Menopause can change your body in ways you may not have known were possible. Some women experience mild symptoms when they hit menopause, while others find themselves going through drastic changes they have never experienced before. From hot flashes to difficulty sleeping, there is a chance that the end of your menstrual cycle can be a big disruption to your daily life; however, there are ways to cope and work with your body until you have made it through to the other side.
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1. Meditate
Mindfulness and meditation are two great strategies you can implement at the onset of menopause to help you throughout the process. Meditation can reduce symptoms of stress and depression, and it can overall improve a negative mood, as supported by Mayo Clinic. With an increase in the popularity of meditative practices, there are many options to choose from depending on your interests. If you want to be surrounded by people on your journey, you may consider joining a menopause support group that employs mediation as one of their coping strategies. On the other hand, if you want to go solo, there are many free guided videos on platforms like Youtube that can be a great starting point.
2. Maintain Your Nutrition
Many people know that menopause causes a fluctuation in hormones, but it is less commonly known that these changes can weaken your bones and lead to osteoporosis, according to the Endocrine Society. In order to offset this change, it is imperative that you keep up with your nutrition and ensure that you are receiving the vitamins and minerals you need to maintain your health. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean meats and whole grains, is often the starting point for a nutritious diet. Additionally, some women may choose to take menopause support supplements to support their wellness.
3. Drink More Water
While it may sound like a simple step, Healthline suggests that drinking an abundance of water can help to alleviate some of the dryness that is often associated with menopause. Decreasing estrogen levels lead to overall dryness, especially when it comes to the skin and vagina. Staying hydrated is always a good idea to maintain health, but it is also a natural aid when it comes to the more unpleasant side of your hormonal changes.
4. Find Ways To Move
Keeping your body active can not only support your overall wellness, but
can also help you regulate your emotions and discover new interests. According to Walden University, exercise is a scientifically proven mood booster. It can also increase sleep quality, which is an issue many women face while going through menopause. You may already have active habits that you want to maintain, or you may be in search of something you enjoy. Going for walks with family and friends, starting a yoga class, or lifting weights are all approachable ways to fit in a dose of fitness. Wherever you are on your exercise journey, it can be a great way to blow off steam and show your body some appreciation.
5. Celebrate the Change
If your body has changed in appearance or function, it may be hard to come to terms with. Throughout your menopause journey, it is important to acknowledge anything you feel, whether the emotion is positive or negative. Keeping a journal or recording voice memos to document your experience can help you see how far you have come. At the end of the day, your body needs love and gratitude for everything it does for you. While it can be difficult to shift your perspective, take the time to get to know your new body and celebrate it for all that it has accomplished, and all it has left to do.
Feeling your body change can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. Taking steps to maintain your health and embrace this new chapter of your life can make menopause a freeing experience.