Experiencing Menopause From the Inside Out: 6 Keys to Bring Inner Peace Into Your Life
A few years ago, I became interested in learning how to heal myself. For too long, I had been listening to this soft inner voice, telling me that somehow my body had an innate ability to heal and prevent disease. Naturally, I had to find out more about it.
Many hours of research and learning were invested in discovering what soon became the foundation of what I now call the best years of my life.
At 45, I began experiencing all sorts of menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, thinning hair, dry skin, mood swings, anxiety, depression. The list goes on. As I had nothing to lose, I decided to incorporate these practices as part of my daily habits.
Replacing my old, unhealthy habits with new ones required discipline and determination. However, I was so committed to improving my health and my happiness during midlife, that quitting wasn't an option for me. After six months of practicing these new habits non-stop, my symptoms and my anxieties practically disappeared.
It’s been eight years since then. These practices continue to work for me. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually I am where I always wanted to be.
I hope that by sharing the practices I found to be a positive change in my menopausal experience, many women who are going through their experiences can learn to integrate some positive aspects into their lives as well. Here are the six practices that changed my life forever!
Breathing
Breathing is the first of my six keys because all the others require that you learn how to breathe deeply. Why is breathing so important? It is the bridge between your outer self and your inner self. It is what connects your body with your mind and soul. Your body, mind, and soul must work together through proper breathing, in order for you to feel as healthy as you can be. Regardless of where you live or your current circumstances, find ways to stay close to nature, move your body, and breathe fresh air on a daily basis. Choose a good set of deep-breathing techniques you can practice at home to help you improve the way you are oxygenating your body.
Mindfulness
Regardless of its popularity, the deeper meaning of the word mindfulness is not yet fully understood. One of the definitions I found explains it as “ the state or quality of being mindful or aware of something.” This gives you a general idea, but beyond that, mindfulness is the way you become conscious of the difference between your negative and positive thoughts. Learning to control your negative thoughts plays a huge role in the way you experience menopause. So, how can you become more mindful? You can become mindful through the consistent practice of meditation.
Meditation
When you are ready to discipline your mind by practicing meditation on a daily basis, you begin using a powerful tool that not only allows you to cleanse, purify and upgrade your mind but also enables you to go deeper and connect with your heart. I meditate twice a day, at dawn, and before going to bed. You can start with as little as 10 minutes and increase the duration once you begin feeling its effects. If you need guidance, choose a meditation app or join a guided meditation program, as it will help you to stay on track.
Water
When it comes to drinking water, it is not only about the quantity of water your body needs, but also the quality of the water you are drinking. Do your research and find out what is being added to the water you drink. We all hear about drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, but are we really doing our homework, or do we wait to feel thirsty before giving the body the water it needs? Drink all the water you can and always avoid dehydration. Not only will your skin thank you for it, but your weight will stabilize, and your body will rejuvenate.
Detox
Apart from parasites, there are many harmful toxins that can accumulate in our gut without us knowing it. An adequate detox plan can cleanse your body and allows your digestive system to rejuvenate, regenerate, and work optimally. Detoxing my body regularly not only transformed my sluggish digestion but also allowed me to feel more energized. I still do it once a year, and I definitely feel the difference when I do so.
Diet and Supplements
Following a diet high in nutrient-rich foods is one of the best ways to stay healthy and feel great during menopause. Personally, I make sure to include decent daily amounts of raw vegetables, green foods, fresh fruits, lemon and limes, omega-3 fatty acids, and many different types of herbal teas.
Regardless of the diet you follow, be mindful that we can become mineral and vitamin deficient as a result of modern farming techniques that have depleted the soil in which our plants grow today.
To avoid any deficiencies, taking daily supplements is a healthy practice. I have become a big fan of MenoLabs MenoGlow probiotic formula. Since I started taking it, I have noticed a big difference in my hair, nails, and skin. Just as the name suggests, it truly makes me glow.
I hope you found these tips helpful. The six keys I just shared won’t work for everyone from one day to the next, but they will certainly transform your overall quality of life, especially if you give yourself the self-care and self-love you truly deserve.
About the Author
Roxana Jones, M.S. & M.I.P.P., is an award-winning, bestselling author, personal, and mindset coach helping women to overcome their midlife challenges. She is the author of the book "While I Was Learning to Become God," among many others. Since 2011, Roxana has helped thousands of women across the world through her books, articles, and coaching programs. You can find her on social media, where she regularly shares her inspirational quotes and messages with her online community of 150K+ members.