As women go through menopause, they often experience a decline in their motivation to take care of their health. This can be due to a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, fatigue and a lack of social support. Unfortunately, this loss of motivation can lead to a downward spiral of health issues that can have serious long-term consequences.
One of the primary reasons why women lose motivation during menopause is due to changes in their bodies. As estrogen levels drop, women may experience hot flushes, night sweats, and other uncomfortable symptoms that can disrupt their sleep and leave them feeling tired and drained. This can make it difficult to muster the energy needed to exercise or eat healthy foods and can lead to a cycle of inactivity and poor nutrition.
Menopause can also bring about a shift in a women’s social life. Many women find themselves becoming empty nesters as their children grow up and move away. They may also experience divorce or other major life changes that can leave them feeling isolated and alone. This can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, which can further impact their motivation to take care of themselves.
Despite the challenges, it’s important for women to find ways to stay motivated and engaged in their health during menopause. By changing things up and trying new strategies, women can not only improve their physical health but also boost their mood and increase their social connections.
HOW CAN YOU STAY MOTIVATED?
One key area to focus on is nutrition. During menopause, women’s nutritional needs may change, and they may need to adjust their diets accordingly. This can mean eating more protein to maintain muscle mass, incorporating more calcium to support bone health, increasing fibre to support digestive health, and essential fats for mental health. By working with a registered nutritionist or naturopath, women can develop a customised nutrition plan that meets their specific needs and helps them feel their best.
Another important area to focus on is exercise. While menopause can make it challenging to exercise, it’s important to find ways to stay active. This can include low-impact exercises like yoga, swimming, or walking, as well as strength training to maintain muscle mass and bone density. By finding an exercise routine that works for you, women can boost their energy levels and improve their overall health and well-being.
Social connections are crucial during menopause. By staying engaged with family, friends, and community, women can avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can mean joining a social club or volunteer organisation, attending community events, or simply reaching out to friends and loved ones for support. By building a strong social network, women can not only improve their mental health but also boost their motivation to take care of themselves.
It's easy for women to lose motivation during menopause, but it’s important to stay engaged and active. By changing things up and trying new strategies, women can improve their nutrition, exercise and social connections as well as contributing to balancing hormones naturally and less reliance on prescription medication for anxiety and depression.
By taking action now, women can set themselves up for success as they age, and look forward to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
Written by Mona Hecke
Mona Hecke is a degree qualified Naturopath, nutrition specialist and health and wellness writer.
With over 20 years in the health industry, beginning with a focus on children and families, and a bestselling book ‘The Lunchbox Revolution’, Mona is now empowering women through education and conversation to take action and embrace change. Gut health, mindfulness, nutrition, hormones, and menopause are the topics that women want and need to know to create their healthy future.
Mona holds certifications in Lifestyle Coaching, Kinesiology, holistic herbal medicine, and nutrition.
A recognised leader in the health industry, Mona’s strong social media presence and passion for influencing change will continue to be a catalyst for health reform for the benefit of every Australian.
