π§ββοΈ Menopause
There’s lots of information on the internet about the menopause. You can learn how to deal with symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, weight gain and more. But what they can’t tell you is what it’s like to go through the menopause.
Menopause has characteristics that are similar to the beginning of puberty, including changes in your body, mood swings and even pimples. Your body is going through a big transition. But everyone’s experience is unique. Some people experience severe and widespread symptoms, while others may barely notice the change.
My own emotional journey has been, and still is, about coming to terms with getting older. It has brought with it fear, uncertainty, sadness, lack of control and the feeling that if I don’t do things now, when will I ever?
As someone who has practised and taught yoga for over 20 years, I’ve learnt to be calm in the face of change. However, there are times when I feel overwhelmed with emotions that are out of control. What I try to do is go back to the basics. In yoga it’s called ‘beginner’s mind’, the concept of letting go of what I think I know and surrendering to the natural wisdom of my body. Easier said than done, I admit.
π§ββοΈ How can yoga help during the menopause?
Yoga for menopause is all about staying cool, calm and centered. You want to keep your nervous system balanced and use the practice to maintain strength without overheating the body. Depending on the style of yoga you practise, a regular yoga practice can help improve your physical strength (bones and muscles), mental resilience, heart health, sense of balance and keep you flexible, supple and agile.
π Benefits:
- Reduce stress and improve sleep.
- Relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, joint and muscle pain.
- Balance your emotions, e.g. anger, anxiety, low mood.
- Restores energy lost due to insomnia and fatigue.
- Boost metabolism, tone and strengthen musculature, build bone density, balance and improve heart health.
- Enhance positive thoughts that improve self-esteem.
π§ββοΈ from Teenager to Queenager
Menopause can feel like a Teenager again, a second puberty with hormones going haywire, emotions up and down, anxiety and overwhelm as your body and brain get rewired for the next stage of life.
Once you have passed menopause you are a Queenager. You have the benefits of life experience, wisdom, knowledge and you know yourself. This is powerful stuff! Instead of your energy and attention being used up in a monthly cycle of Procreativity – instead you can focus on what brings you joy and fulfills you.
π§ββοΈ My own experience
We’re conditioned to think that ageing slows us down. But I truly believe that we could be revving up for the best years of our lives. We just need to find ways to embrace and accept menopause.
Yoga can be a great way to feel good about yourself. When we feel good, we are in a better position to make healthy choices about our lifestyle (diet, exercise, work-life balance) as well as about our relationships.
Please keep in mind that yoga is not a sport or a contest; you will gain the most from going at your own pace and treating your body kindly and compassionately. Rather than pushing yourself once a week, a little and often is better for your health and well-being.
Maybe what I’ve written resonates with you and you’ll want to share it with me. Leave your comment below π I’m here to remind you that change can be beautiful too. Itβs a Second Spring πΈ Go Blossom!
Sandra π