How can I handle menopause and stress?

You Don’t have to be in menopause to use these techniques.

What changes are you seeing or feeling in yourself.?

Changes in hormones can cause hot flashes, stress, anxiety, depression, anger, forgetfulness, brain fog and so much more.

Scientific studies show that practicing meditation can bring relief from common menopause symptoms.

Today’s session is about stress and learning to respond and not react. 

Reaction comes from instinct, it’s like being on autopilot. It comes from the subconscious mind. It’s a gut reaction often based on fear or insecurities. You do or say things usually first thinking about them. Responding with emotionally motivated knee-jerk replies.  The reactions come from a long time of reactions and can stem from many different stressful circumstances you have been through.

Reacting escalates a situation, whether that’s our desired intention or not. When we react, we’re more likely to take a defensive, protective stance, and sometimes that means wrongly assuming the motives of others.

Why might you react?

You feel hurt or offended. You feel disrespected or challenged. You lack a long-term perspective, it’s all here and now.  You’re tired, hangry, or stressed.

This type of reaction can lead to things like raising your BP, Heart Palpitations, headaches, anxiety.  You activate fight or flight mode.  And the more you do it the quicker your body goes into it.

Responses are thought out. You consider the possible out come of how you need reply before you say anything. You base your response on values such as reason and compassion.

Example:

Reaction -Your child breaks something, you immediately get angry and start yelling. You upset the child and yourself making the situation worse.

Respond – your child breaks something and you feel the reaction, but you stop and you take a deep breath. You think about what is happening. You see if your child is ok, you see that the broken object really isn’t important. You let it go . you help clean it up and talk calmy on how it’s ok and it was a mistake. Help her see it’s ok with a hug.

Adding that pause – that layer of observation, space, mindfulness, or whatever you want to call it – to the moment when you notice you’re triggered can mean the difference between strengthening or breaking a relationship.

Let’s work on this. Be mindful of how you are responding or maybe reacting. Notice the feelings you are having, where are they happening?

If you are reacting, once you realize it , take note of what triggered it. You are learning. Many times these reactions are so deeply a part of who you are, it will take time to get control again and change the habit. 

3 important things to add to your days:

Nutrition watch what you are eating, make one positive change

Oxygen – be more aware of calming down and taking deep breaths.

Take a walk – connect with you and w/ nature.  Try and do this at least 3 time this week!

Please note that I am not a doctor and the information provided in this blog post is not intended to replace professional medical advice. It is always important to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and recommendations.