Written by Staness Jonekos, co-author The Menopause Makeover

Suffering from hourly hot flashes, weight gain, aging skin, a declining libido and unpredictable irritability can destroy your confidence.

Going through menopause may be challenging, but with a plan you can take control of your health and happiness fueling a healthy self-esteem.

Step #1:  Decide to make changes and identify your concerns

Menopause symptoms, weight gain, aging issues, emotional health, relationships.

Step #2:  Set goals

Work with your health care provider to find menopause symptom solutions. Review your personal and family history, and discuss your personal preferences so you can create a plan that works.  We are all different, and no one recipe fits all.

Reevaluate your eating and fitness habits.  Weight gain is almost inevitable with menopause. Nourish your body with healthy food choices and exercise most days of the week.

Is it time for a beauty makeover?  Updating your skin care regime and cosmetics can make your look and feel batter.  A new hairstyle can make you feel years younger. Redefine beauty not dictated by the media.  Feeling good in your own skin creates confidence.

Emotional health is an important ingredient to happiness.  Create a strong support group.

Step #3:  Take Action

After you have identified areas that need changing, create an action plan.  Schedule time for exercise.  Visit your healthcare provider.  Visit your local cosmetic counter and ask for suggestions to update your look. Embrace your support group and enjoy weekly get-togethers.

Step #4: Track results

 Keep a journal so you can assess areas that are working and modify areas that are not.

Step #5: Evaluate lessons

Are you learning about yourself during this transition period?  Are you an emotional eater? If so, identify what is happening that drives you to food.  Depression?  Loneliness?  Do you need to work on your relationships? Surrounding yourself with supportive people can make your menopause journey more manageable.

Step #6: Practice daily

Incorporating change requires daily practice. Repetition makes change a habit.  Good habits fuel a healthy lifestyle.

Tips

• Live in the present moment.

• Celebrate your uniqueness.

• Make quiet time, and tap into your spirit.

• Embrace the unknown.   Joseph Campbell says, "We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us."Practice a positive attitude: a midlife secret weapon.

• See the positive in daily challenges so you can make changes. 

• Acknowledge that weight gain is a wake-up call to start eating better and exercising.

• Discover your uniqueness not defined by youth.

Feeling better physically and emotionally can open the door to living your dreams. Menopause can be a rough road, but crossing the bridge to self-acceptance will nurture your confidence.

_________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

More From Staness Jonekos:

How To Sleep Through Menopause

Staying Confident Through Menopause

Coping With Stress During menopause

_________________________________________________________________________

Authour Bio:

Staness Jonekos is the co-author of The Menopause Makeover, speaker, and advocate for women's health. For more information about Staness visit www.MenopauseMakeover.com. You can also follow her on twitter.com/staness

_________________________________________________________________________

Menopause Pages:

Leave Comments