Tips to thrive in midlife

Menopause is a hot topic right now and rightly so.  More awareness brings more knowledge brings more ideas on how to feel better during this time.

Here are my top tips to help you feel energized and optimum and thriving in your prime:

• Strength train – not only will this offset the muscle mass we lose each year through the aging process but will also keep bones dense and strong.  This means we will keep our metabolism boosted and we remain functionally fit and strong and less likely to break bones if we fall.  This type of training will help combat menopause symptoms like weight gain and joint pain which can affect many women through perimenopause and menopause.  Aim to strength train 3 times a week to make a huge impact within your body.

• Balance nutrition for hormonal health and feel good from within.  Food has a big impact on how we feel physically and even mentally.  Gut health can have a direct correlation to brain health?!  So to help manage weight, brain fog, energy levels and even depression, include a diet high in protein and fibre, eat good fats and stay hydrated.

• Manage stress levels – Our cortisol levels naturally increase through menopause which means we can become less tolerant to stress.  Maybe we become more irritable or anxious and less able to cope to everyday low level stress like we did before.  Too much cortisol in the body over a long period of time can lead to more fat being stored around the mid section.  Trying to include ways to help manage stress could have an impact on fat storage and of course how we feel.  Include yoga, pilates, breath work or even walking as a way to bring down stress levels.
• Sleep – to help you manage everything!  Poor sleep has a knock on effect the next day to mood, food choices (often craving sugar) and how well and if you exercise.  Try to establish a good sleep routine away from the phone or TV an hour or so before bed, have a cool and dark room and declutter thoughts and clear the mind by journaling and writing thoughts down.  I also find magnesium improves sleep quality.

Small steps that can have a big improvement to how you feel.  If you would like more guidance, check out my Menofit program.