8 SELF-CARE PRACTICES TO THRIVE DURING MENOPAUSE
1. HYDRATION
Aim to sip water consistently throughout the day. A good guideline is to drink about half a cup of water every hour. This helps maintain a steady level of hydration without overwhelming your system. Avoid drinking large amounts of water immediately before, during, or right after meals. This practice supports your digestive system, as too much water can dilute digestive juices and weaken the digestive fire, leading to suboptimal digestion.
Try incorporate some Red Clover tea. Red Clover is rich in phytoestrogens, which can help balance oestrogen levels in the body. This makes it a good option for supporting hormonal health, particularly during menopause.
2. NOURISH DRY SKIN WITH A SELF-MASSAGE
Start your day by treating yourself to a soothing self-massage with body oil. Oil acts as a nourishing elixir for your skin, enhancing circulation, inducing calmness, and maintaining hydration.
Sesame oil is a popular choice due to its ability to balance the air element, often associated with dryness. Massaging with warm Sesame oil can nourish the skin, alleviate joint pain, and promote relaxation. Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb celebrated for its rejuvenating properties, can also be incorporated into massage oils. Using Ashwagandha oil may help reduce stress, balance hormones, and enhance overall well-being during the menopausal transition.
3. COUNTERACT VAGINAL DRYNESS
Opt for chemical-free, natural lubricants, and moisturisers to alleviate vaginal dryness. Ayurveda offers natural options like Ghee or Sesame oil, which can effectively provide relief.
4. BUILD STRONGER BONES
As we transition into menopause, airy qualities can lead to issues like osteoporosis. Incorporating weight-bearing exercises into your routine, such as yoga, weight lifting, and functional fitness, strengthens bones and builds strength. Remember to honour your body's needs, adjust exercises as necessary, and prioritize rest days for optimal health and well-being. There's no reason why you can't be stronger in your fifties and beyond than you were in your thirties.
5. MANAGING EMOTIONS
Menopause signifies a shift from the fiery energy of middle age to a more intuitive and airy phase of life. During this transition, deeply-rooted emotions may surface, including anger, resentment, and frustration. Embracing these feelings allows for healing and growth, creating space for transformation and self-discovery.
6. COSY EVENINGS
As evening approaches, wind down with calming activities like taking a sunset stroll, jotting down your thoughts in a journal, practicing meditation, enjoying a warm bath, or relaxing with a good book. Power down your electronic devices at least an hour before bed to avoid disrupting your sleep with blue light.
Keeping a consistent sleep schedule and creating a dark, cozy sleep environment will help balance your energies and ensure a peaceful night’s rest.
7. SLEEP BETTER
Getting quality sleep is crucial, especially during menopause. Airy and fiery imbalances can disrupt sleep, worsening menopausal symptoms. Try to sleep before 10pm and rise before 6am to align with your body's natural rhythms. Staying up past 10pm can increase fiery imbalances, disrupting the time when your body cleanses and purifies itself.
8. GET EXTRA SUPPORT FROM HERBAL REMEDIES
Herbal allies like Shatavari, Vidari, and Ashwagandha provide vital nourishment and hormonal balance. These potent adaptogens work to rejuvenate and alleviate stress, grounding airy elements and harmonising fiery ones.
Vetiver and Guduchi are celebrated for their soothing and cooling effects, offering relief from excessive heat, while Brahmi, Gotu Kola, and Shankhpushpi sharpen focus, enhance memory, and clear away mental fog.
Arjuna supports heart health and emotional equilibrium throughout the transition into menopause. Boswellia and Guggulu support bone and joint health, with Boswellia known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and Guggulu detoxifying accumulated toxins from the joints and muscles.
Amla berry remains a cornerstone in Ayurvedic herbal blends tailored for women, while Fenugreek and Cumin help maintain hormonal balance, completing this holistic support system for your journey.
For best results, look for classical formulations that blend carefully selected balancing herbs renowned for their centuries-old benefits. Always consult a qualified practitioner before starting a new supplement or diet.
