Tips for Maintaining a Positive Self-Image During Menopause (355 hits)
Women who navigate menopause most successfully often use this transitional and transformative time to come to an acceptance of the changes that menopause brings and to develop a renewed sense of self. With the right approach, menopause can bring a greater confidence — even a sense of empowerment — to your life. Here are recommendations for ways you can boost your self-esteem:
Exercise! Not only does exercise help offset the slight weight gain that can accompany menopause, but several studies have found a positive correlation between physical activity and improved self-confidence in menopausal women.
Maintain a healthy diet Eating right will do more than help keep off that extra weight that can result from a slower metabolism — good nutrition can also help address a range of other symptoms associated with menopause, including anxiety, mood swings, and insomnia. Make sure your diet has plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and low-fat dairy products so you can be as healthy and fit as you can be.
Embrace the positive Think about expanding your horizons. Your life should be about more than just simply surviving menopause. In fact, many women report discovering greater freedom and increased self-confidence as they pass through menopause. So concentrate on embracing change and rediscovering positive aspects of your life, and use the time to begin sampling new things and exploring different possibilities. Creating positive outlets in your life will continue to enhance your self-esteem and give you a greater sense of purpose.
Empower yourself Gone are the days when women had to suffer in silence through menopause. Today, many resources are available to help you chart your own course. So read up, get educated, and then discuss your ideas or concerns with your doctor and other women going through the same process. Research suggests that women who are more informed about the choices they have and the challenges that menopause may bring are that much more likely to feel positive about the experience.
Thanks for this timely and encouraging message. This is a time of change and I cannot keep doing the things that I used to do (bad eating habits, sedentary lifestyle). The power of positive thinking can definitely make a difference in your life. Thanks for sharing! -- Elaine T.
Thursday, March 26th 2009 at 2:31PM
Elaine Taylor
My aunt told me this time would be a natural transition and besides minor discomfort from sweats, it so far has been a very liberating experience and time of inner meditation and growth... Rwanda
Tuesday, April 7th 2009 at 11:14AM
Deborah DeRoche'
