Navigating Perimenopause: Key Areas of Focus for My Journey

There's a lot of noise out there, and trying to piece together what to do as a woman navigating perimenopause can be quite the challenge. While some of the suggestions should be a part of our daily routine no matter what stage of life we're in, the truth is, as we age our bodies change and so do some of our needs. There's also the harsh reality that some things don't work like they used to. I've noticed that for myself, but as discouraging as it may be, there are things I'm not giving up because I do believe they are still essential parts to having an overall good quality of life.

Movement is key. You all have heard me speak of my difficulty with consistent strength training for the past year and a half. Some weeks are good but some weeks not so much. Even though I have found strength training to be a challenge, walking wasn't, and some weeks all I did was walk. I have to count this as a win because I was still moving my body daily. I was aware of my steps, and almost daily I was hitting a 10,000 step goal. While I am ultimately trying to work my way back into a more consistent strength training routine, the fact I still make the effort to move daily is necessary. So, don't beat yourself up if you too find yourself in a similar mental space, just keep moving.

Getting your protein seems to be a buzz word everyone is repeating these days, but I do believe in its importance, especially as I'm getting older. The thing is, strength training and protein go hand in hand. I need to strength train to keep muscle on my body, and I need the protein to help build the muscle I'm working towards. I have heard different suggestions about the amount of protein we should consume, and I'm sure that's based on your individual goals. Currently, I track mine and try to get in at least half my body weight, although I need to find out if I need more. Ultimately, the goal is to aim for an ample and consistent amount of protein in my daily diet.

I know you've heard this one over and over again, but I'm going to say it too- hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I think it's one of the simplest things we can do for our bodies, even in perimenopause. We will all start to notice changes in our skin and our eyes over time, but good hydration helps with this. I like to set a goal of a gallon a day, and most times I do NOT hit that goal, but I typically land anywhere between ten to twelve cups of water which is pretty good. If you need help remembering to drink your water, try using an app reminder or getting a really large jug that helps you keep track of how the day is going.

Now, this isn't anywhere near the multitude of things we can focus on during this wonderful phase of life called perimenopause, but I'd like to think of it as a few super simple steps in a positive direction. They are steps that you can start on today. They're also a great foundation for what our aging bodies are going to need over time. So, let's work together to get that movement in, have a consistent intake of protein, and drink lots of water each day we can. What would you add to the list as a focus during perimenopause?