Are you stuck in the blues and looking for a way out? Low moods can strike at any time. You can wake up feeling low or you can wake up feeling great and by the end of the day, everything has changed. When you add perimenopause and menopause into the mix, the constant changing of hormones can have a real impact. Estrogen can increase serotonin and endorphins which boost your mood. So when estrogen is depleted it makes sense that you would start feeling lower.
Exercise
Exercise is so underrated as a way to fight depression and boost your mood. Exercise is often the perfect medicine because you release endorphins as a result. If you can fit in some light exercise in the morning it’s one of the best ways to start your day. This way you’re replacing ‘happy hormones’ that aren’t so much in abundance anymore.
When you factor in other symptoms of menopause such as joint pain and fatigue, you might be sat here thinking, well how on earth can I manage exercise? If fatigue is your only issue start off very light. The great thing is that exercise actually helps fight fatigue, so once you start and get into a regular routine you should find you have more energy.
To tackle joint pain you need to opt for exercise that works for you, even if that’s just light walks, to begin with. Exercise improves circulation which can ease pain and reduce swelling.
Socialise & Share
If you’re low it’s unlikely you feel like socialising and putting on a brave face. Our suggestion is not to put on a brave face! Spend time with those you are closest with and feel most comfortable sharing with. Talk to your best friend, Sister, Mother or Daughter about the way you’re really feeling. Sometimes it’s almost like we’re programmed to push away how we’re feeling. After that, try saying yes to those things you feel like saying no to. If you’ve ever had that feeling where you didn’t want to go, but after you’re really glad you did… it’s the same thing. Our close ones lift us up.
Work on Your Sleep
Improving sleep is easier said than done but getting a healthy 7-9 hours every night really makes a difference with low moods. Believe it or not, oversleeping is linked to depression, so too much sleep could be having a negative impact just as much as too little sleep. The right balance is between 7-9 hours each night. To achieve this, you really need to aim to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, even at the weekends. A sleep routine is the best way to combat poor sleep, but it can take some getting used to. For the first few weeks, you might struggle to fall asleep and wake up at the times you’d like.
These are just 3 ways to lift your mood; exercising, better sleep and surrounding yourself with loved ones. You could also try eating a better diet, including cutting down on alcohol and caffeine if you consume these regularly. As we approach the end of the year, take some time to work on you.