While I was studying to get my Menofitness (Menopause and Fitness) certification, I read articles and watched several videos about how each woman view menopause in a different way. Ones that view menopause in a negative light actually make their symptoms worse!
As I progressed in the course, I got to thinking: you almost have to develop mental toughness to effectively cope with menopause. Mental toughness is a great attribute to have as an athlete, but how can you as a woman in menopause benefit from it as well?
What is mental toughness?
Mental toughness helps an athlete get back up again and keep pushing forward, and keep a positive outlook on situations, even when they are not exactly positive. Mental toughness can turn a situation that is negative into a positive one.
Mental toughness gives an athlete the power to overcome! And it can surely help you do the same…
Challenges of Women over 40
So how can mental toughness help a woman in menopause transition? At this point in your life, you may be facing the following:
- teenagers (enough said)
- aging parents
- unsupportive spouses/divorce
- demanding careers
- making tough family decisions
- financial woes
- neglecting your own health for others
You may be facing all this, along with the symptoms of menopause transition (fatigue, bloating, irritability, weight gain, decreased sex drive, memory loss, night sweats, hot flashes, etc…). So, how could you thrive without mental toughness?
How to go about increasing mental toughness
1. One way you can increase mental toughness is to see the positive side of things, even when you are experiencing some negative. Here’s an example: I’ve gained a little weight around my waist, but now I don’t have to worry about PMS or unwanted pregnancies”.
2. Another strategy you can use is deep breathing. When you are stressed and overwhelmed, find a quiet place and take deep, long breathes-through the nose and out the mouth, breathing “from the belly”. No chest breathing.
3. While you are deep breathing, think of positive motivating statements to say, such as “I am in control.”
“I am a successful, vibrant woman.”
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me“.
“My response to an event, and not the event itself, determines the outcome. So, I’m going to make sure I respond to each situation in a positive way.”
“My changing body will not depress me. I am still beautiful. My body shape doesn’t define me.”
Whatever you have to tell yourself to motivate yourself, say it.
Summary
To make it through menopause transition, learn the attribute know as mental toughness. It can get you far; it can help you to succeed in the weight loss journey; it can help you increase life satisfaction and balance. Still think mental toughness isn’t important?
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