Jane Dowling from Meno and Me has shared how exercise is helping her cope with menopause.
We all strive to be the very best version of ourselves. We also know that beauty comes from within, but during this time of life, struggling with menopause symptoms as well as ageing; it can be tough.
I know if I am not on my A game with exercise and eating well, not only does my mind and body suffer it shows in my face, skin and body.
Symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, hot flushes, sore muscles and low mood are common during this time, but exercise can help to cope with them.
In Women in Sport’s menopause research, 82% of women said they had experienced menopause symptoms, while 70% felt their symptoms had a moderate-severe impact on quality of life.
The study found that active women were more resilient in coping with these symptoms and used physical activity to manage them.
When I exercise, I feel energised and the bags under my eyes disappear, my skin looks better along with my muscle tone and how I hold myself.
Exercise also helps promote sleep and reduce fatigue.
However, sleep can be a problem during menopause and I understand it is hard if you are suffering with night sweats and waking up at in the middle of the night, I have been there and glad that part of my menopause has passed.
Moving and challenging your body will have amazing benefits not only physically but mentally. It isn’t just about going to the gym; It’s just about moving and becoming breathless on a daily basis and I try and demonstrate this.
I have been active most of my life. From being a gymnast when I was younger to teaching aerobics for a long time at the beginning of my career. The worst time of my life was when I entered menopause, at the same time, I was also recovering from a car accident and life changing shoulder surgery.
I was very inactive; not only did I feel horrible I looked dreadful!
My body felt old, I felt and looked tired all the time and I could not see the positives in life. These feelings are common among women with menopause. We often have low confidence in our ability to get active.
I rehabbed my injuries and slowly became active over time; I am happy to say (touch wood) that if I am careful, I can pretty much do most activities.
I’m using exercise to cope with menopause. I feel like it keeps me young! Through my blog Meno and Me I want to help others take back control of their lives during menopause.
You can read more from Jane Dowling on her website Meno and Me.
