Perimenopause – and why I keep talking about it
We’re heading into August and I’ve been giving some thought into how I’m spending my days, but also the tweaks I want to make to my life.
I’m sure people will get bored by hearing me say ‘I’m perimenopausal’ but it’s the truth, and as someone training to be a menopause support coach, I think it’s important that I share what I’m going through and I’m as authentic as possible.
From my learnings (as part of my course, but also reading books and articles, listening to podcasts and watching webinars) the things that really stand out are what comes next and what I can do about it.
The statistics that stopped me in my tracks
And by that, I mean 1 in 2 women post menopause will have an osteoporosis bone break and the incidence of cardiovascular disease also increases.
Nutrition, exercise and sleep – where I actually am
The good news is that it’s possible to do something about that, and that’s through a combination of nutrition, exercise and sleep.
I eat pretty well most of the time (I cook for myself, from scratch and don’t really eat ultra processed foods) but there can always be improvements. Exercise wise, I could definitely do more and sleep, I have the frameworks of a bedtime and morning routine, but have yet to truly implement them consistently.
Why trying to do everything leads to doing nothing
The thing is, there are some tweaks I can make in all areas, but, if I try and do them all, it becomes unsustainable and I start to feel overwhelmed. I am only human, and there are only so many hours in the day. So what’s the answer?
Just one thing and how to pick yours
Doing ‘just one thing’. It’s such a simple premise. Focus on one thing. And do it. Make it a habit, have it as part of your daily life and once you’re there, look at the next thing. You’re more likely to make real change if you focus on one area, not many of them.
My one thing this August: sleep
So how do you do just one thing? Pick something that you think will make the biggest difference to your life. I know that exercise is important (for my mental health now and my physical health as I get older), but right now, sleep is my priority.
Having made that decision, I’m now going to focus on my bedtime routine. That sets you up for the next day. So going to bed at a similar time every night, ensuring my room is quiet and dark. Cutting back on technology before bed. Having a warm (non-caffeinated) drink before bed.
That already is 4 things, in my ‘bedtime routine’. So I could break it down further.
Give yourself time, and grace, to make changes
As you can see, lifestyle changes take time, but it’s important to remind ourselves why we want to implement them, what their benefits will be and to not put ourselves under pressure if we don’t do them every day.
It’s a bit like the question ‘how do you eat an elephant?’ with the answer: ‘one bite at a time.’ Just doing one thing simplifies everything, makes it more manageable and therefore, we’re more likely to stick to it.
So, what’s your one thing?
If I were to ask you ‘what’s the one thing you could do in August’ what would your answer be? And if you need help in either figuring it out, or implementing it, drop me a DM or an email at claire@clairemelvingcoaching.co.uk I’d love to help.