Claudia Brown Yoga Teacher

Take a nap. Schedule it in like you would a work meeting.

I try to nap at least once during the week and once at the weekend (maybe Saturday and Sunday if I’m really spoiling myself!) Set your alarm so you don’t end up sleeping too long.  I take my naps very seriously and never regret it.

Go out for a walk.  If you have a nice park or woodland near you, it’s worth making the effort.  My appreciation for nature grows all the time, fresh air, getting in some steps, a bit of sunshine if you are lucky, listening to my favourite music or podcast.  It really is one of my favourite things to do.

If you want a day on the sofa in your pyjamas watching the tv (anything Jane Austen or Real Housewives of Where-ever works for me) then do it.  The world won’t stop.

Do yoga.  I am biased because I’m a yoga teacher, but a yoga class helps to focus your mind away from overcrowded thoughts, teaches you to breathe properly, helps to ease joint stiffness and builds strength, and depending on the type of class you do, you could work up a sweat or fall asleep.

Meditate.  I don’t mean sitting cross legged wearing white and chanting Om.  Find your flow – when you are doing something that means you are completely focused on one thing and time flies and you feel like your true self.  Now if sitting quietly or listening to a guided visualisation does that for you, do it.  If going for a run or a walk, baking, painting, ironing (definitely not me) swimming or journaling works for you and switches off or turns down the volume in your head – then that’s your meditation.

– Dr Hannah Short

Sleep and Menopause

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