3 Ways To Stay Mind and Body Positive During Menopause

By: Guest Author

Published: September 7, 2022

Written by Ainsley Lawrence- Guest Contributor

Our bodies naturally change as we get older. For many women between the ages of 45 and 55, some of those changes are triggered by menopause. While every woman knows and expects menopause to happen at some point in life, it doesn’t mean the changes you’ll experience are easy to go through.

Menopause symptoms can include things like hot flashes, chills, vaginal dryness, weight gain, sleep problems, mood changes, and more. There’s no denying that these symptoms and many others you might experience can take a toll on your self-esteem and body image.

It’s important to prioritize your physical and mental health as you’re going through menopause. Doing so will not only boost the way you feel, but it can help you stay positive during a time of change. If you’re not sure how to keep yourself in that positive mindset about menopause, here are three suggestions that can help.

1. Accept What You’re Going Through

If you want to stay body positive during menopause, you need to recognize what your body is doing and why. Every woman goes through this. While changes may affect everyone differently, they are a part of life.

If you’re frustrated by those changes, you’re not going to do yourself any favors. Sitting around feeling like you can’t do anything to help yourself means you’re not accepting what your body is going through. As a result, you’re more likely to see yourself in a negative light, and you might even increase your risk of depression.

Reacquaint yourself with what menopause is, why it happens, and which symptoms are normal. You might even consider reaching out to your doctor when you have questions or concerns. You may be unsure if a symptom is the result of menopause or something else, or you just need some support to deal with certain menopausal issues.

If you are experiencing any worrisome symptoms — such as burning, itching, frequent urination, or unusual bleeding — to do with women’s health, urgent care can help see you quickly and resolve these issues. However, most menopausal issues will benefit from ongoing care. Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can give you peace of mind, which can empower you to accept what your body is going through rather than denying it and letting frustration win.

2. Practice Self-care

Finding ways to deal with the regular symptoms of menopause is important. For example, if you’re someone who struggles with hot flashes, you’ll want to figure out the best ways to stay cool so they don’t overwhelm you.

You can reduce the severity of many of your symptoms and improve your physical and mental well-being by practicing self-care each day. Self-care looks different for everyone, and there are no hard and fast rules on what you need to do. It’s about prioritizing your mental and physical health, and some of the best ways to do that include:

●    Exercising;

●    Eating a nutritious diet;

●    Prioritizing sleep.

One of the common symptoms of menopause is difficulty sleeping. If that’s a problem for you, consider what you can do to improve your sleep habits. Establishing a nighttime routine is a great place to start, along with avoiding electronics before bed, making sure your bedroom is cool and quiet, and sleeping/waking up at the same time each day. Sleep deprivation can lead to harmful effects, such as high blood pressure, decreased eye function, and mental health issues. Prioritizing a good night’s sleep will help to strengthen your body, improve your mood and confidence, and give you more energy during the day.

3. Manage Your Mental Well-being

Speaking of mental health issues, it’s easy for them to run rampant during menopause if you let the changes you’re going through impact the way you see yourself. You might not be used to things like weight gain, dry skin, or hot flashes, and it can be frustrating to experience those things when you haven’t changed anything with your diet or exercise routine.

Needless to say, all of the physical issues, combined with fatigue and mood changes, can take a toll on your self-esteem and your mental well-being. Because of that, it’s important to find ways to boost your mental health throughout menopause. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be realistic. However, by choosing to remain positive, you’re more likely to have a better body image and outlook on life.

There are many ways to take charge of your mental health, but it often starts by reducing your stress levels. Whether you’re worked up over the changes you’re experiencing, or life just feels overwhelming right now, de-stressing is a great way to start taking control of your mental wellness. Try things like:

●    Yoga;

●    Meditation;

●    Mindfulness;

●    Journaling.

Even finding a support system of other women who are going through menopause can help to reduce your stress and boost your mental health. You’ll recognize that you’re not alone, and you’ll gain insight into how others are getting through these changes.

If you feel like your mental health is really starting to suffer, you might consider talking to a therapist or counselor about what you’re experiencing. It’s never a bad thing to reach out for help. Even a little support and understanding can go a long way.

Even though every woman deals with menopause, it can easily cause you to feel like you’re alone when you’re going through it. The changes you go through can be difficult to accept at times and can damage the way you see yourself. It’s important to cope with these changes in healthy ways. The more mind and body positive you stay during menopause, the easier it will be to get through. Keep these tips in mind to prioritize positivity through your changes.

Author: Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer that lives in the Northwest region of the United States. She has a particular interest in covering topics related to good health, balanced life, and better living through technology. When not writing, her free time is spent reading and researching to learn more about her cultural and environmental surroundings. You can follow her on Twitter @AinsleyLawrenc3

The views expressed herein this article, written by a guest contributor, do not necessarily represent those of the Red Hot Mamas organization. The content is for informational purposes and should not substitute the advice of your doctor.