Lately, I have found myself waking up at 3 a.m. for no reason, or suddenly gloomy to bouts of hunger while the pants are feeling a tad tighter. And this is just a bit of what my body and mind are experiencing these days. After doing some research from the Mayo Clinic and having open and vulnerable conversations with my girlfriends, these symptoms are common as we enter the stage of perimenopause, the prelude to menopause.
From hormonal shifts, mood swings, hot flashes, and a general sense of feeling off, doctors may prescribe medications to help, but often our bodies need more than the reliance of a pill or supplement. And this is where some mindfulness may help.
As I have argued before, mindfulness does not need to break the bank or be a fancy overly priced yoga class. Mindfulness can be as simple as pausing to breathe, smelling lavender, taking a walk around your local garden or flower shop, writing a few words on paper to let your brain empty out or simple stretches to calming music. These small moments help us reconnect with our bodies, our emotions, and our strength. Since we are all busy, it is perfectly okay to only manage one of two mindfulness practices into our day or week.
But keep in mind, when we allow ourselves to slow down and to honor what our bodies are asking for, we are showing self-care. Always remember, we are not broken for our bodies and minds are evolving as we enter menopause.
If you are walking this path, know you are not alone. Through mindfulness, movement, rest, and self-compassion, we can embrace this chapter with resilience and peace. There is no shame in admitting or hiding the hurdles you are facing during the pre-menopause and menopause stages of life. Ironically, we should be grateful that we have the chance to age and change.
So, here is to simple and practical wellness tips in midlife with grace, grit, and a lot of heart. Always talk openly and honestly with your doctor because they will know best how to help you.
Mindfully curated by Debra Gudema for Well&Co.
📸: SDI Productions / iStock