This content has been brought to you in collaboration with Menopause experts and clinicians
Always Discreet, is on a mission to empower women so that they can manage their menopause symptoms with confidence. They’re teaming up with Menopause experts, Over the Bloody Moon, to help equip and inform women as they embark on the next stage of their life.
When you hear the word 'change', how does it make you feel?
Excited? Nervous? A little sick? Or do you dive back under the duvet until you stop hearing that word?
When we look at nature, we watch in wonder how the day changes to night, how Spring changes to Summer, how the leaves on trees change colour and how a caterpillar changes to become a butterfly.
Yet, when it comes to us, the word 'change' becomes darkand scary. Why?
Here's what I believe.
It's the fear of the unknown, the dreaded place called uncertainty. Yet throughout your lifetime, you would've experienced change in many disguises, from puberty to heartbreak, maybe a loss of a loved one, change in careers, marriage, divorce, hairstyles and fashion trends.
Life changes, and so do you. Some changes are more challenging than others yet, you are still here, reading this.
Menopause is just another life change in a different outfit.
So how do you embrace the change when you can't remember your name or where you left your car keys, and your libido has been packed up in a box and placed in the back of a cupboard somewhere while deciding if you are hot or cold or both.
Allow me to share six tips to navigate change successfully and emerge stronger, happier and ready to embrace the next chapter of your amazing story.
Clear the Clutter: Space creates calm and clarity. I invite you to clear away all that no longer serves you from clearing your mind to your schedule, relationships and environment.
Keep Talking: Oh, to be heard. Communication is vital – Talk with family and friends, let them know what you are going through and what they can do to help.
If you are in a relationship, your partner may be feeling a little fearful too. It's become so easy to say, “My partner doesn't understand me”. You're changing, physically and emotionally, so keep them in the loop and don't allow a barrier to come between you.
Some days it may just be, "I have no idea what is going on with me today, so bear with me".
Join online support groups, sharing what you know and how you feel. This is incredibly healing and comforting to know that you are not alone.
"Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else's survival guide." — Morgan Harper Nichols.
Be where your feet are: One of the keys to rediscovering yourself and your inner power, is to be where your feet are. Be present in everything you do. Remember to look up at the sky, breathe in nature, be mindful when you eat, when you're in a conversation and alone with your thoughts. When you're truly present, your body feels in balance and stress levels decrease.
Be honest with yourself: We are all in different seasons and heal in different ways. Listening to what YOU need is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
We spend so much time listening to the wants, needs, and opinions of others that we forget to listen to ourselves.
Take time to listen today, ask yourself - "What do I need?"
Own your morning: The beautiful hour at the beginning of the day is the time where all energies align and power up. A time to be peacefully productive. A reminder that each day is a new day.
This is a wonderful gift to yourself, watching the sunrise, a time to meditate, exercise, journal and plan your day.
When you begin your day focused, calm, and with clarity, you will carry this with you throughout your day.
Write your next chapter: You are beautifully unique, and your journey through this chapter will be different to everyone else.
So, what next?
Remind yourself that menopause isn't a disease that needs to be cured; it's a season, a path that leads to another chapter with new opportunity.
It's time to 'Reframe the Change.
Menopause is a chapter of growth and expansion.
Begin to embrace the woman you are, the woman you have grown to be; it is no longer "the change". It's an evolution.
Please don't get lost in the title of 'I am menopausal'. You are so much more. Remember who you are; ask yourself how do you want to live life, your life?
This is your story, so as nature shakes it up a bit, embrace it, move with it, and own it. Prepare for the adventure that awaits you.
Always Discreet are products for incontinence - a symptom you might experience during menopause. If you have concerns about menopause or incontinence, please consult your GP.
Regardless of what type of adult incontinence or bladder leakage you may have, stay dry and confident with Always Discreet incontinence liners, pads and underwear. No matter which level of absorbency you need, their innovative protection locks away wetness and odours within seconds, so you don’t have to miss out on all that life has to offer.