I was recently catching up with a friend who needed to vent about our good friend Peri—you know, perimenopause. She shows up when she wants, uninvited and unwanted, and the worst part? She doesn’t treat us all the same.
My friend has been battling headaches, lack of sleep, weight gain, and wild emotions. It feels like Peri’s winning the fight and she’s losing motivation and stregnth. So, I shared a few tips that help me keep my balance and sanity when she stops by. Navigating Perimenopause with Humor
Step One: Stop Fighting, Start Flowing
The truth is, I don’t like Peri, but I’ve learned not to reject her. I embrace her visits until she decides to leave. Because whether I like it or not, she’s coming anyway.
Fighting the changes only makes things harder. So instead, I remind myself: This is temporary. My body is adjusting, not betraying me.
🪞Mental Note: Peace begins when you stop fighting what’s changing.
The 80/20 Rule That Keeps Me Sane
When it comes to eating, I live by the 80/20 rule. Eighty percent of the time, I stick to clean, nourishing foods—lean protein like chicken and salmon, beans, leafy greens, veggies, and plenty of water. When in doubt or if you need some inspiration following the Mediterranean Diet has been helpful.
The other 20%? That’s my grace zone. I let myself enjoy a cheat meal or indulge in sweets over the weekend and during the holidays. Because balance isn’t about perfection, it’s about peace of mind. Most importantly listen to your body, it will tell you what it likes and what it doesn’t.
🍴Tip: Don’t diet—nourish.
Move Because It Feels Good, Not Because You Have To
My body loves a good walk, so I focus on what feels good and sustainable. I do 20–30 minutes of weight training four times a week and walk on the treadmill at a 10 incline, 3.2 speed, for about 45 minutes. Some days I throw on a 20-pound weighted vest just to challenge myself. Find whatever exercise or activity your body responds positively to. Use your resources you already have like, YouTube, Pinterest, and other social media apps to get free workouts and ideas.
The key is consistency, not perfection.
💪 Peri might mess with my hormones, but she can’t touch my discipline.
Sleep Like It’s Sacred
If there’s one thing Peri loves to steal—it’s sleep. I’ve learned to protect mine. Months ago I decided to give myself a cut off time daily. Depending on the schedule and what’s going on with the family my day usually ends between 8 P.M. and 10 P.M. No phone, no TV. I take a hot shower, do my skincare, sip some tea, and let my body unwind.
When I make sleep a non-negotiable, my mood, energy, and focus all thank me the next day.
☕ Tip: Protect your peace like your sleep depends on it—because it does.
Choosing Calm Over Chaos
These days, I don’t let small things throw me off balance. When something stressful happens, I pause and ask myself:
🧘♀️ Is this mine to own?
If the answer is no, I let it go. I refuse to carry what isn’t mine. Peri already brings enough drama—I don’t need any extra from anyone else. However, if it is mine to own I ask myself how can I resolve this simply. As I’ve grown, I don’t like things to linger. I like to make a decision and choice and move on.
Grace Through the Changes
Perimenopause isn’t the end—it’s a transition, a recalibration, a reminder that your body is wise. So give yourself grace. Laugh through the hot flashes. Move your body. Nourish it well. And remember, this too shall pass.
🌷Affirmation: I’m learning to listen to my body, honor its changes, and meet myself with compassion.
Journal Prompts for Reflection
- What changes in my body or mood have I been resisting instead of embracing?
- How can I show myself more grace through this season of change?
- What habits make me feel most grounded when my hormones feel out of control?
- Who or what adds unnecessary stress to my life—and how can I create better boundaries?
RosalynLynn
Be you so you can be free.
