Red Hot Mamas In Charge of Change.
By: Guest Author
Published: July 14, 2021
Written By Ainsley Lawrence- Guest Contributor
Menopause often comes with a variety of symptoms. Unfortunately, they can range from minor annoyances to major stressors that can impact your life. Some of the most common symptoms include things like sleep loss, weight changes, chills, and hot flashes.
But, because menopause can contribute to so many physical issues, it also tends to cause a lot of stress. For some women, menopause is also linked to feelings of anxiety and depression, taking a serious toll on your mental health.
While you might hear a dozen different “home remedies” for how to deal with menopause, learning how to combat the stress it causes is one of the most important things you can do.
Thankfully, destressing can be easier than you might think.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few activities that can reduce your stress levels, help you to feel more like yourself, and potentially make the symptoms of menopause a bit easier to handle.
Spend Time Outside
There are so many mental health benefits to being outside. Nature can improve your overall mental health by:
● Boosting your mood
● Reducing feelings of anger
● Improving your self-esteem
● Allowing you to appreciate the quiet moments
● Keeping you physically active
Studies have also shown that being outside can reduce your stress levels. That can result in benefits like improved sleep, lower blood pressure, and even an increased sense of spirituality, which might also help you to deal with stress and feel more centered.
Take time to do things you enjoy in nature. Maybe that means planting a garden. Or, sitting on your front porch swing for 30 minutes in the evening. When you take the time to appreciate the benefits of spending time in nature, your stress levels will naturally start to fall.
Unwind With a Drive
What sounds more relaxing than a long drive with the windows rolled down and your favorite music playing?
There’s a reason that seems like such a peaceful fantasy – because it is!
Going for a drive allows you to think and “clear your head” all at once while spending time alone and appreciating your surroundings. Throw in some good music, and it’s easy to let your stress melt away for a while.
Driving can help you to shift your perspective if you’re feeling angry or sad, giving you just enough of a temporary boost to change your mood. Driving can also serve as a much-needed distraction. It allows you to focus on other things for a while, instead of whatever might be stressing you out – including the symptoms of menopause.
Make sure you’re keeping your car well-maintained and taken care of, so you can hit the road whenever you need a break. You’ll keep your car running longer and it will be ready for you whenever you need it as a temporary escape.
Get Active
Because one of the common symptoms of menopause is sleep deprivation, you might find that some days you don’t have a lot of energy. So, exercise may not be at the top of your list of destressing activities.
But, if you can “force” yourself to get moving, you’ll quickly find that exercising can give you a major energy boost. You’ll experience physical health benefits, of course. But, there are also countless mental health benefits associated with regular exercise, including:
● Boosted confidence/self-esteem
● Better sleep
● Stronger resilience
● Helps to alleviate anxiety
Exercising can also improve your overall mood and demeanor thanks to the boost of endorphins it causes in your brain. Even walking around the neighborhood, hiking, or getting involved in another fun activity that will have you moving your body will make a big difference in how you feel mentally and physically.
Start a Journal
When you’re going through menopause, it’s easy to feel like you’re alone. You might not have anyone else in your life going through the same things at the same time. Additionally, you might not want to “burden” your friends and family with your symptoms or concerns.
While you should always strive to open up and talk to the people you love, expressing yourself in any way can help. That’s where a journal can make a difference.
You don’t have to be a great writer to jot down your daily thoughts and feelings in a journal. Doing so will give you the freedom to express everything you’re going through in a day. Simply putting those feelings on paper can offer a huge relief. Plus, you can look back on prior entries and gain greater insight into your stress triggers, and things that work for you to reduce your stress.
Finding ways to destress is incredibly personal. So, don’t feel limited to these ideas. It’s about finding solutions that work for you during this period in your life. But, if you’re not sure where to get started or how to truly unwind, let these activities be a guide to get you going.
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.
