As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st and we bid farewell to one year and welcome in the next, many of us will be making resolutions as the start of a new year is the perfect time to set goals & intentions. Those of us who are peri/menopausal have the opportunity to take charge of our health in ways that will help us to transition into this new stage of our lives with ease.
Here are some resolutions that can help put you on the path of success for your rocking life.
Resolution #1: Get Moving – Exercise can be like magic for menopause symptoms – it increases your energy levels and helps reduce hot flashes and night sweats.
Regular activity helps improve our cardiovascular health, keep hormones balanced, reduces stress and releases endorphins which helps combat stress and depression. Not only does it help keep your body healthy and fit, but it can also help reduce symptoms such as fatigue & mood swings. Even if it’s something as simple as going for a walk every day or joining an online yoga class, make sure to add some physical activity into your routine this year. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous; just something to get your body moving and boost your circulation. Whatever activity you choose, just remember to stick with it throughout 2023 so that you have a healthy routine in place.
Resolution #2: Eat Well – We all love to indulge in delicious treats from time to time but our overall diet plays an important role in how we get through menopause. Eating processed foods high in sugar and salt can potentially worsen symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue. Focus on eating mostly whole foods such as fruits and vegetables which provide your body with much-needed nutrients like vitamins A and C, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats such as avocado or salmon which can keep your skin glowing while reducing inflammation throughout your body. And don’t forget to stay hydrated – drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep our bodies functioning optimally and may even help reduce hot flashes but make sure you limit the caffeine intake.
Resolution #3. Find Your Zen – Meditation has been shown to help reduce hot flashes and night sweats—two unwelcome side effects of menopause. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety which are associated with a decline in oestrogen levels during perimenopause. Make it a goal to meditate every day—even if just for 10 minutes—in order to find some inner peace and prepare yourself mentally for menopause.
Resolution #4. Pamper Yourself – When was the last time you went out of your way to do something nice for yourself? Women often forget about themselves while taking care of others around them so make sure to carve out some “me” time this year and pamper yourself with massage therapy or a relaxing bath once in awhile. This can help relax the mind and body while providing some much needed respite from the various stresses of life. Take some time out every week to do something that brings you joy (or just relax!). Whether it’s reading a book, taking a bubble bath or meeting up with friends – find something that makes you happy and makes you feel energised afterwards. You deserve it!
Resolution #5 Educate yourself – Learning about the physical and emotional changes that come with menopause can help you prepare so that you feel more empowered and less overwhelmed by them. The first step towards taking control of your health during menopause is to educate yourself about what happens during this life stage. Learn what the symptoms are, what they mean, and how they can affect your life. That way, you can be prepared for what to expect and know what steps you need to take in order to manage them.
Why not download our free symptom checker & checklist at the bottom of this page to keep a track of them for when you speak to your GP or other health professional?
Making positive changes in your life doesn’t have to be hard or intimidating—it just takes a bit of effort. And if you’re approaching peri/menopause, there’s no better time than now to take charge of your health so that you can enjoy these years feeling strong, vibrant, and empowered.
Resolve to take care of yourself by making small changes throughout 2023 that will put you in a better physical and psychological state when menopause finally arrives – because trust me when I say it’s coming whether you like it or not! From exercise routines to relaxation methods such as meditation, there are many things you can do now that will provide positive results later on down the road—allowing you to welcome 2023 with open arms.
Let’s make 2023 the year you have a rocking life. Happy New Year everyone x
