Before menopause, I naively thought, “I’m so healthy! I don’t have any hormonal issues! Menopause will be a breeze for me! One day my period will stop, and that’ll be it! No problem!” Oh my gosh, how arrogant could I be?!? Well, perimenopause started (that’s the time before your cycle actually stops) and the Goddess of Menopause cut me down to size, big time! I was quickly having 10+ hot flashes daily, not sleeping, gaining blubber around my midsection, and generally spending a lot of time atoning for my prideful thoughts.
Menopause needs a survival guide!
After several years of research and lots of trial and error, I’m that guide for you! This article doesn’t give me enough space to layout ever single practice to help, but I’m going to hit 5 main highlights, the secrets I have found to success. By the way, I’m now hot flash free, sleeping soundly again (whew!) and blubberless! I swear it’s all possible for you too!
#1 Embrace the Journey
It sounds all airy fairy, but it really is true. You’re going to go through menopause no matter what, so fighting it, hating it or freaking out isn’t going to help. It makes it worse. Accept this is happening and roll up your sleeves and get down to work. If you’re really struggling with issues around aging or letting go of your fertility, then this first step could be a doozy and you may need some therapeutic help to shift these mindsets.
#2 Heal Yourself
Menopause is a time to take an honest look at yourself, really THE time to do this. If you’re having symptoms, then you’ve got some work to do. Remember my arrogant thoughts, that I’m a Holistic Health Practitioner and a Nutritionist so I’m healthy? Well, I had to change my diet, how I exercised, and address my stress levels to get those hot flashes to stop and get some sleep again. Simply adding some essential oils and supplements wasn’t enough. I had to dig in and find what needed healing and then figure out the changes I needed to make. The good news is that I’ve done this overhaul now. I won’t have to do it later when something much more serious than menopause comes knocking at my door (fingers crossed).
#3 Take Time for You
Give yourself time for this important rite of passage. We don’t mark these profound transformations in our culture, but menopause is one of those special times. Allow yourself space and put your energy towards you. I hear from women often how they wish they could go away to a deserted island for a year or so during menopause. You may not be able to take a leave of absence like that, but could you start creating little bits of island time daily? Weekly? It’s OK, even applauded in my eyes, to focus on you right now. Geez, you’ve earned it! You’ve been a partner, maybe a mother, worked, pushed, cooked, cleaned, loved, listened, supported, and been there for everyone else. Now, it’s your time!
#4 Fix What Isn’t Working
This builds on #2. It’s time to see what habits and practices aren’t serving who you really are and want to be. Menopause takes your filter away, so capitalize on that insight. It’s kind of like being pregnant and knowing what works and what doesn’t clearly. If something’s been bugging you or you don’t want to do it anymore – don’t. There are no more rules, other than honoring and loving your wise woman self. You don’t have to exercise like a maniac to stay thin. You don’t have to always be the one to make dinner. You don’t have to say yes when you really want to say no, or hell no!
#5 Love and Trust Yourself and Your Body
Last, but definitely not least, love who you are. Don’t underestimate this last secret to surviving menopause. If this is a hard one for you, then use menopause for everything it’s offering you and fix this for yourself. Loving yourself is the most important key to making the other 4 steps possible. It is the key to setting yourself up for the rest of your beautiful amazing wisdom filled years. Trust yourself too. Don’t doubt your intuition or what you know to be true, regardless of the messages you get from society or anyone else. Trust in your body as well. It isn’t betraying you. It’s letting you know where it needs attention right now. It’s a gift showing you where it needs some help because it wants to set you up for the best rest of your life.
Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.
If these 5 secrets feel like a tall order, don’t worry, I can help. That’s what I’m here for. I can help you wade through figuring out what needs to stay and what needs to go. I can help you know what to do and what not to do. I did the research and put in the hours of figuring out what truly works. I’d love to help you too!
For tips on how to get specific relief from your menopause symptoms Download my Free “Get Menopause Relief NOW!” Guide. I go into practical steps you can take to feel better now.