You know what they say: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Well, when life gives you menopause, make menopause lemonade! In all seriousness, though, if you’re going through menopause – or are about to – it’s important to arm yourself with as much information as possible. That’s why we’ve put together this list of top tips to help you survive menopause and stay healthy and happy throughout the process.
Get Informed
As we said, knowledge is power. The more you know about what’s happening to your body during menopause, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with it. So read up on the subject, talk to your doctor or a menopause specialist, and make sure you’re as knowledgeable as possible. Websites like The Menopause Exchange offer loads of great information and advice, so start there if you’re not sure where to begin. Armed with the right information, you’ll be able to make informed choices about how to best cope with your menopause symptoms and will be less likely to feel like a victim of circumstance.
Look Online
You’d be surprised by how many menopause resources you can find online, with even online HRT being an option. It’s more than worth looking around for any resources that can specifically help you. There are online communities like Henpicked and even online support groups that are worth considering. These are great places to get the support you need and to talk with other women going through the process.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
One of the best pieces of advice we can give you is to try not to sweat the small stuff. Menopause can be a stressful time, and there’s no need to add to that stress by getting worked up about things that are out of your control. Focus on the things that matter most to you and let go of anything else that’s just causing unnecessary worry. If something really is bothering you, talk it over with a friend or family member – sometimes just saying it out loud can help to put things into perspective. And remember: this too shall pass! Menopause may feel like it’s lasting forever, but eventually, it will come to an end.
Get Moving
We all know that exercise is good for us, but it’s especially important during menopause. Regular physical activity can help to reduce menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. It doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous – even a brisk walk around the block will do. Just try to get moving every day, and you’ll start to feel the benefits in no time. Exercise is also a great way to boost your mood and energy levels, so it’s worth making it a priority even on days when you’re not feeling your best. Trust us – you’ll thank yourself later!
Eat Right
What you eat can have a big impact on how you feel during menopause. So it’s important to make sure you’re eating plenty of fresh, nutritious foods and avoiding anything that could make your symptoms worse. Cut down on caffeine, alcohol, and sugary snacks, and up your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Omega-three fatty acids are also great for menopausal women, so include oily fish like salmon or mackerel in your diet where possible. Eating well will help to keep your energy levels up and may even help to reduce hot flashes and night sweats. So it’s definitely worth making the effort!
Cool Off
Hot flushes are one of the most common menopause symptoms, and they can be pretty darn unpleasant. If you’re struggling to cope with them, our top tip is to try and keep cool. Dress in light, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen. And when a hot flush hits, drink a glass of cold water or take a quick break in the shade or air conditioning if possible. If you don’t have one yet, get a Longmont HVAC contractor to install an air conditioner in your home. And if you’re struggling to sleep at night due to hot flushes, try sleeping with a cool gel pillow or placing a bowl of ice water next to your bed. Doing whatever you can to keep cool will help to make hot flushes more bearable and may even stop them from happening as often. So it’s definitely worth giving it a go!
There you have it – our top tips for surviving your menopause. Just remember: you’re not alone, and this is only temporary! With the right coping strategies, you’ll get through it – we promise.
