How on earth do I define my new working hours? Well, let’s embark on this amusing journey, shall we?
The house is incredibly quiet. Why wouldn’t it be? It’s 3am and for most normal people, it would be considered the middle of the night. But for those travelling the hormonal highway, it’s any time you want it to be as long as you learn to embrace menopause with humour and purpose.
Introducing Menopausal Mornings…
I have given these unconventional working hours a name. I proudly present to you: the “Menopause Mornings”! Yes, it’s a time when my body insists on playing the role of a persistent alarm clock, ensuring that I’m wide awake and functioning at a time when I should be blissfully riding the rollercoaster of REM sleep. Touched as I am by Mother Nature’s personal wake-up call, I’d prefer to opt out.
The coffee machine is undoubtedly a risky companion. While its cheerful grind is a symphony for any caffeine enthusiast, I highly doubt my family would appreciate its energetic performance at the ungodly hour of 3:30 am. I felt a touch of empathy for my bleary-eyed husband who tentatively stumbled into the kitchen to apprehend the possible intruder – only to discover a menopausal maniac in search of a caffeine fix. I have the sense that he may need some techniques to embrace menopause too.
Presenting the options.
Am I okay with the menopause? If I’m honest, not entirely. But fighting against it seems to be a futile endeavour. So, what can I do about it? That’s the question, isn’t it?
Choice is what comes to mind. I can either engage in an epic battle that I’m likely to lose, or I can embrace these mad mornings and make the most of the situation.
The former involves a great deal of tossing and turning interspersed with attempts at finding inner peace and restoring some semblance of order in my buzzing brain.
The latter is a path of gentle acceptance. A coaching colleague I have the pleasure of working with suggested a simple yet profound approach. She advised to regularly check in with myself and my values and to see if they are aligned. And if they are not, then to take the time needed to make an adjustment. This is such a brilliant example of mental fitness – pause, reflect, ground, and continue.
I may be a learner driver on the menopausal motorway, but I say, ‘Cheers to you Menopause. I look forward to the unexpected adventures you bring!’
A purposeful and playful plan.
Embrace the Power of Routine:
Part of learning to embrace menopause is to establish a consistent routine so that the body knows what to expect. Teach your body when it’s time to sleep and wake up, and hopefully, it’ll start cooperating. And if you find yourself stuck in the wee hours of the morning…
Create a Tranquil Environment:
There comes a point during the night where you may have to accept that sleep is not part of the midnight plan. My suggestion – don’t fight it. Set up a cosy corner or a designated workspace where you can begin to embrace all that a new day has to offer. Menopausal mornings may become your new best friend.
Coffee – an essential kickstart:
It’s a no-brainer. Enough said. 😉
(And for those who need convincing, who doesn’t enjoy an article that sings the praises of one of life’s pleasures – even if it’s littered with coulds and shoulds and mights.)
Make it Mindful:
When things become chaotic and overwhelm and uncertainty cloud out common sense, take a deep breath and repeat, “I am a Menopause Masterpiece navigating uncharted territory. I do so with grace, humour, and a permission slip of patience.” How you ground yourself and the story you tell yourself will be part of your success plan.
Stay Flexible and Adapt:
Embrace menopause unpredictability and go with the flow. If a nap is needed, you’ve earned the right. If your internal hard drive takes time to download a word, use another. If it’s haywire hormones, blame your menopausal alter ego. Hands up, ‘it wasn’t me.” 🤷️. Flexibility is key to maintaining sanity while juggling Menopause madness. Others will learn to adjust.
Seek Support and Share the Laughs:
You are not alone. There are a gazillion of us out there. Connect. Share funny stories, swap tips, and laugh together – because laughter truly is the best medicine for those wacky hormonal moments. Besides, a good belly laugh can burn calories, and who doesn’t want that?
It’s my belief that this too shall pass – perhaps? It may be replaced by aching joints, loss of balance or a dense version of brain fog that requires night lenses in the grocery store. But that’s next stage. We are not there yet.
So, my brave Menopause adventurer, I’m right there in the trenches with you. Arm yourself with routine, humour, and real determination. Someday, you’ll look back and laugh at the wild ride you have been on.
I have no doubt that there is some purpose within this transformative phase of life – and I’m going to find it.
A personal note from the author:
I haven’t conquered this journey yet – simply at base camp, ready to face any challenge that comes my way. Curveballs may be persistent, but so is my determined embrace of each one.
If you’re on your own transformative journey through menopause, remember that you’re not alone. I’ve gathered valuable tools along the way, and I’m more than willing to share them with you. 😉 Whether you need advice, a good laugh, or simply someone to navigate this adventure alongside, don’t hesitate to reach out or book a session through my website.
We are all menopausal masterpieces, and the best is yet to come. May the odds be forever in our favour. 🤗
