How to Build Resilience in Midlife

Although the journey through midlife and changing hormones is a personal one for most women, developing resilience will undoubtedly help you bounce back from inevitable setbacks. What you have endured in the past and may face in the future will be better handled if you build resilience.

Building this skill will help you be better equipped to cope with the natural challenges, stress, and transitions you endure. Developing this trait will require a few steps, including connecting with others and asking for help.

Successfully adapting to change in midlife can start with identifying your most troublesome menopausal symptoms and discussing with your physician natural practices to feel better. Taking care of yourself and knowing how to ask for help is a necessary first step during this time.

What Makes Building Resilience Difficult?

It may be difficult to build resilience if you are someone who has always been a people pleaser, doesn’t like to ask for help, or just goes with the flow because you don’t want to be a burden. This is not the time to keep quiet and ignore what you need. It’s time to speak up and exercise your ability to advocate for what you need.

I had a difficult time admitting this was me. I had to learn to trust how I was feeling and truly recognize that I deserved to speak up and be heard to get solutions.

Learning as much as you can about hormonal changes and how to feel better either with lifestyle choices and/or HRT (hormone replacement therapy) will empower you to continue to prioritize your health.

Speak Up to Build Resilience

The first place to start to build resilience and feel empowered is to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Bring your list of symptoms and questions to ask so you can prioritize how you want to feel better. Check out my resources page to get a symptom tracker and the most popular questions and answers surrounding changing hormones. Go to your appointment ready to discuss how you’re feeling, what you want to improve, and questions for your physician.

Along with discussing options with your doctor, you should also talk to close female friends and family to get the support you need. Remember, sharing your experience allows them to feel comfortable opening up as well.

Exchange tips that have helped you feel and look better and how to deal with stress. Ask female friends or family if they have doctors they would recommend. Ones that have encouraged first making lifestyle choices rather than quickly prescribing medications.

There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle in identifying how you’re feeling, addressing health concerns, and asking for what you need. Many of the women I have worked with feel a sense of relief once they recognize and ask for what they need.

Ways to Build Resilience

• Ask for what you need and stay connected to others. One of the biggest reasons that I succeeded in reaching my goals in midlife was finally asking for help. I had women around me who understood what I was feeling. We helped each other by listening and offering support.
• Set small goals you can reach daily. For example, if you want to exercise daily, plan for a 15-20-minute walk and go longer when you have the time. It feels good to accomplish self-care goals each day.
• Realize the mistakes you’ve made in the past but don’t beat yourself up. Make changes to not repeat these behaviors.
• Pay it forward and help others when you realize you have learned something others can benefit from. You will feel empowered and proud of yourself as you give back.

Resilience as a Menopausal Woman

Resilience will not prevent problems from showing up or miraculously make them go away, but it can help you feel ready for difficult times.

With all of the hormonal changes that occur during menopause and the 7-10 years (peri-menopause) leading up to this time, it’s important to ask for what you need to feel your best as life continues to change. This can feel like a daunting task if you are feeling tired and overwhelmed with your symptoms. Be patient and understanding of what is happening and ask for the support you need.

Learn more through my work with me page on how I can help you through this transition if you need additional guidance and support. You have a lot of years ahead of you and there are many holistic ways to feel and look your best. If you get knocked down, have a plan in place to reach out for help.