How yoga can support you during menopause
Welcome, dear beautiful soul. If you have landed on this post, it is because I am sure you were looking for some answers and maybe some support.
Yoga has become an integral part of my daily routine, satisfying the deep yearning within both my body and mind. Through the practice of yoga, I have discovered a profound sense of harmony between my physical and mental well-being. It has not only nurtured a healthier body but has also bestowed upon me a tranquil and serene mind that I had long sought. I have found a unique connection between both my body and soul.
Embracing Menopause with Yoga
Having entered perimenopause a few years ago and subsequently transitioning into menopause last year, the journey has been nothing short of a whirlwind of emotions, sensations, and transformations. For those seeking more insights into the specific symptoms I encountered during this phase, refer to a dedicated post on the blog. Link
Yoga has emerged as a steadfast companion and pillar of support throughout this new chapter of my life. Reflecting on the Aida of two years past, the evolution is strikingly evident. Not only have I found a newfound sense of tranquillity, but I have also embraced a profound presence in the present moment. The incessant worrying about the future, self-criticism, and self-punishment have given way to a self-love that transcends any prior experience.
Yoga, with its holistic embrace of mind, body, and spirit, has provided me with the tools to navigate the challenges of menopause with grace and resilience. It has become a conduit for self-exploration, self-acceptance, and ultimately, self-love. In the intricate dance of life's seasons, yoga has been the grounding force that has enabled me to not just weather the changes but to bloom amidst them.
I have stopped living for my goals, but enjoying what life brings my way. Those little moments I enjoy with my husband, a morning walk, an evening film, a book on my favourite chair, cuddling before falling sleep between my husband arms, my early solo yoga morning practice or just observe nature or the house martins flying in front of our home.
I have stopped hating my body and learning how to love every single bit. I have started to forgive myself by embracing my darkness and also my light. I would not be light without my darkness. I have managed to cope with my body and mind changes going through menopause. The rollercoaster of emotions, the mood swings and my hot flushes.
I have accepted this new season as a growth and not as a punishment. I have become more in-tune with my feminine side and accepted the beauty of my chaos. I have embraced my creativity and awakened new hobbies that I never explored before. I have stopped worrying of what others think, and started to listen what my soul wants.
And all this I have accomplished by practicing yoga and a lot of self-study and work. You might be thinking but how? Yoga is just an exercise, a practice to become more flexible, or maybe that option in my gym that I have never dared to try because I am not flexible at all, or yoga is just for boring people who need more action, or yoga is not for me because I have never done gymnastics; I cannot even sit on the floor, how do you want me to do yoga.
LET ME STOP YOU THERE. YOGA IS ALL YOU NEED.
And believe me, it’s like this. Whether you are a usual yoga practitioner or you have never practiced yoga before, yoga will become your best ally when you enter menopause.
Yoga will help you become stronger in body and mind, bring you peace in moments of chaos, ground you in moments of doubt, and undoubtedly heal the darkness on your worst days. Yoga will offer balance when standing seems impossible, patience when restlessness takes over, and forgiveness when trust is scarce.
Just give it a chance. Yoga has numerous ways to enhance your life. Finding the right teacher or coach can ignite a profound love for it. Yoga transcends mere exercise—it is the synergy between body and mind, the tranquillity within a turbulent mind, the calm within a fiery heart, and the solace for a restless soul.
Simple Steps to Start Your Yoga Practice
Begin by incorporating breathing exercises and gentle movements into your daily routine. If you are unable to practice on the floor, simply find a comfortable seat on a chair. Create a dedicated space where you can sit quietly and observe. Commit to a few minutes of practice each day, gradually increasing the duration every week. It is beneficial to seek out a yoga teacher or coach who resonates with you and can impart the wisdom of yoga. Embrace yoga as a daily lifestyle rather than just a class. Cultivate stillness and balance within yourself by connecting with the essence of yoga every day.
Bringing Affirmations and Journaling into Your Life. Encourage yourself with the practice of journaling your thoughts and incorporating daily positive affirmations. Take time each day to listen to your inner voice, acknowledge your thoughts, and write them down. Reflect on your experiences, emotions, and aspirations through the power of journaling. Incorporate positive affirmations to uplift and motivate yourself. Embrace this practice as a powerful tool for self-discovery, self-care, and personal growth.
Morning Ritual for Self-care
To introduce self-care into your life, start by creating a morning ritual that sets a positive tone for the rest of your day. Begin by waking up early, allowing yourself time to ease into the day without feeling rushed. Take a moment for yourself before diving into your daily tasks.
Start with some gentle stretching or a short meditation to help center your mind and body. Enjoy a nutritious breakfast and a soothing cup of tea or coffee. Consider journaling to organize your thoughts or simply reflect on your intentions for the day ahead.
Incorporate small acts of self-care into your morning routine, such as skincare, mindfulness exercises, or a calming essential oil blend. Prioritize activities that bring you joy and promote a sense of well-being. Remember, self-care is essential for maintaining balance and overall health.
By dedicating time to yourself each morning, you cultivate a sense of self-love and mindfulness that can positively impact your well-being throughout the day. Embrace this morning ritual as a gift to yourself, allowing you to start each day with intention and self-care at the forefront of your mind.
Gratitude Practice: A Daily Ritual for a Fulfilling Life
Gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform your life. By practicing gratitude every single day, you can shift your focus from what is lacking to what is abundant in your life. Take a moment each day to reflect on what you are and what you have, and feel a deep sense of appreciation for it all.
Make gratitude a daily ritual by keeping a gratitude journal where you write down three things you are grateful for each day. By acknowledging the blessings in your life, big or small, you invite more positivity and abundance into your life.
Remember, gratitude is not just a one-time practice but a way of life. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and watch how it can bring more joy, peace, and fulfilment into your everyday experience.
Start today and feel the transformative power of gratitude in your life.
Give Love to Those You Care About, But Put Yourself First
In order to truly give love to those you care about, it is essential to prioritise your own self-love. Without loving yourself, it becomes challenging to authentically give and receive love from others. By focusing on nurturing self-love, you not only strengthen your own foundation but also enhance your ability to share genuine love with those around you. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish, it is necessary for maintaining healthy and fulfilling relationships with others.
Respect Your Body, Learn Your Limits.
In your yoga practice, it is essential to honour and respect your body. Listen to its signals, understand its limits, and never compare yourself to others. Your practice is your own journey, unique and personal. Embrace it with patience, kindness, and self-awareness. Remember, you are the master of your practice, navigating it with mindfulness and self-compassion.
Eat Mindfully: You Are What You Eat
When it comes to our health and well-being, the saying "you are what you eat" holds true. Mindful eating is about paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking, both inside and outside the body.
By practising mindful eating, we can develop a healthier relationship with food, make more nutritious choices, and fully enjoy and appreciate the eating experience. This can lead to better digestion, improved energy levels, and a greater sense of satisfaction after meals.
So next time you sit down to eat, take a moment to pause, appreciate your food, and savour each bite. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Embrace the Power of Silence
Incorporating a few minutes of silence into your daily routine can have profound effects on your overall well-being. Embracing silence allows the mind to quiet down, providing an opportunity to centre yourself and find inner peace. Take a moment each day to disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with your inner self. In this stillness, you may discover clarity, creativity, and a deeper sense of presence. Embrace the power of silence, and witness the positive impact it can have on your mind, body, and spirit.
Start reading again..
Reading opens doors to new worlds, new ideas, and new perspectives. It expands our minds and feeds our souls. So why not pick up a book today and immerse yourself in the magic of words? Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or a self-help book, the act of reading is a gift you can give yourself every day. So go ahead, start reading again, and let the journey begin.
STOP and PAUSE...
In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, it is essential to take a moment to simply stop and pause. This simple act can bring clarity, peace, and a renewed sense of focus into our lives.
By pausing, we give ourselves the opportunity to step back from the chaos around us, to breathe, and to realign with our true selves. It is in these moments of stillness that we can truly listen to our inner voice and connect with our deepest desires and intentions.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or lost in the frantic pace of life, remember the power of stopping and pausing. Embrace the silence, embrace the stillness, and allow yourself the gift of presence in this very moment.
When you find stillness in your mind you can also listen to your body and heal.
In our fast-paced lives, it is easy to become consumed by busyness and forget to take care of ourselves. By practising stillness and quietening the mind, we create space to tune into our bodies, listen to their needs, and begin the healing process. Prioritising moments of stillness allows us to cultivate self-awareness, a deeper connection with ourselves, and ultimately promote well-being. So, amidst the chaos of everyday life, remember to pause, find stillness, and nurture both your mind and body.
Menopause: Embracing a Season of Self-Care
As a carer, one often devotes themselves to the well-being of others, sometimes forgetting their own needs in the process. Menopause arrives as a pivotal moment, signalling a time to pause and redirect that care towards oneself. It represents a season of growth, bringing with it wisdom and tranquillity, allowing for a shift in perspective on life’s intricacies. This phase offers a final opportunity to prioritise self-care, fostering a practice of self-love and kindness towards oneself. Embrace menopause as a chance to nurture, appreciate, and care for the most important person - you.
Embrace this Season with Love and Respect
This season, honour the woman you have become and strive to become the best version of yourself. Let the power and wisdom of yoga be your guide and partner as you navigate through this phase of your life. Trust in the strength that yoga can provide, both physically and mentally, to help you grow and evolve. Embrace this journey with love and respect for yourself, allowing yourself to flourish and thrive in all aspects of your life.