Say “menopause” without cringing
You’re in the Late Reproductive Years, Peri or Post Menopause.
You’re being inundated with tools, tricks, tips, products, changes to lifestyle, advice & suggestions from all directions. While it’s fantastic that as a society we can actually say the word ‘menopause’ without cringing, all of this information can be overwhelming.
I firmly believe that “knowledge is power” (as Sir Francis Bacon said) and when you gather information and resources you can make empowered decisions.
Yoga has been a part of my life for almost 3 decades. It has supported me as a young adult struggling with mental health, through two pregnancies and now as I navigate perimenopause. I have continued to be not only a teacher but a dedicated student of yoga, understanding, learning, empowering myself with the learnings on my mat.
As I have changed, the way that I have practiced yoga has changed. This is the beauty of yoga…it holds you & offers you exactly what your body & mind need, if you’ll only listen.
This wonderful practice is my rock as I experience many changes throughout the many layers of my Self. What I require physically, energetically, mentally & emotionally are all supported by the practices of yoga.
While I have been feeling 10 times better whilst taking Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) since February, it’s unfortunately not a silver bullet that prevents bone density loss, pain free joints or 8 hours of sleep guaranteed every night.
My yoga practice helps improve bone mineral density & overall bone health through weight-bearing exercises that stimulate bone growth. Standing poses like Warrior II, Tree Pose, and Triangle Pose (just to name a few)
build strength in the legs, hips, and spine, enhancing bone density and balance, essential for everyday functionality
improves flexibility, posture, and muscle tone, supporting the skeletal system and reducing the risk of injury
My yoga practice helps improve the quality of my sleep. Don’t you also sleep better after a class?
It’s been proven with numerous studies on yoga’s effect on sleep quality - results indicating that it is highly beneficial for peri and postmenopausal women. Research that focused on individuals undertaking yoga exercises found that those who regularly practised yoga:
Had better overall sleep quality
Had fewer instances of disturbed sleep
Took less time to fall asleep
Experienced less daytime dysfunction
Used sleep medications less
Felt more rested and energetic in the morning
We also know that yoga boosts cognitive function & reduces stress. Many students comment how calm they feel walking out of class after engaging in mindfulness meditation or breathing techniques with me. Time in savasana is enough to help start reducing the risk of heart disease by decreasing stress-related inflammation
As women we are capable of achieving so much for others, yet yoga is an opportunity to turn your focus inward, to honour your changing needs, to priortise your wellbeing and guide you to thriving in this life!