In my last blog I probably left things just a little too
negatively, sorry about that, however as I’m rational today, at least at the
moment, and writing this blog before the fatigue hits I will pick up from
where I left off last time.
A common symptom of menopause, for many women reportedly
about 80%, is the persistent tiredness often for no obvious reason. It is not
just a lack of energy it can feel like a weight, an exhaustion that feels
physical, mental and emotional, it can be an uncontrollable desire to suddenly sleep
at odd times, an inability to concentrate, lack of mental alertness, inability
to focus or feel engaged. It is as if your usual passion for life just
disappeared into a black hole.
Fatigue in menopause can range from mild to severe and affects
women differently. It is in the main caused by hormonal changes however other
menopausal symptoms such as night sweats, insomnia, anxiety and stress can all
be contributory factors to fatigue felt by women. It is important to remember
that other factors may cause fatigue, such as anaemia, depression,
thyroid problems or heart disease and it may be necessary to consult your GP if
you are fatigued to rule out other factors.
What will help?
One thing I found very useful is water. Drinking plenty of
water and keeping hydrated really does make a difference. Even if you don’t
think you are dehydrated, fatigue is one of the first signs of dehydration and
a loss of even 1% of body water can begin to impact your energy level.
Proper nutirition to make sure you have enough of what you
need. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins such as lean
meat, chicken and fish. Really limit the fats and sweets!
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| Amanda'sdivinelywovenwords |
Get out and get some fresh air. It really can’t be stressed
enough exercise does make a difference to your physical and mental wellbeing.
Why not visit a local historic site or landmark and enjoy the great outdoors
while marvelling at the wonderful. Heritage we have around us. It’s a bit of an
enigma really the more you exercise the more the energy levels rise! Ofcourse
exercise doesn’t need to be strenuous so as to exhaust yourself further.
Perhaps you may wish to try some herbal remedies. A
colleague of mine suggested Tumeric from the health shop. I have not tried this
yet but from what research I have done it looks as if it might be worth a try.
I usually take chamomile tea and this helps me relax making sleep at night
somewhat easier. Do talk to your doctor
before taking herbs or supplements as they can interfere with other medications
you may be taking.
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| Dunluce Castle; Amanda'sdivinelywovenwords |
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| Amanda'sdivinelywovenwords |
Of course the best thing you can do is relax and mind your
mind! When you stress less, you are not as anxious. Anxiety, stress and
depression are known to contribute to how fatigued women can feel and
especially so during this season of life. Well how do I do that you may well be asking. I know it
feels like a vicious circle and its hard to find the start and stop points. How
can I feel less stressed, less fatigued if it’s due to hormones and I simply
don’t have the energy or mood to do anything? That’s my experience too so
this is for me as much you.
Perhaps the point at which we start to mind our minds is of
no consequence it is just that we start. Somewhere. Anywhere.
How about find something to do that stops you thinking about
what is stressing you or gives you another focus?
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| Whiterocks Beach Amanda'sdivinelywovenwords |
It can be walking along a
beach day dreaming? It can be a good workout whatever it is that works for you.
Make time to do this every day. My
pastor recently said “sometimes prayer will just not cut it” Ooh sounds almost
heretical! But in reality it is biblical, you can pray and pray and pray and be
all righteous and super spiritual but God is saying in response “do something!”
We are made in His image right? HE is the creator, that means HE created He did
something right? So let’s start right there, let’s do something that will focus
our minds on anything but the problem. Jericho’s walls just didn’t fall down, no
the Israelites had to do something.
Naaman had to do something to get his healing. Do what you can, and let
God do the impossible. If you are still not convinced and think nothing is
better than prayer, you say well prayer is all I can do, then go for a prayer walk around the
block and pray for the neighbourhood.
Right ladies let's do this. Where are you going to start? What do
you do to take you mind of things to feel less stressed? And let me know if
this makes you feel less tired.
My visit to a heritage monument during a medieval fair
My favourite - Reading
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| Walking the dog |
