It’s time to change social perceptions around this transition in a women’s mid lifespan to make it a more positive experience and reframe it as a window of opportunity.
In Western cultures we do not identify with aging positively. Even the word derived from the term “menos” meaning month and “pausos” meaning ending, sounds rather final, like there is something wrong, a deficiency syndrome!
In other cultures, aging is viewed more positively, and a sign of wisdom and maturity, and a time to start enjoying life. Mayan women look forward to menopause and their newfound freedom and status in their communities. In 2015, a study was written by Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a professor in obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive health at Yale Medical School discussing cultural differences in women’s experience of menopause.
"In societies where age is more revered and the older woman is the wiser and better woman, menopausal symptoms are significantly less bothersome. Where older is not better, many women equate menopause with old age, and symptoms can be much more devastating."
With women surviving typically 30+ years post menopause let us think of this transition as a time to reframe, balance our hormones, reassess our needs, realign with our goals and find a new purpose. Happiness is intrinsic and if we are looking for the environment to provide happiness then we will be looking in the wrong place. Perceived happiness provided through external factors only provide short term release. The menopause transition is a time for introspection reflection to find and reconnect with a happier and healthier you, re-assess your values and trust your gut feeling.
It is appreciated that at times it is hard to feel positive when we are sleep deprived, putting on weight around the middle, overwhelmed, anxious, energy deprived and living in an environment which is not nurturing our needs. It is not an overnight fix, so at this time it is important to stop, listen to your body, understand it’s messages, the small daily changes can start you on your journey to a happier healthier balance.
This is when health and wellbeing coaching may help you, to re-align with your goals, be happier with yourself, live to your full potential, being grateful for what you have and learning to say “no”.
Let me empower you to change, the revolution starts here and now, this lifespan is a pivotal time in a women’s life, an opportunity to change, let go of anything not serving us and speak up for any unmet needs, as you blossom into your 2nd Spring and your most authentic self!
References
- Chen, Yeou-Lan Duh; Voda, Ann M.*; Mansfield, Phyllis Kernoff†. Chinese Midlife Women’s Perceptions and Attitudes About Menopause. Menopause 5 (1) :p 28-34 Stewart, D. E. (2003). Menopause in highland Guatemala Mayan women. Maturitas, 44 (4), 293-297.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9689192/
- Stewart, D. E. (2003). Menopause in highland Guatemala Mayan women. Maturitas, 44(4), 293-297.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12697370/
- Rapaport, L (2015). Culture may influence how women experience menopause. Retrieved: 18 November 2022. From: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-menopause-perceptions-idUSKBN0OL1XH20150605
Differences between health and wellbeing coaching and nutritional therapy
Health and wellbeing coaching and nutritional therapy have similarities as well as differences. As titles can be confusing it is hoped that this article below will outline what both of these services entail so that selecting the most appropriate service is easier for you.
Both services are holistic, person centred, client-led and include lifestyle medicine; movement, sleep and wellbeing. Both are personalised to you and put you at the centre of your healthcare journey.
With nutritional therapy, the therapist is the expert and makes nutrition and lifestyle recommendations using a food 1st approach with functional testing and supplements included as part of this advice, when appropriate.
With health and wellbeing coaching the emphasis is on all aspects of health and wellbeing. The client is viewed as the expert in their own health, with the focus on affecting change including behaviour change and accountability, with the coach’s role to facilitate this change and to uncover any difficulties to achieving change. A health and wellbeing plan is created based on the coaching conversation. Basic nutritional guidance may form part of the process. Elimination diets, functional testing and supplements are outside the scope of practice.
So what is right for me?
If you wish to consider personalised nutritional advice including elimination diets, testing and supplementation then nutritional therapy is for you.
If you wish to improve your health and wellbeing and are struggling with implementation and making healthier nutritional and lifestyle choices, breaking unhealthy habits, motivation, mindset, achieving your goals or finding meaning and purpose, then health and wellbeing coaching is for you.