I start every single day with what I call “pup sandwiches” and some deep breathing. Well, that isn’t exactly true. My day starts with my Doodle alarm clock. At *exactly* 7am my Bailey girl gets very close to my face and breathes her hot dog breath in my face. It is much nicer than a regular alarm clock but equally as effective. We have morning caffeine along with Wordle and Connections, then back in bed to snuggle with pup sandwiches. This is one of many things I have learned to do to manage menopause. Now of course I am also on HRT, but that is not the only solution for this phase of life. I do ALL of the things to maintain sanity. I also recognize that I am extremely fortunate to be able to have time for these types of self care and will do my best to continue them once I am back in the working world.
Taking breaks. I fought these like a heavyweight boxer. I am more efficient than two normal people, and that is not bragging friends, it is the truth. I get things DONE. But in order to continue my more than normal pace of life, I now need to incorporate breaks into my day. I like time at the water, away from screens, and no noise. What is it about noise during menopause that is so anger inducing? I literally cannot stand noise of any kind. I NEED the quiet.
Learning to breathe. I had really bad IBS before our first move and the husband gave me instructions on diaphragmatic breathing. I pushed back (just like taking breaks) but y’all…. once I tried it, it actually works. I am inserting a face palm from the husband here. I lay flat on my back with white noise earbuds in my ears and breathe in and out… slowly and deeply.
Say no when I want to. Gone are the days I do things I do not want to do. As an introvert, I have to be careful not to isolate myself too much. But doing something that does not bring me joy just for someone else…. nope, nada, no way.
Exercise regularly. No exceptions. I am still figuring out my routine, but my strategy is to make workout times colored in red in my calendar so that it cannot be changed. Strength training is essential in this phase of life. I want to always be the strongest member of my family.
Embrace the sweat. I am always hot. Not the hot flash kind of hot, more the sweep the kitchen and sweat through your clothes hot. I just change clothes more frequently, do breathing exercises on a beach towel on the bed, add more baby powder to my brush when combing my hair.
I feel grateful for HRT and all the knowledge and resources my mom did not have. Knowledge is power. Power leads to change for the better.