Five Ways to Feel Like Yourself During Menopause

Going through menopause may not seem like a big deal on the surface, but for many women, it ends up being a very powerful experience. It's a big change, and it's normal for many women to experience their loss of fertility as sadness and depression.

Not feeling like yourself doesn't have to be your new normal. There are ways you can feel like yourself again, even as your hormones and your life changes with menopause.

Do Things That Make You Feel Feminine

It's easy to feel down in the dumps when you go through menopause, and when most people feel down in the dumps, it means sweatpants, T-shirts, and a messy bun. Although there's nothing wrong with relaxing and feeling comfortable as you adjust to your new normal, it's also important to remind yourself of your femininity, whatever that means for you.

Doing things to feel more feminine might mean putting on a little makeup, styling your hair in a new way, or buying a new dress online. It may also mean making more time to be intimate with your partner. No matter what it is, it's important to remind yourself that menopause doesn't change the fact that you're still beautiful and feminine.

Get Some Exercise

Exercise is extremely important throughout your life, but it is even more important when you go through menopause. That's because exercising during menopause can:

• Prevent weight gain

• Reduce the risk of cancer

• Strengthen your bones

• Reduce the risk of disease

• Boost your mood

• Help you maintain your curves

There are tons of ways you can get exercise. Take up jogging, if it's something you've always wanted to do, or take a local yoga class. Stretching is also a powerful way to exercise during menopause, as it can help you make sure you engage all of your muscles as you age.

Pamper Yourself

It's important to remember that you're worth it when you're going through menopause. That means taking time to pamper yourself, no matter how busy you are.

You might want to spend a day at the spa, go to the salon for a new hairstyle, or get your nails done, but pampering yourself doesn't necessarily mean you have to spend a ton of money. There are many affordable ways you can treat yourself.

Few things compare to a long hot bath. You can make it extra special by lighting some candles and using bath bombs or bath oil. Rose petals floating in the water will make you feel like you're at the spa, especially if you turn on some calming music while you soak.

Other ideas might include giving yourself an in-home hair treatment, giving yourself a pedicure, or planning a staycation at home.

Make Time for Friends and Family

Menopause makes many women feel anti-social. After all, if you aren't feeling like yourself, you probably don't have a lot of energy to hang out with other people. However, making time for friends and family is extremely important to your mental health as you learn what life is going to be like during menopause.

Do what feels comfortable for you, while still providing yourself with plenty of time to rest and relax. That might mean calling and catching up with a cousin you haven't talked to in a while or grabbing a drink with a friend. If you feel like doing something extra special, plan a weekend getaway with a girlfriend or a spouse.

Get Help If You Need It

Although menopause is a normal life experience, it can still be extremely difficult to adjust to your new normal. There's nothing wrong with getting help if you need it.

That might include scheduling an appointment with your doctor. There are many menopause treatment options that can ease your symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy may be an option, while in other cases, herbs and supplements may be an easy way to ease symptoms.

It might also include scheduling an appointment with a therapist. They can help you work through your feelings about menopause more quickly than if you try to accept the changes on your own. They may also be able to provide you with tips to make dealing with your symptoms easier.

Your body undergoes big changes during menopause, but that doesn't mean you have to come out the other side feeling like a different person! There are many things you can do that will make you feel more like your old self, regardless of how your hormones are changing.