For many women, going through menopause is one of the toughest stages in life as the door to conceiving children closes and because of the stereotypes associated with having the menopause. Accepting that our childbearing years are likely to have been over quite a few years ago, viewing menopause in a more positive light and celebrating a new phase of womanhood can ease the transition and make us feel more confident and positive.
There is sometimes a huge emotional attachment for women going through menopause as our bodies reach the end of child-bearing years and some find it hard to adjust to the physical changes to our bodies as well as how this affects us emotionally. It’s true that hormone levels can play havoc surging and dipping whenever it pleases, leaving many feeling emotionally drained and out of control but menopause is very much a psychological game too.
Be kind to yourself and allow your body and mind the time to absorb, adjust and allow different feelings and emotions to come and go and travel freely. It’s best to talk about any anxieties and fears. Physical symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, weight gain and insomnia can all contribute to you feeling low in self-esteem, but try to think positively and remind yourself that you’re not alone in this boat.
Of course we would all like to stay younger for longer, but there is nothing wrong with ageing and nor should we be afraid of it. As women, we should welcome our changing roles and not consider ourselves just as “the mother”. This is our time! If we have had children they will be growing up, we have a lot of experience under our belts and we have survived a few knocks and bruises along the way, but we are a powerful force! As a group we are more able to observe, read a situation, be intuitive, evaluate and communicate effectively and we are likely to have strong relationships. We contribute enormously to the economy, community and society as a whole and we are getting even better at it.”
Tips on coping with menopause
Boost your Mood
With the surging hormones racing through your body, taking on more Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet such as salmon and flaxseed can help to keep your moods at bay.
Acupuncture
The ancient Chinese remedy of acupuncture has shown to improve waves of hot flushes, and to give you a better sense of inner peace and tranquility.
Change your mentality
Going through menopause is a natural ageing process, so don’t be afraid of it. Your children are now grown up and independent, so enjoy this time, get out there and pursue your dreams. Age can be seen as wisdom.
Keep your bones strong
Bone mass is known to radically reduce in menopausal women. To avoid osteoporosis later in life, it is vital to increase your daily calcium intake such as low fat dairy products and calcium-rich foods such as kale and almonds.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can teach you coping strategies and ‘paced’ breathing when symptoms of menopause becomes too hot to handle. This is particularly effective for those who are naturally anxious.
About the Author / Lynda Shaw
Lynda is an international professional speaker and her expertise and energy led to receiving the esteemed Professional Speaking Award of Excellence in 2017; the highest accolade for UK professional speakers as chosen by their peers. Lynda has presented TEDx talks, written multiple articles for Forbes and appeared on several podcasts, radio and even TV. At the moment Lynda is President Elect for the Professional Speaking Association UK&I.
