I recently decided to start a series of Instagram Live sessions exploring how we can best support ourselves as we transition through the menopausal years. None of us experience this in the same way, so inviting a range of professionals in the field would give you an opportunity to explore different options that are available to you.
I aim for these to be a monthly event. If you know someone I should be speaking to, please do drop me a line. Equally if you are a professional that would like to come join the conversation with me, come and say hi!
This month was the first of these sessions and I was delighted to have Anita Goa of Goa Flow & Anita Goa TV join me to discuss how yoga can help us during perimenopause and menopause. You can watch the full conversation here. But I’ve summarised the key points to takeaway on this post, so read on for Anita’s best bits, I’m sure there will be lots you can identify with…
Instagram Live: Anita Goa
Like many women, Anita found the transition into perimenopause difficult. When she continued to try to force her way through her usual practice, she was met with panic attacks. In essence she was forced to ‘pause’, reflect and identify how she could do things differently.
Anita touched on how we often feel like we need to do more, maybe we start to gain weight or if things aren’t feeling quite the same, we tell ourselves we must need to try harder! When it’s the opposite approach we need. Slow down, perimenopause and menopause requires a different approach to yoga.
Breathing practice can help you to alleviate stress, cooling to calm and soothe you but you can also use breathing practice when you to do the opposite and to energise yourself.
It’s important to recognise the difference between lethargy and feeling exhausted or tired as they require a different approach. If you are feeling lethargic you need a practice to motivate and give you a little kick, whereas if you are feeling tired or fatigued you need to rest and allow this to lift you up.
Fill your cup. Listen to what you are feeling. Tune in to your female intuition to help guide your practice.
Mornings are a great time to practice yoga as it can really set the tone for the day ahead. But if you can’t manage mornings, don’t let this stop you. Any yoga is better than none. Your practice does not need to be an hour long, even 10 or 15 minutes can be so helpful.
Keep it simple – Anita has found that the most simplistic of practice has been incredibly healing for her.
Anita’s Top Tips
Get educated, learn about all the different symptoms of the menopause. Keep a journal of how you are feeling so you can begin to join the dots. Get the support system of other women, Instagram has a particularly vibrant community. Find a GP who is supportive and understanding of menopause.
I thought it was wonderful that contrary to what you tend to hear about menopause being this terrible time, we both felt this was a transformative time and one where you can move forward and make the most of life.
I really enjoyed this conversation, if you would like to know more about Anita and menopause, she has a wealth of resources and yoga sessions on her YouTube channel
My next live session is with Christine from Simply Be Retreats & Therapies – November 11th @ 1:00pm on my Instagram Page. We will be discussing how you can use breath work and mindfulness to manage your symptoms and how you can use journaling to launch yourself into the prime of your life.