How can I cope with stress during menopause?

Techniques to manage your stress during menopause include:

• Identify stress triggers, and resolve relationship issues.
• Try stress-relieving activities, such as yoga, meditation, or tai chi.
• Exercise regularly to release endorphins, making you feel better.
• Schedule fun activities.
• Make time for your friends; support is important.
• Eat healthfully -- avoid a diet heavy in carbohydrates.
• Pamper yourself a little bit -- take a hot bath, or treat yourself to
         a manicure or massage.
• Get in touch with your spirituality.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Slow down and take time in the day for yourself.
• Find a relaxing new hobby.
• Start reading more, and watch a little less television.
• Free up your schedule -- start saying no to others, and yes to
         you.
• Make a point of laughing every day.
• Don’t always answer your cell phone.
• Make fun plans for the weekend.
• And if you have a partner, a little affection and intimacy goes a
         long way -- make sure you are satisfied.

For many of us, the menopause journey can be stressful. It’s especially critical that you manage stress during menopause, so that you can take care of yourself. Once you handle stress triggers, managing menopause symptoms is possible.

If you cannot manage the emotions and stress in your life on your own, seek professional help. A therapist can help with many issues in your life, relationships, or past that may need to be addressed. Your practitioner can discuss the possibility of hormone therapy or the use of antidepressants. Some people find that the herb St. John’s wort can help counteract depression and stress, but if you take St. John’s wort, be sure to inform your doctor. This herb is often not compatible with other medications, and drug interactions can be dangerous.