Many of us approach peri-menopause and menopause with uncertainty or even anxiety. After all, it's a significant life change that often isn't discussed openly. But yoga offers a refreshingly different perspective - one that views menopause not as something to fear or resist, but as a natural transition that can bring new insights and possibilities.

Understanding Menopause Through a Yogic Lens

Yoga philosophy teaches us that change is a natural part of life. While this might sound simple, it's a powerful reminder when we're facing transitions like menopause. Rather than seeing it solely as an ending, we can view it as a time of transformation - one that often brings greater self-awareness and emotional wisdom.

This shift in perspective alone can make a remarkable difference in how we experience menopause. When we stop fighting against change and instead learn to flow with it, we often find ourselves better equipped to handle both the physical and emotional aspects of this transition.

What's Actually Happening in Our Bodies

During menopause, our bodies go through several changes. Hormone levels naturally begin to shift, which can affect everything from our skin's elasticity to our bone density. You might notice changes in your body temperature (hello, hot flushes), energy levels, or sleep patterns. These changes can feel challenging, but understanding them helps us respond with appropriate self-care.

Think of these physical changes as your body's way of communicating its changing needs. Just as we might need different amounts of sleep at different times in our lives, during menopause our bodies often ask for different types of care and attention.

Simple Ways to Support Yourself

Yoga offers practical tools to help navigate this transition. Here's what can help:

Movement Matters

Regular, mindful movement helps maintain strength and flexibility while keeping stress levels in check. This doesn't mean you need to do intense workouts. In fact, gentle yoga practice a few times a week, combined with regular walks, often provides the perfect balance.

Breathing Practices

When you're experiencing a hot flush or feeling stressed, simply taking slow, steady breaths can help cool the body and calm the mind. It's a tool that's always available to you, wherever you are.

Making Time for Rest

This might mean taking a few minutes to sit quietly in the morning, practicing a short meditation, or simply taking deeper breaths throughout your day. These moments of pause help your body and mind adjust to the changes you're experiencing.

Working With Physical Changes

When it comes to managing physical symptoms like hot flushes, small adjustments can make a big difference. Simple practices from Ayurveda (yoga's sister science) can be helpful, like sipping cool water throughout the day, using cooling breathing techniques, or taking a cool shower before bed.

Ayurveda also offers wisdom about nourishing our bodies during this transition. It suggests favouring foods that have a cooling, calming effect when we're feeling warm or unsettled. This might mean enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and cooling herbs like fennel or mint. Ayurveda particularly recommends root vegetables and seasonal fruits, as these foods help ground us and provide sustained energy.

The timing of meals can be just as important as what we eat. Ayurveda suggests eating your main meal when the sun is highest and having a lighter dinner, which can help with sleep and digestion. Staying hydrated is also crucial - keeping a bottle of water nearby and sipping throughout the day can help manage hot flashes and support overall wellbeing.

The key is to be gentle with yourself and to listen to what your body needs. Some days you might feel energetic and want to do more; other days you might need more rest. Both are perfectly okay.

Finding Your Way Through

Remember, there's no "right" way to experience menopause. Every woman's journey is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. The practices mentioned here are ideas or tools you can experiment with and adapt to your needs.

What matters most is finding ways to support yourself through this transition that feel right for you. This might mean establishing a gentle morning routine, making time for regular movement, or simply taking a few deep breaths when you're feeling overwhelmed.

By approaching menopause with awareness and self-compassion, we often find that it becomes more than just a physical transition - it can be an opportunity to deepen our understanding of ourselves and discover new sources of strength and wisdom.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Millions of women have walked this path before, and millions more will follow. Taking time to care for yourself during this transition isn't selfish - it's necessary and deserved. Try this 15 minute video to guide you through some simple mindful movements and feel better now.