The Menopause RESET nobody told you about.

Hello readers!!!

I am back after a good summer break.

This time, I took a trip with my siblings and travelled to Vietnam. It was one of those “Little Planned - Little Spontaneous” trips, which we hadn’t taken together in the longest time. The trip was originally supposed to be a solo one. Gradually, I roped in my siblings - my elder sister and my younger brother. Vietnam is a vibrant mix of stunning natural beauty, like Ha Long Bay, paired with the bustling cities of Hanoi. The country is full of history and culture, lined with mouth-watering street food and lively cafés. It was the perfect reset after the shocking heat of Dubai had been making me dance to its tune.

We all need a reset, time and again - to slow down, re-energize, re-prioritize, and re-strategize our lives. I look at menopause also as a huge reset to our predictable, routine, and exhausting lives. You know how when your phone glitches or your computer hangs, the best thing to do is to get a reset.

Much of the talk about menopause is around what to expect, what may happen, what it would look like, and what you may suffer from. And we get that. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms. Hot flashes, brain fog, weight gain - sounds like doomsday or the punishment of judgment day. It makes it sound scary, full of embarrassment, and a reason for non-acceptance.

What if I say that menopause wasn’t an ending, but a reset button for your body, mind, and spirit? Hear me out- what if this shift was to challenge you - your sense of self, independence and awareness?

Let us reframe all the negative connotations into something productive and focus on rebuilding your new lifestyle- a blessing in disguise.

The Physical reset:

Your body is asking for a little TLC, Mon Chéri.

You need to provide the nourishment to build for the next half of life. We have defined the various problems associated with menopause - the symptoms, the decline, and the aging - all aspects. But it’s also making way for new biological changes and revived energy to shift the focus away from reproduction and nurturing to something more meaningful.

Your tools:

• Nutrition reset: addition of more protein to retain muscle health, fiber to help ease bloating, and healthy fats for healthy heart. Supplements to correct any deficiencies.

• Movement reset: including strength training 3 times a week and restorative exercise twice a week. Your workout plans that were useful in your 20’s and 30’s are no more relevant. Consistency is important.

• Sleep reset : embrace new routines - NO CLUBBING, NO LATE NIGHTS- Make your bedroom your heaven. Get enough Magnesium for peaceful sleep

The Mental Reset:

As much as your brain is behaving differently and you feel anxious or fogged most of the time, your life experiences have always given you the focus that you need. As you age, there is more clarity about things you want, the way you want and you can be very emphatic about it. Another bliss is the ability to see through BS. You can call it like it is, unapologetic. You be you- and do away with things that no longer serve your purpose in life.

So, start with an audit of

• your career choices and option

• relationships

• self esteem

Your tools:

• Journaling,

• Practice mindfulness,

• Take up a new hobby or activity,

• Therapy

The Life Reset:

During menopause, most of you have outgrown the rearing and nurturing period. You have more time on your hands. No period calendar to watch. Kids are grown-ups, and social pressure has shifted out; you are freer now. And you are not alone in this situation.

So start by

• Reconnect with like-minded women and use this time to create something meaningful, which brings contentment to yourself.

• Stop the chase of shiny things, the chase to prove yourself, the chase of distraction. Rediscover yourself- because that's when you build your tribe, your community.

• Choose empowerment rather than restriction. Align yourself with your purpose.

Your tools:

• Your circle of friends

• your gym buddies

• your book club, hobby sharers, and on - just look around.

So to sum it up, here's the takeaway:

• Listen to your body as it knows what it needs and guides you accordingly.

• Prioritize gaining physical strength equally with prioritizing sleep and relaxation.

• Say "YES" to what energizes you, and "NO" to whatever drains you. Be unapologetic about it.

• Build your community and support system.

Menopause is not the end; it’s a reset. Treat this phase as a “second puberty,” but one where you are in charge.

Let me know in the comments section which aspect of your life you want to start the reset with. So, get texting!

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