How to Be Your Best Self During Menopause (Yes, It’s Possible)

Menopause: that magical stage of life where your body decides to turn the thermostat up, mess with your memory, and add a few “bonus” pounds all without asking your permission. And yet, you can still feel like your best self during this rollercoaster… you just have to get a little strategic.

1. Move Your Body — Even When It Feels Like Cement
I’m not saying you need to train for a marathon (unless you want to, in which case, you’re my hero). But walking, stretching, yoga, or lifting light weights will help keep your bones strong, your joints moving, and your mood slightly less murderous. Exercise also helps you sleep better — and we all know that’s like finding the holy grail in menopause.

2. Eat Like You Actually Like Yourself
Your body is going through changes, which means fueling it matters more than ever. More whole foods, fiber, and protein. Less “surviving on coffee until 3 p.m. and then inhaling a bag of chips.” Am I saying never have chocolate? Absolutely not. I’m saying make it part of a balanced diet instead of a coping mechanism… most of the time.

3. Hydration Is Your New BFF
Water isn’t just for putting out hot flashes (though it helps). It keeps your skin healthier, your digestion smoother, and your brain sharper. If plain water is boring, throw in lemon slices, cucumber, or mint or as I call it, fancy water for grown-ups.

4. Guard Your Sleep Like It’s Your Netflix Password
Sleep is harder during menopause, but it’s still non-negotiable. Keep your bedroom cool, invest in breathable bedding, and cut down on caffeine after noon. And if you’re wide awake at 2 a.m., don’t scroll your phone — unless you want to know how your neighbor Karen makes six figures from home. Ha.

5. Manage Stress Like a Boss
Meditation, journaling, screaming into a pillow — whatever works. Chronic stress makes menopause symptoms worse. Think of stress as the annoying co-worker you can send home early with the right tools.

6. See Your Doctor
Not Dr. Google. A real, licensed human who can run labs, talk hormone options, and check bone density. Yes, it’s boring. Yes, you still need to do it.

7. Laugh at the Ridiculousness of It All
Forgetfulness, hot flashes, mood swings — it’s absurd when you think about it. And laughing is free, calorie-free, and honestly, the best therapy there is.

Check-In:

• This advice is rooted in medical best practices for managing menopause symptoms.
• Written by someone actually living through it — hot flashes, brain fog, and all.
• Backed by health recommendations from reputable sources ( think “Crystal Healing for Cats” not Mayo Clinic).       
• Straight talk, no gimmicks, and zero shame, not even when we sit on the floor in our underwear eating cupcakes!

Bottom line? Menopause is a wild ride, but with a few smart habits, you can keep feeling strong, healthy, and — dare I say — fabulous. Even if you’re doing it while fanning yourself in the frozen foods aisle.