How I Learn to Love My Menstrual Cycles

During the last ten years I have made many improvements to my menstrual cycle by taking control of my health, tuning into my bio rhythms, eliminating certain foods from my diet, changing the way I exercise, keeping a journal of my health including sleep, diet and menstrual cycles.

I have also enjoyed sharing these ideas and my findings with other women in the faith that they too can achieve improvements by simply being more aware of themselves.

The question I have received many times over is “How do you become so disciplined?” as well as statements such as “I’m not in tune as much as you.”

My reply is simple: “I got fed up with expecting a doctor to give me a solution to what I thought was a problem and I took responsibility for my own health. The pain I experienced was in itself the leverage I needed to be assertive.”

With the vast array of books, literature, health shops, Internet and alternative practitioners of modern times I am all in favor of self-help. To me visiting a doctor with every physical ailment is the old fashioned way to go – introspection and self-help are the future. Be your first doctor as food is your first medicine.

Ten years on I am facing another cycle and change within my body – the start of the menopause and the phase commonly named as “peri- menopause.” When I read up on this I find many lists of symptoms and realize how overwhelming it can be when so far I only have a few to tick off the list.

I spoke with a lady recently who was in a panic about all that was going on with her hormones and how all these symptoms were “so inconvenient.” The stress it was evidently creating in both her body and mind was more than evident. The only thing that is convenient about human health is when it is free from dis-ease.

Yes, it takes a disciplined mind to take control and turn this cycle into a positive experience. Yes it takes some trial and error but just clock up the self-discovery benefits along the way!

I didn’t want to write this article and it be viewed as a “to do list,” but rather trusting all who read it would be inspired to delve deeper into their mental and physical health and most of all keep an open mind.

Mentally accept that this is a natural aspect of being a woman and you are blossoming into a new phase of wisdom and self-expression.

“Be gentle on yourself” is one of my favorite Buddhist phrases.

Listen to your body and what it is telling you.

Rest when you need to and exercise when you have the energy.

Let go of the competitive trappings of the modern world.

Do not compare yourself to other women. Share findings and ideas rather than beat yourself up because you believe someone else is dealing with things much better than you.

Surround yourself with positive people who are upbeat and supportive.

Be mindful of being in the moment rather than wanting this time to pass quickly. Now is all we have.

Nourish yourself with healthy foods. Cut down on refined sugars but allow yourself treats. Why? Because you are human and you will want them. Try new recipes full of nutrients which support the hormones. Research what these are.

Be mindful of your “self-talk.” Use positive affirmations to keep your mind on the bright side.

Have some “you” time on a regular basis. This can be simple things like a swim or a walk, reading, trying a new therapy. Don’t let money be an excuse, there are many colleges who need clients to practice treatments on and community centers who offer reiki and meditation for free or minimal cost. Yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong are available in many local areas. They work on the subtle levels of our being rather than just the physical and in the process aid stress elimination.

Be creative on your journey of self-discovery by keeping a journal. This doesn’t have to be just the written word but can be drawings, photos and cuttings which help express your findings and feelings.