Just like any other transition, the transition to menopause often comes with anxieties for many women. Whereas being anxious is understandable, the transition to menopause could be a special time for both inspiration and reflection. In addition, many women have found this transition more interesting as it brings with it some new sense of freedom even as many women anticipate personal growth. Some women likened menopause to adult adolescence; menopause is time for a great change like in adolescence only that it is better because the woman undergoing menopause is mature! This is the time to really find out what you want, make proper choices that will shape the remaining part of your life.

Attitude is the keyword for this moment; the attitude with which you approach this transition is so critical to the outcomes of this transition. Research has indeed found out that women who approach this period with a great attitude often make the most of it and end up getting the most positive of experiences where there was great difficult. Findings further reveal that negative beliefs that are held before menopause are more often predictive of a more troublesome time during menopause transition. For instance, the more violent your thoughts about hot flashes are, the more violent they are bound to be. But if one changes there outlook at these symptoms of menopause, then are bound to have a reduction of these symptoms.

Here are five tips to help you have a positive menopause experience:

1. Careful about your thoughts

You know the saying ‘as a you think so you are’? There is increasing evidence that suggests that the absence of positive thoughts is largely responsible for a greater negative impact on one’s health than the presence of negative thoughts. A great way to cultivate the art of positive thoughts is to keep an appreciation journal; every night, list down three positive things that you are grateful for, try to image then take some minutes to have the picture of those moments clear in your mind.

2. Take time to laugh

It is said that laughter is the medicine for the soul and laughter goes along way into prolonging one’s life. Laughter does more than one can imagine for menopause; it brings us closer to other people, it enhances our memory and learning, it stimulates the immune system, it helps us achieve more positive mindsets and helps us cope better with the stressors in our lives.

3. Have time for yourself

Invest time and resources in yourself; take yoga classes, and do exercises. Take time to just find yourself; this moves you out of the stress responses that are harmful to your health into a great relaxation mode that relaxes your muscles and mind bringing with it more healing and happiness. This relaxation and time for yourself is critical in increasing concentration, creativity, quiets the mind, elicits positive emotions and helps reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, PMS, insomnia and headaches. When a woman takes 15 minutes just to make herself a priority and appreciate herself; great changes often occur.

4. Live in the present time

Staying at the moment is a great practice that cuts across all spheres of life. If one trains themselves to stay at the moment, they can reap the tremendous harvest of great output and joy. Always strive to be aware and mindful of your ‘present’; what it is that you are doing or going through. This practice eliminates worrying about the past (that could be full of regrets) or the future (that could present anxieties). Focusing on the present has been found to reduce being tired, stressed and even depressed and also reduce on menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia and headaches among others.

5. Stay connected

No man is an island. There is a tendency among some women to be on their own out of the frustrations that come with menopause. Most would say ‘I don’t want to burden others with my issues. With this statement, they sink into self-pity as they worry over their problems. This only exacerbates their troubles and increases such menopausal symptoms as hot flashes, depression, stress, anxiety and insomnia among others. No woman should conceal themselves in their cocoons, the power of social support is much needed if menopause would be a positive experience. Find women good women who are going through menopause and share together and encourage each other. You are bound to find more strength for a positive experience.

Conclusion

Menopause, even with all it nightmares can offer a great time for self-reflection, for growth and great realization for greater personal satisfaction. The above tips are a great place to start. In addition, consider using menopause treatments and menopause supplements to help alleviate the discomfort that comes with menopause.