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Mindfulness vs. Mood Swings: How to Stay Sane During Perimenopause

Lynne on March 7, 2025

One moment you’re laughing at a silly meme, the next you’re in tears over a missing sock. If this sounds familiar, you’re not losing your mind—you’re just in perimenopause! This transitional phase before menopause is infamous for its mood swings, leaving many women feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and even out of control.

But here’s the good news: You don’t have to just endure these emotional ups and downs. Mindfulness—yes, that simple yet powerful practice of staying present—can be a game-changer when it comes to stabilizing your moods.

So, if you’re tired of feeling like your emotions are running the show, keep reading. We’re diving into how mindfulness can help you regain control, find emotional balance, and make perimenopause a little easier to handle.

Why Are Mood Swings So Intense During Perimenopause?

Before we get into solutions, let’s talk about the culprit: hormones.

During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate wildly. These hormones don’t just regulate your reproductive system—they also have a direct impact on your brain chemistry. Specifically:

Estrogen boosts serotonin and dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitters that help regulate mood. When estrogen drops, so do these happy chemicals, making you more prone to anxiety, sadness, and irritability.
Progesterone has a calming effect on the nervous system. But when levels drop, it can lead to increased stress, sleep disturbances, and even mood disorders.

And it’s not just about hormones. Life stressors—like aging parents, demanding jobs, and shifting relationships—can amplify the emotional turbulence.

The result? One minute, you’re cool and collected; the next, you’re snapping at your partner for breathing too loudly.

How Mindfulness Can Help Regulate Mood Swings

Mindfulness isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s a scientifically backed tool that can help you stay emotionally balanced—even when your hormones have other plans.

1. It Helps You Respond, Not React

One of the biggest challenges with mood swings is feeling out of control. Mindfulness teaches you to pause before reacting, giving you space to respond thoughtfully instead of snapping in the heat of the moment.

A study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that mindfulness can help reduce emotional reactivity by promoting self-awareness and emotional regulation. In other words, it helps you stay in the driver’s seat when emotions start to surge.

Try This:

Next time you feel a mood swing coming on, take a deep breath and silently say: This is just a moment. It will pass. This simple practice creates a mental pause, helping you respond calmly instead of reacting impulsively.

2. It Lowers Stress Hormones

When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol—the notorious “stress hormone.” High cortisol levels can make mood swings even worse, leading to increased anxiety, irritability, and even depression.

Mindfulness meditation has been shown to lower cortisol levels, helping you feel more relaxed and less emotionally volatile.

Try This:

Practice belly breathing for five minutes daily:

Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest.
Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to expand.
Exhale slowly through your mouth.
Focus on the sensation of your breath moving in and out.

This simple exercise helps activate your body’s relaxation response, reducing stress and stabilizing your mood.

3. It Reduces Anxiety and Depression

Many women in perimenopause struggle with anxiety and depression due to hormonal shifts. The good news? Mindfulness has been shown to be just as effective as antidepressants for some people.

A study in JAMA Psychiatry found that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by training the brain to focus on the present rather than ruminating on negative thoughts.

Try This:

Start a gratitude journal. Every night, write down three things you’re grateful for. This simple practice rewires your brain to focus on the positive, reducing anxiety and boosting overall mood.

4. It Improves Sleep (and Better Sleep = Better Mood!)

Perimenopause often brings sleep disturbances—whether it’s night sweats, insomnia, or waking up at 3 a.m. for no reason at all. Poor sleep can worsen mood swings, making you more irritable and emotionally vulnerable.

Mindfulness meditation has been shown to improve sleep by calming the nervous system and reducing nighttime restlessness.

Try This:

Try a body scan meditation before bed:

Lie down in a comfortable position.
Close your eyes and focus on your toes.
Slowly move your attention up through your body—feet, legs, abdomen, arms—releasing tension as you go.
If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your body.

This practice helps quiet racing thoughts and prepare your body for deep, restorative sleep.

5. It Helps You Accept (and Even Embrace) Change

Let’s be honest—perimenopause can feel like an identity crisis. Your body is changing, your emotions are unpredictable, and you may feel like you’re losing control. Mindfulness teaches acceptance—the ability to acknowledge what’s happening without resistance or self-judgment.

When you stop fighting against the changes, you free up mental energy to navigate this phase with more ease and confidence.

Try This:

Practice self-compassion. The next time you feel frustrated with your body or emotions, place your hand on your heart and say:
“I am going through a transition. It’s okay to feel this way. I am strong, and I will get through this.”

Self-compassion can help shift your mindset from frustration to self-love.

Making Mindfulness a Daily Habit

So, how can you incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine? Start small!

Morning Check-In: Before getting out of bed, take a few deep breaths and set an intention for the day.
Mindful Eating: Slow down and truly taste your food instead of eating on autopilot.
Breathing Breaks: Set a timer to take a one-minute deep-breathing break every few hours.
Evening Reflection: Before bed, take a moment to reflect on something positive from your day.

The more you practice, the easier it becomes—and soon, mindfulness will be second nature.

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Final Thoughts

Perimenopausal mood swings can be tough, but they don’t have to control your life. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can gain emotional stability, reduce stress, and navigate this transition with more ease and grace.

So take a deep breath, embrace the moment, and remember—you’re stronger than your hormones.

Want more menopause and wellness tips? Follow us for expert advice on thriving through every stage of life!

Mindfulness Magic: How a Few Minutes a Day Can Melt Away Stress

Lynne on September 3, 2024

Ever feel like life is moving at a million miles an hour? You’re juggling a hundred things—folding laundry, keeping an eye on the kids, half-listening to the TV, and mentally planning out the next meal. It’s like you’re running on autopilot, and before you know it, the day’s flown by without you really being in it. You might have missed that moment when the sun hit just right, or how good it felt to finally sit down after a long day.

That’s where mindfulness comes in. It’s like hitting the pause button on life, allowing you to fully soak in the present moment without worrying about the next thing on your to-do list. Mindfulness is all about being right here, right now, and accepting it as it is—no judgment, just awareness. And the cool part? This simple shift in focus can do wonders for your stress levels and overall happiness. So, let’s dive into how you can start embracing mindfulness and bring a little more calm and clarity into your life.

Why Practice Mindfulness?

Mindfulness isn’t a new concept; it has roots in Buddhism, but the essence of it is found in many religions through prayer and meditation. These practices encourage us to pause our endless worries and instead, appreciate the moment.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, a well-known figure in the mindfulness community, played a huge role in bringing mindfulness meditation into mainstream medicine. His research shows that mindfulness can positively impact both mental and physical health, leading to improved attitudes and behaviors.

The Perks of Being Mindful

Being mindful enhances your well-being. It helps you savor life’s small joys, stay fully engaged in what you’re doing, and better handle tough situations. By staying present, you’re less likely to stress about the future or dwell on past regrets. Many people find that mindfulness helps them build deeper connections with others and feel more content with life.

Mindfulness is also great for your physical health. Studies show that practicing mindfulness can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, help manage chronic pain, improve sleep, and even alleviate digestive issues.

On the mental health front, therapists are increasingly incorporating mindfulness meditation into treatments for various issues like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Mindfulness helps people accept their experiences—whether they’re pleasant or painful—without reacting impulsively.

How Mindfulness Works

Mindfulness helps people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings without getting tangled up in them. Instead of avoiding or suppressing difficult emotions, mindfulness encourages acceptance, which can lead to healthier responses.

Mindfulness meditation often pairs well with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as both approaches aim to help individuals gain perspective on unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

Simple Mindfulness Techniques

There are various ways to practice mindfulness, but they all share a common goal: to bring your attention to the present moment without judgment. Here are a few basic techniques:

Mindfulness Meditation: Sit quietly, focus on your breathing or a mantra, and allow thoughts to come and go without judgment. Keep bringing your attention back to your breath or mantra.
Body Scan: Notice each part of your body, from head to toe, without judgment. Simply observe sensations like tingling or tightness and let them pass.
Sensory Awareness: Pay attention to what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Acknowledge each sensation without labeling it as good or bad.
Emotional Awareness: Observe your emotions as they arise. Name them—“joy,” “anger,” “frustration”—without getting attached to them, and let them go.
Urge Surfing: When a craving or urge arises, notice how your body feels, and remind yourself that the feeling will pass. Rather than giving in, focus on the temporary nature of the urge.

Getting Started with Mindfulness

Mindfulness can be developed through regular meditation practice, and it’s something you can learn on your own or with the help of a class or guide. If you’re dealing with a medical condition, you might want to look for a mindfulness program tailored to your needs.

DIY Mindfulness Practice

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be formal. You can practice it anytime, anywhere. Here’s a basic mindfulness meditation you can try:

Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor.
Focus on your breathing—notice the air entering your nostrils and leaving through your mouth.
As thoughts arise, acknowledge them without judgment and gently bring your focus back to your breathing.
Gradually expand your awareness to include sounds, sensations, and thoughts.

You can also practice mindfulness informally by being fully present during everyday activities. Whether you’re eating, walking, or talking, focus on the sensations and experiences in that moment.

Final Thoughts on Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice that grows with time. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Remember, the key is to be kind to yourself—if your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the present. Over time, you’ll find that mindfulness not only helps you manage stress but also brings more joy and awareness into your life.

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The Mindful Way to Tackle Menopause—Does Meditation Hold the Key?

Lynne on May 22, 2024

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and is known for its calming effects on the mind and body. Fascinating research has revealed that more mindful women report fewer symptoms of menopause, particularly those who are already dealing with high stress levels. Mindfulness might also offer a silver lining for managing menopausal weight gain by fostering healthier eating patterns. Moreover, extensive studies have demonstrated that mindfulness significantly alleviates both the physical and psychological strains of menopause, holding its own against traditional menopause education programs.

Let’s explore some of the studies that highlight these benefits.

Reducing Hot Flashes

A study called “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Psychoeducation for the Reduction of Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial” show that mindfulness could help reduce menopausal symptoms better than a regular menopause education program. The researchers gathered a group of peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women who had mild to moderate symptoms and split them into two groups. One group did an eight-week MBSR program, which included mindfulness meditation, yoga, and body scans. The other group participated in an education program about menopause and did some simple stretching exercises.

Here’s what they found:

Both groups saw a significant drop in overall menopausal symptoms after 8 months.
The mindfulness group had a bigger reduction in anxiety and depression.
No big differences between the groups were found in other symptoms or most of the secondary outcomes like stress and quality of life.

In total, 197 women participated. Both programs lasted for eight weeks with similar session lengths and homework. While both methods helped reduce symptoms, the mindfulness program stood out for improving mental health. This study shows that mindfulness could be a great way to help women cope with the mental challenges of menopause.

Improving Sleep Quality

Sleep disturbances are a common complaint among menopausal women. A study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) showed that mindfulness meditation can improve sleep quality in older adults, including those going through menopause. Participants who practiced meditation reported better sleep patterns and fewer instances of insomnia .

Alleviating Mood Swings and Anxiety

Menopause can take a toll on mental health, leading to increased anxiety and mood swings. Research published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine indicates that meditation can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. In a study of 130 menopausal women, those who engaged in regular meditation experienced lower levels of stress and improved overall mood compared to the control group .

Enhancing Overall Well-being

Beyond specific symptoms, meditation promotes overall well-being by encouraging a greater sense of mindfulness and presence. A st udy explored how mindfulness meditation affects stress biomarkers in women. The results showed that women who practiced meditation had lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which contributes to a greater sense of calm and well-being .

How to Incorporate Meditation into Your Routine

Starting a meditation practice doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are some simple steps to help you get started:

Find a Quiet Space: Choose a quiet and comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed.
Set a Timer: Begin with just 5-10 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.
Focus on Your Breath: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Notice the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves your nostrils.
Be Patient: Your mind will wander, and that’s okay. Gently bring your focus back to your breath without judgment.
Explore Guided Meditations: There are many apps and online resources offering guided meditations specifically designed for menopause. These can be helpful if you’re new to the practice.

Takeaway

While meditation is not a cure-all, it can be a powerful tool in managing the symptoms of menopause. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you may find relief from hot flashes, improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and an overall better sense of well-being. Give it a try—your mind and body might thank you.

Embracing Change and Celebrating the ‘Me Time’

Lynne on August 4, 2023

As women transition through various phases of life, personal growth and adaptation become paramount. Menopause and its preceding stage, perimenopause, bring about numerous changes—both physically and emotionally. However, this time also presents a unique opportunity for women to rediscover themselves and prioritize self-care. Let’s delve into ways to fully embrace this period of transformation.

Get to know your new self.
This transition isn’t just about hormonal shifts; it’s about embracing a new chapter. Dedicate time to self-reflection. Understand how your body and mind are changing. Acknowledging and accepting these changes can be empowering and pave the way for a positive outlook.

Find a new hobby.
Ever wanted to learn painting, dancing, or perhaps a new language? Now might be the perfect time. A new hobby can not only divert your mind from the challenges but also help you discover latent talents and passions.

Schedule regular “me time.”
Whether it’s a spa day, reading a book, or simply sitting in silence, carve out moments in your schedule that are exclusively for you. This time is essential for mental and emotional rejuvenation.

Know your limits.
With fluctuating energy levels, it’s crucial to understand and respect your boundaries. Don’t overexert yourself. Prioritize tasks and learn to say no when needed. Your well-being should always be at the forefront.

Focus on what you have, not what you don’t.
It’s natural to grieve the loss of one’s younger self or previous routines. However, shift the perspective. Celebrate the wisdom, resilience, and experiences you’ve gathered. Cultivate gratitude for the present moment.

Eat well and regularly to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Diet plays a crucial role during this transition. Prioritize balanced meals that stabilize your blood sugar. Incorporate whole foods, reduce processed ones, and ensure you get essential nutrients to support your changing body.

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Download a period-tracking app and keep a journal.
These tools can be invaluable. While the period tracker will help you note patterns and anticipate changes, a journal offers an emotional outlet. Jot down feelings, symptoms, or any significant occurrences. This record can be useful for both emotional processing and medical consultations.

Talk to someone about challenges you’re facing, especially if you think you may be depressed or anxious.
You’re not alone in this journey. Speak to friends, family, or professionals. Sharing your experiences can be cathartic and provide valuable insights. Mental well-being is paramount, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Takeaway
Embracing change can indeed be daunting, but remember that each phase of life comes with its unique beauty and challenges. Prioritize your well-being, indulge in ‘Me Time’, and view it as a beautiful opportunity to recharge. After all, every sunrise brings a new day, filled with possibilities. So, cherish the ‘Me Time’, for it equips you to face the world with renewed energy and grace.