Top 5

With maybe the least obvious first…

1) Radical Self Love

When those close to you are used to your constant support, it can be hard for them to accept that you need more self-care. However, prioritizing yourself can be a relationship saver. Trust your intuition to take a solo sunset walk or reconnect with an old friend for a weekend getaway. Please yourself without justification. Pleasing others is just too exhausting during the menopause transition. Give yourself a break.

Being self-full, not selfish, allows you to share your love and energy more effectively. Reflect on how often you prioritize your needs. Experiment with asking for exactly what you want and saying no to what you don’t want… It’s revolutionary!

2) Trash and Burn?!

Sometimes change is necessary to alleviate the fury that many women feel in menopause. You might need to leave your job/husband/pets or convince your adult children that now is a good time to move out!

Alternatively, focusing on internal transformation rather than external changes can be powerful. External changes might distract from the internal metamorphosis happening. Meditative practices can really help us tune into what’s going on on the inside.

Sometimes you can create the life you want without drastic changes. One of my clients wanted space from her family and considered a divorce but instead she put a caravan in the garden, using it as her living space and artists studio whilst still joining the family for dinner. Sounds good to me!

3) The Language of Touch

During menopause, a woman’s libido can drop for a while, making touch that is loaded with sexual expectation unwelcome. However, touch is very important to human beings. It releases happy hormones and can alleviate turbulent emotions and pain.

Some people resist touch to avoid confronting the emotions that can be experienced when we stop “doing, doing, doing” and let ourselves feel. But touch can be incredibly beneficial. Simple self-care like massaging tense areas or using magnesium butter can help you reconnect with your body and understand your needs during menopause.

Treat yourself to a session with a body worker and see how it affects your mood and your body.

4) Bathe in Nature

Spend time in nature. Doesn’t it feels great to see wide horizons, ancient trees, or rolling mountains instead of buildings and cars.

And it doesn’t need to be for days even or some kind of hardcore wilderness journey (thought that would probably be great too).

Whether picnicking by a river or hiking the hills, being in nature reduces stress and boosts health, increasing your bodies natural killer cells.

A 2011 study found that a 15 minute walk in a forest even significantly lowered blood pressure!

5) Natural Remedies

There are many herbs out there that can alleviate menopausal symptoms. Herbs like Black Cohosh and Sage are well known as traditional remedies.

But I’ve had great results with more unusual things like:

• Ashwaganda for anxiety and anger

• Lions Mane for brain fog

• Sea buckthorn for vaginal dryness

There are many more herbs, supplements and dietary changes you can make to support yourself. Talk to a professional for dosage and further information.

And see our FB/Insta posts for nutritional, herbal and supplemental inspiration.