I believe practising mindfulness has helped reduce my menopausal symptoms - watch this short video for more information.
If this resonates with you, do connect with me - www.bloomwithmary.co.uk or my safe & supportive Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/bloomingmenopause, or book a free mid-life action session directly in to my diary https://www.bloomwithmary.co.uk/work-with-me.html

Yesterday was a difficult day for me.  I had been on holiday the previous week, and due to a family illness, I had to come home early.  It was absolutely the right thing to do, and I didn't even think twice about it as I went to the airport in the early hours for the first flight home.  Fortunately things seem to have turned out fine, so after a few days of caring, and when I would have been back from holiday in any case, things returned to normal.

What I wasn't prepared for, was for my emotions to go haywire once I know it was going to be okay.  I slept badly, and spent yesterday feeling like a bit of an emotional wreck!

As it was my first day back at my desk, I had a to-do list as long as my arm, and lots of plans to write my newsletter, create themed posts for my Facebook group, catch up on emails etc.  Running my own business and with my Director role for the UK Health Coaches Association, I schedule my activities carefully  and I don't have much leeway in time, but I knew yesterday that I just wasn't going to get my full plan done.

So I decided to listen to my mind and body, and prioritise my self-care.  I wrote a short 'to-do' list with a couple priority actions, but dumped everything that wasn't crucial.  That way, when I got to the end of the day, I felt good that I ticked everything off, rather than bad that I hadn't done what I hoped I might have if I was firing on all cylinders.

I went for a walk in the fresh air, I was careful what I ate to ensure it was nutritious, albeit with a bit of chocolate thrown in(!), I diffused some calming and uplifting essential oils, including 'Motivate' and 'Peace' and I took time in the evening to do some relaxing and enjoyable activities.  Today I feel much better, and raring to go!

All this got me thinking about how we prioritise looking after ourselves.  I wonder what you think about the importance of your self-care and looking after you.  How far down is this on your 'to-do' list?  If it's not at the top, then remember that we can't be there for others if our cups our half-empty.  We need to be strong in ourselves to support our loved ones, and to have the energy to carry out our daily activities such as our jobs, managing the household, looking after family etc.  

I even wonder how much our lack of confidence in protecting our own self-care regime contributes to unwanted menopause-related symptoms?  

I know that a year or so ago, I would have felt guilty about taking time out for myself, and probably would have pushed myself to get more done yesterday, and feeling a failure that I hadn't done so.  Part of my journey learning to be a Health Coach for others, has also been about applying my learning and principles to myself. 

​So today I urge you to put your self-care higher on your list without feeling guilty.  In your mid-life years you deserve to look after yourself, and I believe it will help reduce unwanted menopause-related symptoms.  If that's too hard to swallow, think of it as an investment in to supporting your loved ones around you.  Be their rock!

Mary helps mid-life women who are feeling stressed, exhausted and overwhelmed with menopause-related symptoms to make lifestyle changes to take back control of their health and wellbeing so they can enjoy life again and embrace their future.  She runs a supportive Facebook group 'Blooming Menopause', offers free essential oil consultations and Mid-Life Action Sessions as well as running coaching programmes including 'Managing Hot Flushes Naturally'.  Have a look at www.bloomwithmary.co.uk for further information.

Find out where you are in your mid-life with my Mid-Life Evaluator here!
If your answer isn't sparkling with positively, do join my safe and supportive Facebook group, or get in touch for some 1-to-1 support here.  I can help you regain your sparkle!

A short introduction so you can meet me!

I think sleep is the most under-rated element of our wellbeing elements.  We all know about eating healthy food and exercising.  We may realise that we need to manage our stress levels, but in my experience, many people think that our sleep patterns are just what they are, and there's nothing we can do about it.

At least that's what I thought a year ago - I assumed that our sleep gets worse as we get older, and we just have to accept it.  However, I kept reading about ways to improve your sleep, and thought - what the heck - I'm going to give some of these things a try.

I looked at my bedtime routine, my morning and daytime routines.  I considered what I was consuming in the day, and near bedtime.  I reflected on my mindset - what was I telling myself when I wasn't sleeping well.  I identified several areas I felt could be improved, and gradually tried them all out.

A year on, I feel like a different person.  Most nights I sleep well, and when I don't, I worry far less about it.  I have more energy and I even lost weight!

It has made me wonder whether sleep should be the FIRST thing we do when we're considering re-balancing our lifestyle.  If you're tired, can you really be bothered to go to the gym?  Do you crave sugary food?  A bad night's sleep can have such an impact that it can stop us fully functioning during the day.  How can we improve our wellbeing if we are on autopilot?

This week I will be running free webinars on sleep in my Facebook group Blooming Menopause, and next week I will be running a webinar on How to Improve your sleep.  Do join me!

Mary works with mid-life women who are feeling stressed, exhausted & overwhelmed with menopause-related symptoms, to take back control of their health & wellbeing so they can enjoy life again and embrace their future.  Join her Facebook group Blooming Menopause if you are looking for support.

Today is #BlueMonday2019.  It's supposed to be the most depressing day of the year.  It's dark, cold, past the exuberances and excitements of Christmas, with the prospect of summer still a long way away, and the Christmas shopping bills far more imminent.  New Year's resolutions may have hit the deck already.  Gosh I feel depressed just writing this!

Maybe that's the reason that I instinctively chose my Tip of the Week to be about finding something in your life that is fun, creative or indulgent.  I asked my Blooming Menopause Facebook group members to focus on themselves, and I gave them permission to put themselves at the top of their lists.

There is masses of scientific evidence that enjoyment is a key element of managing hormones.  It's not optional if you want to improve how you feel. 

When a woman goes through their perimenopausal and menopausal years, it is a time of transition.  We are moving from busy and demanding child-bearing years to the second stage of our adult lives which should be allowing us more space to be ourselves. Our changing and re-balancing hormones make our bodies vulnerable, and if we are not kind to ourselves, then we are now allowing the space and resources our bodies need to find the right path forwards.

So my call-to-action is to schedule at least 5-10 minutes each day to do something for YOU that will put a smile on your face.  Guilt-free.  Consider it doctor's orders!

​Mary works with mid-life women who are feeling stressed, exhausted & overwhelmed with menopause-related symptoms, to take back control of their health & wellbeing so they can enjoy life again and embrace their future.  Join her Facebook group Blooming Menopause if you are looking for support.