As we travel through menopause, we can experience a cacophony of physiological and psychological symptoms ranging from aching joints and muscles to anxiety and mood swings.
We know that stress can exacerbate menopause symptoms creating tension and frustration in the body and mind, so that we can end up in a repetitive loop of symptoms stressing us out, and stress feeding the symptoms. Have you ever felt this?
So what can we do?
This is where Menopause Yoga can really help. We use yoga, breathwork and simple meditation tools to help break the loop, calm the mind and destress.
With simple flowing repetitive movements with the breath we’re able to anchor the mind, activating our parasympathetic response to help settle the nervous system and gently nudge it from its flight or flight mode and into its rest and digest mode. Helping to bring you back to you.
The more time we can spend in parasympathetic mode, the better we will be able to cope with menopause symptoms.
So taking some proper time out for yourself can really make a difference and help you to feel more in control, giving you clarity and a sense of empowerment at what can be a time of momentous change.
We work with steadying breaths to calm the mind and destress, encouraging a long, easeful exhale to activate the parasympathetic response.
A soothing, flowing sequence, low to the floor helps us to feel physically grounded and reassured followed by sumptuous restorative poses to help us soften and let go of unnecessary tightness held in the body.
Our senses can become heightened as we travel through menopause and sensory overload can feel overwhelming, creating unnecessary noise in the mind. You might already know that you have a busy mind with constant chitter-chatter with little clarity, or perhaps you’re suffering from brain fog and finding simple tasks more of an effort than usual. Settling into a welcoming restorative pose and practising Pratyahara, withdrawal of the senses, can bring a sense of relief and help us to understand how much the mind is influenced by sensory input, helping us to connect inwardly.
These simple tools can have a real impact and I love witnessing when people physically and mentally unfurl, finding meaningful time to acknowledge what’s going on and allowing themselves space to restore.
If you’re interested in the benefits of Menopause Yoga come join me at our monthly Menopause Monthly Yoga Meetup at Rosieglo Yoga studio monthly on a Saturday 12.00-2.00pm.
Or check out my Menopause Yoga at Work package for strategies in the workplace to help support and guide those who are entering, or in the midst of their menopause journey.
Please do get in touch if you have any questions or would like to know more.