Mr. Sandman bring me a dream: 2 things that helped my insomnia

Okay Club 50 ladies, if you and Mr. Sandman are no longer on a first-name basis, you might wonder if it was something you said. Personally, I used to be able to sleep anywhere, at any time. But once I joined the “club,” Mr. Sandman lost my address. Welcome to menopause. As far as remedies, if you’ve done your research, you already know about the plethora of suggestions for a better night’s slumber. I’ve tried magnesium, melatonin and 5-HTP supplements at bedtime. I’ve used ear plugs and eye masks, sipped on herbal tea and nixed electronics pre-lights out. All with little to no change in my sleep quality. And then I tried two things: 1) eliminating all distractions in my sleep environment (i.e., temporarily moving into the guest room) and 2) altering my bedtime/wake times. Both adjustments allowed my body’s circadian rhythm to reset, which helped me reacquaint with Mr. Sandman. Also, regular acupuncture and consistent yoga practice may contribute to better Zzzzs.

What’s your go-to sleep aid?

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And just like that: it’s a new year

Two days before Christmas, and all through the house (and workplace): I threw down a full-fledged menopausal meltdown. It was as if I’d been issued the challenge to: Go big, or go home. Eventually, I proceeded with both and dubbed myself the Grinch. But once I realized it was hormone related, I approached my muddled emotions with a clearer sense of direction. And that’s when I knew: my 20/20 vision and plans for “growth” aren’t about knocking out a bestseller (although at the top of my list) or greater financial stability (still up there), it’s about growing into the purpose for which I was created, and growing in the areas I mention in “…bidding farewell…”—my convictions, fortitude and peace. It’s about knowing who I am and growing in that knowledge, discovering and honing the tools I need to succeed. It’s about putting this season of all things menopause to work for me vs. against me. 2020, here I come!

How do you plan to grow this year?

Hot flashes: triggers + tricks to find relief

Okay, ladies (and gentlemen—maybe you know someone who could benefit from this post), since I’ve been navigating this latest season (aka menopause), I’ve been experiencing hot flashes—what I’ve playfully dubbed “power surges”—common symptoms that can (and do!) flare up at any time. When my sweet mama developed hot flashes, her nose turned bright red. Some women get night sweats. And many, like me, morph into human radiators that heat from the inside out and can drench our clothes in seconds. Common triggers: alcohol, heavy and/or tight clothing, heat, physical activity and warm drinks. A few tricks that work for me—and have reduced my daily power surges from seven to one or two:

• Wear layers that can be removed quickly
• Regular acupuncture sessions
• Flaxseed meal (a good source of lignans that may balance female hormones)
• Clary sage oil (I add 24 drops to 2 ounces of purified water & spritz daily)
• Sip a cool/iced drink at the onset
• Portable fan

What tips work for you?

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Empowered vs. embarrassed: becoming your biggest advocate (encouragement for women)

In my post, Resigning ourselves to embrace each season, I share my new normal: menopause. Since then, I’ve consulted with myriad health professionals, researched countless treatments and, in reality, become my biggest (health) advocate. PSA: I urge everyone to assume this role, whenever possible. But, because I cope with a few uncommon medical issues; e.g., a blood clotting disorder and congenital heart defect, I’ve learned that several potential solutions prove riskier to manage hormonal imbalances. This simply means heightened due diligence on my part. And, because no medical expert is perfect, nor every woman created equal, a trial and error mentality is key. Throughout the process, I’ve also discovered my voice—not only by asking questions, but by being transparent with others. Rather than suffer embarrassment, I feel more empowered than ever. Stay tuned for upcoming posts that include tips for managing this new season, from common symptoms and natural remedies for relief, to encouragement that we’re not alone.

How do you manage the new seasons in life?

Image source: https://transforminglifenow.wordpress.com/.

Resigning ourselves to embrace each season

Live each season as it passes;
breathe the air, drink the drink,
taste the fruit, and resign yourself
to the influences of each.
~ Henry David Thoreau

Over the past few years, I’ve learned a little something about “Club 50.” It comes with a tiny downside called menopause. While I’ve been navigating this new season of empty nesting, adventure seeking and pre-retirement planning (the countdown is on!), the sneaky little “M” visitor swooped in under the radar and stole my life as I knew it—leaving behind a lack of ambition, fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, excess weight, acne breakouts and an outcropping of coarse and curly sparkles. And that’s just the beginning! Thankfully, there’s hope. Or so I’ve been told. Because I still have a lot of living to do, embracing each moment even on the days when I must dig deep and fake it until I make it. Or the days I simply laugh my way through because it beats the alternative.

What season must you embrace?

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