Every year it’s the same thing. We make a list of resolutions with the best intentions of sticking to them – we’ll get in shape, read more books, learn a new language – but we’ve already fallen off the wagon.  Have you forgotten what your resolutions even were by now? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. A recent survey showed that only 8% of people are able to stick to their New Year’s resolutions. But why bother trying to achieve the impossible when you could instead be setting yourself up for a positive menopause experience? Let’s dive in.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is the stage in life when a woman has gone 365 days without her period.  It is when the ovaries stop producing eggs and hormone levels decline. It usually begins in women aged 45-55 and can last anywhere from five to ten years. During this time, women may experience a number of physical and emotional changes which can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, memory lapses, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. But don’t panic, some women have no symptoms at all, it’s not all doom & gloom.   There are a number of strategies available that can help women manage these changes so they can live healthy lives during their perimenopausal years. I went through menopause by the time I was 40 when perimenopause wasn’t even a ‘thing’. It wasn’t discussed and I was met with silence when trying to find advice which is why I decided to help other women to not have to go through the same as me.

Create a Positive Menopausal Environment

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing menopause symptoms, there are certain things that all women can do to create an environment conducive to positive health outcomes during this period of life. For starters, it is important to maintain an appropriate exercise routine throughout menopause as regular physical activity helps with fatigue and hot flashes while promoting better sleep quality. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that you are eating nutritious meals as good nutrition is essential for maintaining energy levels and overall wellness throughout menopause. Why not try exploring alternative therapies such as mindfulness meditation or acupuncture which may help reduce stress levels associated with menopause. Finally, don’t forget to stay connected with friends who understand what you’re going through – community support networks can be incredibly helpful during this time.   

Don’t try & be a martyr like your Grandmother

It can be easy to brush off menopause as an inevitability of aging and simply “push through it,” but doing so can be detrimental to your health and wellbeing. Menopause may cause physical symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats but its effects are just as likely to be psychological rather than physiological. Women may start to feel overwhelmed when their hormones shift during menopause, which may lead to depression or anxiety if left unchecked.

How Can I Prepare for Menopause?

The best way to prepare for menopause is by taking steps now that will make you healthy during this time. Eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables will help keep your body strong as it adjusts to hormonal changes. As mentioned regular exercise will help maintain muscle tone and bone density while also reducing stress levels. It’s also important to get plenty of rest. Try going to bed at the same time each night and avoiding caffeine after lunchtime so that your body can recharge its batteries properly each day. Finally, if necessary think about talking with your healthcare provider about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This may help reduce symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats while also protecting against osteoporosis in later life. 

Make Self-Care A Priority

To ensure that you don’t suffer from any undue stress or exhaustion during menopause, it’s important that you make self-care a priority every day. It’s all too easy to become bogged down with everything else going on in life that we forget about our own needs, however, self-care is essential for maintaining good mental and physical health throughout the entire menopausal time. This could include taking time for yourself every day for some much-needed relaxation activities like yoga or meditation, eating healthy meals, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and taking time out for hobbies such as reading or drawing. Taking these steps will help your body adjust better to the hormonal changes associated with menopause and give you an overall feeling of happiness and wellbeing.

Be Proactive About Your Healthcare

It’s also important to be proactive about your healthcare during this time — schedule regular check-ups with your doctor so they can monitor how your body is responding to the changes associated with menopause. They can also provide advice on how best to manage any symptoms you may be experiencing such as hot flashes or night sweats. Additionally, there are many effective treatments available that can help reduce some of the more uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause such as hormone therapy or over-the-counter supplements.  However, these should always be used under supervision of a medical professional in order to ensure safety and efficacy. You could also consider lifestyle modifications such as avoiding spicy foods or wearing layers so that you can easily adjust your clothing if needed when feeling hot or cold due to fluctuating hormones. 

In conclusion, we all like starting fresh at the beginning of each year, it feels inspiring.   Make 2023 the year you finally stick with your resolutions by focusing on something more achievable like creating an environment conducive to positive health outcomes during your perimenopausal years. By taking small steps towards improving your mental health and overall wellness today, you will be setting yourself up for success in the long run.  

I’m not saying preparing for menopause will be easy but it doesn’t have to be difficult either. By making simple lifestyle changes such as eating right, exercising regularly and getting enough rest you can set yourself up for success during this time of life. Consider discussing traditional options such as hormone replacement therapy with your healthcare provider as well as exploring alternative treatments like acupuncture or herbal remedies in order to find what works best for you. So don’t worry about those New Year’s resolutions – start prepping for menopause today and make 2023 your rocking year.