Red Hot Mamas In Charge of Change.
By: Red Hot Mamas
Published: January 22, 2022
Written By Sarah Kaminski- Guest Contributor
Let’s be honest: aging places a particular set of challenges in front of women. As we get older, we face the challenge of coming to terms with our changing bodies and society’s obsession with youthful women. We might feel confused, often uncomfortable, and like we need to work on our self-esteem just like we’re teenagers all over again. The fact that this is when menopause hits certainly doesn’t help.
Self-care can help you get through this transition in a healthy way. We’re here to help make sure you show yourself some love and compassion – because you deserve it.
Accept Yourself
There are some crucial moments in every woman’s life that can shake her world. Menopause is one of them.
Suddenly, you might become a stranger for yourself. You might look in the mirror and feel estranged from the person looking back. You’ll certainly experience emotions and physical changes that you are not used to. Before you start working on self-care, the very first step is to accept the current stage of your life.
So, don’t be afraid to look in that mirror. Tell yourself: This is who I am. I am different from how I was, but it is a good kind of different. I am beautiful. Everything I was and did lead to this point. I’m proud of myself. I accept and love myself.
Spend Time with Yourself
Take some time to get to know the new you. Identify the old needs you still have and the new needs you’ve developed in the meantime. Allow yourself to be self-centered. Do the things you want to do – the things that make you happy.
This can include oversleeping, binge-watching a TV show, going to the movies alone, reading a book, going to a club… whatever you feel like doing. This is the time to reconnect with yourself. Make this a regular thing. Do it once a week.
Value Your Struggles and Achievements
Grab a notebook and a pen. Write down – or even draw – where you have been in the past and where you are now. Journal not only your life triumphs but also the struggles you’ve had to overcome to get to this point.
Did you go through a difficult childhood? A bad marriage? Did you put yourself through school? Overcoming such obstacles is something to be proud of, and both the struggles and the triumphs have shaped who you are today.
Opt for a Healthy Lifestyle
Remember how in your twenties you could go out partying all night, sleep in the next day, and go on as if nothing happened? Well, this is not an option anymore, and it certainly doesn’t make you “weak” or “old.” It just makes you a healthy grown-up who takes care of herself.
This doesn’t mean you can’t have a glass or two of wine. However, you should do everything in moderation. A balanced diet is something that will help keep you in shape and full of energy. Your diet should provide a good source of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and foods that contain plant estrogens.
A healthy lifestyle also demands being physically active. Find an activity that works for you and that you genuinely enjoy. It might be jogging, yoga, gym, dancing, pilates, or anything else that seems enticing to you.
Be Kind to Your Skin
Our skin is evidence of all the life experience we’ve accumulated, but aging gracefully doesn’t mean that you need to leave everything to chance. It’s never too late to adopt healthy skincare habits, which include:
● sunscreen at all times (yes, even during the winter)
● using antioxidants
● applying retinol
● doing facials
● regularly cleansing and moisturizing, etc.
Make sure to allow yourself “the luxury” of visiting a trusted beautician from time to time.
Treat Yourself
Speaking of luxuries – spending time and money on yourself shouldn’t be considered a waste. You deserve to take a warm bath before going to sleep. You deserve to say ‘no’ to someone’s request. You are worthy of pampering. So, don’t hesitate to treat yourself with a mani-pedi. Go to your hairdresser. Buy new clothes and makeup. Take that foreign language course or a dancing lesson.
Have Fun
Socializing is an important part of cultivating mental wellbeing. Make time to meet your friends, and don’t make time for people who don’t make you feel good about yourself. Talk to the people you trust about what you are going through, but don’t be too serious. Have some fun.
Meet up with your girls and book a weekend trip to the spa or someplace exotic. Encourage each other, but also encourage each other’s “crazy ideas.” Every day is a new adventure, and it’s wonderful to share it with someone.
Final Thoughts
Being a woman is a wonderful thing, and every stage of it is worth celebrating. Love who you are, be compassionate to yourself, and take care of yourself. Because you are wonderful, and you should accept and embrace that. This can be challenging, but look at all the previous challenges you have overcome. You’ve got this.
Author Bio:
Sarah is a life enjoyer, positivity seeker, and a curiosity enthusiast. She is passionate about an eco-friendly lifestyle and adores her cats. She is an avid reader who loves to travel when time allows.
