phase of life might hold. It’s essential to permit yourself to feel all these emotions without judgment.
Here’s my poem that reflects the journey of menopause…
Embrace the Change
In the quiet of the night, when the world is still,
A gentle shift begins, a journey of the will.
The seasons turn within, a dance of time and age,
Menopause, a whispered word, a turning of the page.
No longer bound by cycles, the moon’s familiar tide,
A freedom in letting go, with wisdom as your guide.
The heat that rises, like flames within the soul,
It is the fire of transformation, making you whole.
A time to honour all you’ve been and all you’re yet to be,
To stand within your power, unburdened and free.
For every line that graces your face, each silver thread of hair,
It is a testament to your life and the love that’s always there.
Embrace this change, dear one, with grace and tender care,
For in the heart of menopause, a new strength you’ll find there.
It’s the rhythm of the earth, the wisdom of the sage,
An honour to grow older and to step onto this stage.
So let the seasons change within, and let the winds blow free,
Menopause is not an end but a new beginning to be.
