Whether we like it or not, every woman will go through menopause one day. This transition is a natural part of life; it’s how the body moves from a time of fertility and creation into a time of newfound resilience. While this may sound poetic, menopause comes with plenty of challenges. There are the most stereotypical symptoms of menopause—hot flashes, insomnia, nausea, and the like. Plus, there are other symptoms that may not be as widely known, like lowered skin elasticity, anxiety, and weight gain or loss.
If this sounds like a lot, it’s because it is. That being said, you don’t have to go it alone. There are ways to traverse the menopause transition with a lot more ease. Let’s look at a few tips and tricks that will come in handy as your body changes it’s hormonal balance.
- Self-care is more important than ever.
It’s always important to take care of yourself, regardless of what stage of life you’re in. Nonetheless, the menopause transition is an especially crucial time to take care of both your physical and mental wellness. Your body is doing all kinds of crazy hormonal loop-de-loops, and it’s up to you to keep it on an even keel. Making regular trips to a day spa may sound like a luxury, but it’s a necessity during this time. Massages, facials, and various body treatments may help stave off problems in your joints, and even anxiety. Look into a local spa service to get the body treatments that you need to get through menopause.
- Hydrate all the time.
How much water do you drink? However much it is, drink more. Most American adults don’t hydrate as they should, and it’s a shame. Adding a few cups of cold liquids to your daily intake can help with everything from your energy levels to skin hydration, and it can even help you manage a medical condition like diabetes. Don’t opt for beverages like cola as fillers—these will just make you thirstier. Don’t like the flavor of regular water? Add a squeeze of organic lemon for a refreshing flavor.
- Eat well to feel well.
You are what you eat, right? Especially during menopause, as your inner glow may be flickering, and you see more wrinkles than you want to, it’s a good idea to make sure that you’re getting all your vitamins and vital proteins. Women during menopause may lose muscle mass or gain extra weight as their metabolism slows. If this is the case, it might make sense to add smoothies to your routine instead of an extra snack or a big breakfast. When you add a scoop of beauty collagen or protein powder to your smoothies, you can be sure that you’re getting the vitamins, probiotics, and vital proteins you need without trying to figure out the nutrition information for every piece of fruit in the fridge. In this way, a collagen supplement can make it easier to stay healthy. Collagen is also great for skin health.
- Less caffeine means more relaxing.
As difficult as it may be, try to cut out the caffeine in your diet. That means less coffee, yes, but also less cola—even if it’s your favorite beverage. If you really need that cup of coffee in the morning, try to opt for decaf or a strong (caffeine-free) tea instead. Caffeine can trigger menopause symptoms like migraines and insomnia, and you’ll be glad you cut out the coffee the first time you sleep through the night again.
- A little exercise goes a long way.
Some people love to exercise, but even if you hate it, it’s still important. As your metabolism slows down, you need to do everything you can to keep your systems moving along. Exercising (and, therefore, sweating) rids your body of toxins, keeps your heart healthy, and makes your metabolism move more quickly. All of this will help you get through menopause feeling a lot better.
The menopause transition isn’t easy, but with a few tips and tricks you can make it easier. Take care of yourself inside and out, and don’t be afraid to reach out to other women. Together, you’ll get to the other side with more ease.