There are many kinds of stresses that we experience in life ranging from the everyday slight stresses to the more severe. Menopause and perimenopause can cause stress to be a prominent experience in a woman’s life. This stress can affect the way you act and think. It can also lead to sleep problems, headaches, difficulty concentrating or difficulty acting rationally. It can exacerbate the experience of other perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Taking steps to relieve this stress can have a powerful impact on your quality of life.
Why does menopause cause stress?When we experience stress our bodies produce cortisol. This is a natural reaction to help us cope with the stress we are experiencing. However prolong levels of cortisol can have damaging effects. The hormone estrogen helps maintain the level of cortisol in the body. As you go through perimenopause and menopause, your estrogen levels begin to drop. This makes it difficult for your body to regulate cortisol levels causing you to experience stress more readily.
Learning how to manage your stress is essential for heaving a healthy balanced life. There are many habits that can be easily incorporated into your every day life with some effort to help combat stress, as well as natural remedies and herbs.
- Meditation
There are many different forms of meditation, all with the overall goal of settling the mind. Taking even ten minutes a day to meditate can have a positive impact on your stress levels. - Yoga and Pilates
Like meditation, yoga and Pilates help refocus your mind as well as establish a mind body connection. They can help relieve both mental and physical stress. They also help your body produce more endorphins which is a proven stress reducer. - Relaxing Hobbies
Take time to pursue hobbies that you enjoy and are also relaxing. Such as gardening, reading, baking, etc. - Get enough sleep
Make sleep a priority. Being deprived of sleep is a notorious cause of irritability and intolerance. Sleep will have a positive effect on your brain’s ability to handle the day ahead. - Teas and Herbs
Teas and herbs can have a calming affect to the body and mind. A few to consider are:-
- Lemon balm
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family that has been studied for its anti-anxiety effects. - Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat stress and anxiety. - Green tea
Green tea contains many polyphenol antioxidants which provide health benefits. It may lower stress and anxiety by increasing serotonin levels. - Valerian
Valerian root is a popular sleep aid due to its tranquilizing effect. It contains valerenic acid, which alters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors to lower anxiety.
- Lemon balm
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Menopause and perimenopause can be challenging times in a women’s life. However there are ways to make the transition and experience seamless and balanced. Take the time to incorporate stress reducing habits into your everyday life. The potential to lower the effects of stress on your body and mind are well worth it.