Menopause is a turning point in any woman’s life. It can be tough to handle: physical stress and erratic emotional shifts take place at the same time for a long period, feelings of “losing” a big part of you wash over… simply put, menopause is no walk in the park.
Here are some ways to help you deal with these big bodily changes, and make navigating menopause easier:
- Mind your diet
Going through menopause puts the body under so much stress, so it’s important to watch what you put in yours. Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet to bolster your well-being as menopause can cause a steady decline in hormones. Avoid food that has a lot of fat to keep your cholesterol levels stable, and steer clear of snacks that have a high amount of artificial sugar. Sticking to a healthy, balanced diet can lessen severe symptoms like an impacted immune system, or digestive issues.
Eating healthier can also help keep your moods stable. A large intake of sugar and fatty foods can make one feel bloated, which can contribute to negative feelings regarding body changes that will occur. A general rule of thumb when it comes to diets is to add, not subtract. Avoid subtracting from the healthy food portions that allow your body to function properly; add more food items that could help you.
- Hydrate
A common symptom that comes with menopause is frequent hot flashes. Hot flashes are characterized by a sudden wave of heat on your upper body, along with sweating and redness. This can cause great discomfort, and for some people, it can cause dehydration and shortness of breath. Drink eight glasses of water daily to keep up with the amount you sweat out when hot flashes happen. Hydration can also help you maintain a cooler internal temperature.
That being said, not all fluids can keep you hydrated. Instead of going with the usual juice concentrates, try to get your juices fresh. Or if you’d rather fully stick to water, adding cucumbers or lemon slices could give it more flavor and help detoxify your body. Avoid drinking alcohol because intoxication raises the body temperature, and it could contribute to the discomfort that hot flashes bring.
- Stay in shape
Squeezing in some exercise can make you stronger and less susceptible to severe symptoms of menopause. Light yoga can ease muscle pains, and daily jogs can get your heart rate pumping steadily. Staying in shape can also help boost happy hormones that can fight any body dysmorphia brought about by these hormonal changes. Any amount of physical activity that you can manage helps a lot!
For stubborn areas, like double chins or muffin tops, things like CoolSculpting can help. This is a non-invasive procedure that freezes excess fat cells in the body so they are processed and let go easily. It’s a nifty process that you could go for if continued physical activity puts your body through more stress than necessary. Do some research before booking an appointment: CoolScuplting tends to be booked a lot as it’s a quick way to shed fat.
- Pamper yourself
Menopause brings about just as much emotional and mental stress as the physical, so make sure to treat yourself gently. Run yourself a warm bubble bath to soothe any aches, or sit outside and have a quiet brunch in the garden. Being indulgent with yourself will make you feel less emotional, plus it’s a nice treat once in a while. Watch episodes of your favorite show with a face mask on, and then do your skincare routine to some calming music.
Engaging yourself in relaxing activities can lower your cortisol levels greatly. During menopause, hormones can feel all over the place, and an abundance of cortisol (the stress hormone) could occur even with less drastic mishaps. Even something as minimal as dropping a plate could lead to irritation or even a crying jag with how haywire things can be. Treating yourself kindly with good food or fun gifts can help you navigate shifts in emotional stability, as well.
- Reach out
Menopause can also trigger a series of depressive episodes and low moods. The feeling of losing a big part of one’s womanhood can make someone spiral into despair, so seeking professional help is also a good option. Therapy can be a safe space for you to express heavier emotions that your friends or family might not be as equipped to handle, as well as a good method of self-care in general. Letting your loved ones know what’s going on can also help them understand you better, and be as present as needed.