Embracing Menopause with Yoga: Finding Balance Through Movement

Menopause is a natural stage of life that all women experience, but it often comes with a laundry list of symptoms that can leave us feeling less like ourselves. From hot flushes and mood swings to sleep disturbances and joint pain, it can be overwhelming to navigate the changes happening within our bodies. That’s where yoga comes in – a powerful practice that doesn’t just benefit the body but also helps calm the mind and soothe the soul.

As a yoga instructor, I’m passionate about supporting women through every stage of life. My class, 'Yoga and the 36 Menopause Symptoms', is designed to provide relief and balance during this transformative time. If you’re wondering what this class is all about, let me walk you through the basics of menopause and how yoga can be your ally in navigating its symptoms.

Understanding Menopause: What’s Really Going On?

Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It’s the day that marks 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. However, the lead-up to menopause, known as perimenopause, can begin years earlier, and that’s when many of the symptoms start to kick in.

There are 36 officially recognised symptoms of menopause, however, in reality there can be many more. Not every woman will experience all of them though. Some of the most common include:

• Hot flushes and night sweats

• Mood swings and irritability

• Fatigue and insomnia

• Memory problems (often dubbed ‘brain fog’)

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Weight gain

• Anxiety and depression

This list can seem daunting, but understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step towards managing it. These symptoms are largely due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decline in oestrogen levels. But it’s not all doom and gloom – there are plenty of ways to manage these changes, and yoga is one of the most effective.

How Yoga Can Help with Menopause Symptoms

Yoga is a gentle yet powerful practice that can be tailored to suit all levels of fitness and flexibility. For women going through menopause, it offers a range of benefits that address both the physical and emotional symptoms.

Here’s how my 'Yoga and the 36 Menopause Symptoms' class can support you:

1. Reducing Hot Flushes and Night Sweats: Yoga encourages deep, controlled breathing, which can help regulate your body’s temperature. Specific poses also promote relaxation, which may reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flushes.

2. Improving Mood and Reducing Anxiety: The calming effects of yoga are well-known. Through a combination of breathwork, mindfulness, and movement, yoga can help balance your emotions and alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression.

3. Enhancing Sleep Quality: By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, yoga can improve sleep patterns, helping you to fall asleep faster and enjoy more restful nights.

4. Easing Joint Pain and Stiffness: Menopause can make your joints feel achy and stiff. Yoga helps by gently stretching and strengthening the muscles around your joints, improving flexibility and reducing discomfort.

5. Combating Fatigue: While it may seem counterintuitive, gentle movement can actually boost your energy levels. My class includes restorative poses that recharge your body, leaving you feeling refreshed rather than drained.

6. Supporting Cognitive Function: Yoga’s focus on mindfulness and breathwork can help sharpen your mental focus, easing the dreaded ‘brain fog’ that often accompanies menopause.

What to Expect in the Class

My 'Yoga and the 36 Menopause Symptoms' class is designed to be accessible and supportive for all women, regardless of their yoga experience. Each session includes:

• Breathwork (Pranayama): We begin with calming breathing exercises to centre the mind and prepare the body for movement.

• Gentle Yoga Sequences: These sequences are tailored to alleviate specific menopause symptoms. Whether it’s hip openers to ease joint pain or restorative poses to combat fatigue, each movement is carefully chosen to support your body’s needs.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Every class concludes with a short meditation to help you connect with your body, calm your mind, and leave you feeling grounded.

• Community Support: One of the best parts of this class is the community it fosters. You’ll be surrounded by women who understand what you’re going through, creating a space of empathy, support, and shared experiences.

Embrace the Change

Menopause is a journey, and while it can be challenging, it also offers an opportunity to reconnect with yourself on a deeper level. Yoga provides the tools to navigate this transition with grace, strength, and peace of mind.

Whether you’re dealing with just a few symptoms or feel like you’ve ticked off all 36+, my class is here to support you. Together, we’ll create balance and find relief through movement, mindfulness, and community.

Ready to take control of your menopause journey? Join me on the mat, and let’s embrace this change together.

BOOK NOW