You’re noticing all the signs, the hot flashes, the mood swings, the weight gain, and they’re driving you crazy. Your body has entered into the transition into menopause (a phase called perimenopause), and you’re not sure how you’re going to manage. Don’t despair. There are ways to cope with the onset of menopause. Read on to learn about some of them.
Eat Right
Start out by eating right. It’s okay to treat yourself sometimes, but mostly, your diet should consist of lean proteins, whole grains and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Work on planning healthy meals that still taste great, and choose snacks that are satisfying yet low in fat and calories and high in nutrition. This will help combat some of the weight gain common during menopause.
Stick to an Exercise Routine
A steady exercise routine will also go a long way toward reducing weight gain and helping you stay fit and balanced. Combine cardio and weight training exercises several days per week, and make a firm commitment to stick with your routine even if you don’t feel like exercising. You’ll appreciate the effects in the long run.
Try a New Style
Sometimes the onset of menopause can make a woman feel less than beautiful or desirable. Weight gain and menopause hair loss can threaten your self-esteem. So strike out with a new personal style. Get a haircut with a trendy vibe, or buy some new clothes that look fantastic on you. You’ll feel better about yourself and your life.
Develop Stress-Fighting Techniques
As you approach menopause, you may notice that your stress levels skyrocket, so you’re going to have to develop some stress-fighting techniques that work. You might look into music therapy, for instance, or deep breathing exercises. You could try biofeedback or aromatherapy, too. But don’t neglect to simply have some fun every day. Go out with friends, or take time to read a good book or play a game or enjoy a hobby. These activities can lower your stress and help you find meaning and enjoyment in life even in the midst of menopause.
Work on Emotional Control
Menopause and the hormonal changes in the years leading up to it can wreak havoc with your emotions, and this, in turn, can make you difficult to live with at times. Therefore, you’re going to need to work on your emotional control. If you find yourself wanting to snap at people, take a step back, and literally count to ten before you say something you’ll regret later. There may be times when all you want to do is cry, so have distractions ready to draw your mind away from those overwhelming feelings. Even if it’s reading misheard song lyrics or autocorrect mishaps, be prepared with something to make you laugh.
Use Natural Remedies
When you begin to feel like your body is fighting against you, research some natural remedies you might use to control symptoms and regain balance. If you’re struggling with sleep disturbances, for instance, you might try ginseng. If hot flashes and night sweats have become a problem, consider eating more soy products or licorice. Read up on potential side effects and medication interactions before trying natural remedies, though, and don’t expect miracles. But don’t hesitate to sample some either. They might work for you.
Talk to Your Doctor
Finally, when you begin noticing changes in your body that suggest menopause, make an appointment to talk to your doctor and ask for some advice. Your doctor may be able to suggest natural remedies that will work for you or prescribe medical treatments if you need them.
Menopause and the transition leading up to it can be challenging, but if you follow some of these tips, you might cope more successfully with the change.
