MenoLabs News | Tue, Jun 15, 2021

Going through menopause is akin to riding an emotional rollercoaster. You tick your way up to joy (no more periods, yay!), whoosh through fear (what’s happening?), and bottom out at self-loathing (ugh, I’ve gained weight and I’m old). Throw in a side of menopause-induced anxiety or depression and your self-esteem really takes a hit.

During menopause, women suffer from frustrating confidence busters like hot flashes, urinary tract infections, weight gain, and mood swings. No wonder menopause and low self-esteem go hand in hand. Luckily, feeling low, lost, and aggravated isn’t our new norm.

Try these simple tips to boost your self-esteem so you can start feeling like yourself again during peri/menopause:

1.  Schedule “Me” Time

It’s time to put yourself first and practice some well-deserved self-care. Do anything that makes you feel good—try out a new hairstyle, luxuriate in a scented bath, have a massage, or sit quietly with a steaming cup of tea. Being present while you focus on your needs is an essential step to feeling body-positive, and let’s face it, we could all use some help in that department.

2. Get Moving

Exercise increases serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for mood, appetite, and sleep. The more serotonin you release, the happier you’ll feel, the less you’ll eat, and the better you’ll sleep, which means a boost to self-esteem. Add more steps to your daily routine and you’ll reap even more benefits, like a longer life span, according to researchers for the American Heart Association’s Women’s Health Study.

3. Take Probiotics

A  mix of good-for-you live bacteria, yeasts, and probiotics occur naturally in the body and in foods like yogurt and kimchi. They help fight off bad bacteria to keep you healthy. Taking probiotic supplements, like those found in the MenoLabs® 90 Day Quick Start pack, can help you improve gut health, maintain a healthy weight, boost mood, and increase your metabolism. This helpful supplement was created with menopausal women in mind, so you’ll get exactly what you need, including probiotics for menopause weight loss.

4. Have Sex

 While you may not always feel like gettin’ it on, having sex during menopause is safe, not to mention self-esteem building.  Getting “busy” can also boost our libido, reduce pain, improve sleep, and lower blood pressure. Too painful? There are plenty of creams and supplements that can help reduce menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness.

5. Be Positive  

It’s easy to slip into a negative mindset, especially when menopause symptoms get in the way. Instead of giving in to pessimism, practice positive thinking. Give yourself permission to smile and laugh, say kind things to yourself, and put a positive spin on your thoughts. Try embracing menopause instead of condemning it.

Not a big fan of your aging body? Try looking at it differently. Strip down in front of the mirror and compliment yourself. Practice saying positive mantras in front of your reflection; kind affirmations like "I am beautiful," "I am strong," "I am capable," "I am lovable," and "I am enough." Write these messages on notes and attach them to your mirror. Repeat them daily.

6. Try Something New

Learning a new skill or taking up a hobby can do wonders for your mental health. In addition to increasing your mood and improving your memory and concentration, challenging your mind can boost self-esteem. Be sure to choose something you’re curious or passionate about.

7. Eat Well

 It’s important to nourish our bodies as well as our minds. While enjoying the occasional treat is encouraged, choosing nutritious foods (i.e. whole grains, fruits, and veggies) is essential to boosting our energy, overall health, and self-esteem. Don’t forget to add fiber. It helps metabolize sugar, curb cravings, decrease bloating, improve mood, and maintain weight. Our taste-free, all-natural prebiotic Happy Fiber™ supplement is doctor-formulated.

 8. Volunteer

Helping others is a surefire way to boost your self-esteem during menopause. In addition to providing a sense of purpose, volunteering has been proven to help you meet new people, reduce stress, stay more active, and lower the risk of depression, especially in those over 65, says the Mayo Clinic.

9. Get Outside

The Japanese art of forest bathing (a.k.a. Shinrin-yoku) involves being fully present in nature. Walk through a forest (or green space) and focus on the sounds, sights, and smells around you. A Japanese study found that a brief forest walk helped women feel more relaxed, comfortable, and happy. It also reduced their levels of stress and anxiety, increased their energy, and reduced feelings of depression.

10. Find Good Friends

Ever noticed that moods are contagious? Hanging around downers can make us feel down as well. Having kind friends is essential to raised self-confidence. Strong ties can make us feel connected and supported while being around people who make us laugh will help us gain a positive outlook overall.

Boosting Your Self-Esteem During Menopause

While it's easy (and normal) for our self-esteem to take a nose dive during menopause, these helpful tips are just what we need to boost our confidence and feel better about ourselves. What are you waiting for? Get started today!