Hey, my lovely reader, I really hope that the first week of January 2024 has been super kind to you in all sorts of ways and treating you like the queen you are, crown adjusted, sceptre in hand, and all.
Over here, at ‘From Coffee Cups to Curator’ it’s been a busy week juggling more balls than a circus clown during our first week of January. And honestly, it’s been overwhelming!
You see, I’m going through Menopause at the moment and it’s really been a bit of rough ride. There are days when I wake up feeling like I can conquer the world and then there are days when everything is really just too much!
There are mornings when I’m up with the Robins, lacing up my boots to kick butt, and then there are those duvet-days where the mere thought of tackling my to-do list feels like I’m scaling Everest… in flip-flops. I literally look at my toothbrush like it’s a math problem. Brushing my teeth feels like I’ve won an Olympic gold.
Then I am reminded of the millions of women who are going through Menopause too and who probably also feel like this on days and who eventually got through it. There’s a sisterhood out there, millions-strong, all in this menopausal mad pit together. And that thought wraps around me like a warm hug… or is that a hot flash? Hard to tell sometimes.
Doctors will say that it is part anxiety, part hormonal and then they’ll serve you a menu of ways to balance your inner chemistry set. Going through Menopause for 4 years now and counting, I have found the best way to get myself to at least be a half-functioning adult is just to allow myself to feel what I am feeling and do the best I can at that moment, without beating myself up about it. My magic potion? Letting myself ride the wave of feelings, no self-judgment allowed.
I have also found that what I ate the day before, impacts my emotional state the following day. Turns out, indulging in a sugar and wheat feast can leave me feeling like a deflated balloon the next day. Who knew? And this is coming from a chocolate-and-cake aficionado, so believe me when I say, the struggle is real. But cutting back on the sweet stuff helps keep my emotions somewhat balanced for the most part.
Warning my husband in advance that I am not feeling like myself helps a lot too. A simple “Babe, it’s one of those days” is our secret code for “Brace for impact!”
So, here’s the deal. If Menopause has got you feeling like you’re in the middle of a boxing match without gloves, here are some knockout strategies to bob and weave through those tough rounds:
1. Feel Your Feels
It’s okay not to be a walking, talking ray of sunshine all the time. Acknowledge those feelings, even the grumpy ones. They’re valid. The way I do it, is to say to myself,’I notice myself feeling very anxious about…’ This way, I separate the feeling from my identity and it lessens the all-encompassing emotions rising up.
2. Eat Smart
Your body’s like a finicky sports car; it runs better on premium fuel. So, maybe trade the chocolate cake for a dark chocolate square and see if that doesn’t rev your engine a bit smoother. The truth is that we can’t really eat like we did before because our bodies need different nutrients and hormones to be fed. An excellent site to check out is: www.menopausematters.co.uk It’s an award-winning, independent website that provides up-to-date, accurate information about the menopause, symptoms, and treatment options. It also includes advice on diet, lifestyle, exercise, and a forum for community support.
3. Open Communication
Keep the lines open. Whether it’s with your partner, your pet, or even your plants—verbalizing helps. It’s like letting out a bit of steam so the pot doesn’t boil over. Really, it’s time to just say your say and get it off your chest. If we don’t do this during Menopause then all those pent up rages and resentments will ultimately end up rebirthing themselves as diseases! And we really, really don’t deserve that! Not after what we’re going through! Can I get an Amen?
4. Little Victories
Did you brush your teeth today? Heck yes, you did. Celebrate that win! Every small task you accomplish is a step towards feeling like the boss you are.
5. Self-Care Central
Whether it’s a bubble bath, a new book, or binge-watching that show that makes you snort-laugh, make time for it. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential maintenance. I have found that watching anything stressful or upsetting further magnifies my anxiety so I tend to steer clear of such information. I prefer to fill my subconscious with positive and calming information so that my dreams are less frantic and full of horror and frights! Oh the dreams during Menopause are enough to write a book about honestly!
6. Find Your Tribe
Connect with others riding the same hormonal wave. There’s strength in numbers, and sometimes, just knowing someone else gets it can make all the difference.
Remember, lovely reader, Menopause is just a season. And like any British weather, it’s unpredictable, a tad dreary at times, but it’ll change. And while you’re weathering this hormonal storm, I’ll be right here, sharing every step, misstep, and victory dance with you.
So, let’s raise our coffee cups to curating not just a life but a Menopause journey with a bit more ease, a lot more laughter, and a whole heap of sisterhood solidarity. We’ve got this, one hot flash and hearty laugh at a time!
If this post and my ideas resonated with you, why not check out my current book? It’s all about kicking Menopause’s ass with humour and sass. It’s called,’ Why is this spoon here and why does its presence infuriate me so?’ It’s homage to how the smallest things can become the biggest irritations when you’re going through Menopause! Check it out here.
Keep shining, keep smiling, and keep being the utterly fabulous woman you are.
Until next time,
Nia💜✨
