Finding Grace: How We Treat Others and Ourselves in Perimenopause

Hey Smash the Crash fam! Melissa Hinman here, back with another episode to tackle a topic close to our hearts – especially for perimenopausal moms: cultivating grace for ourselves and others.

The Perimenopausal Emotional Rollercoaster

Let's face it, perimenopause throws emotional curveballs. Hormonal shifts can leave us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and stuck. These emotions can easily spill over, impacting self-care and patience, especially when juggling the endless demands of motherhood.

Imagine you're at the grocery store with a melting-down child. Suddenly, someone cuts in line. Frustration bubbles up, threatening to erupt.

Grace 

In these moments, grace is our secret weapon. Extending grace to ourselves allows us to be more patient with others. It creates a ripple effect of compassion and understanding.

Building a Support System

Feeling overwhelmed? Instead of letting frustration fester, seek out a supportive community. Connect with others who share similar experiences. Remember, we're all human, navigating life's challenges.

The Connection to Intentional Movement & Nutrition

You might be wondering how healthy habits connect to grace. When emotional challenges create a rut, self-care motivation plummets. Let's break down those walls and prioritize well-being.

Hormonal shifts can definitely impact perspective, leading to irritability and short-temperedness. It's not your fault, but managing these emotions becomes your responsibility.

So, how do we shift perspective? For me, it involved self-reflection, self-development books, and therapy. This is a continuous journey, but I've learned to create a space of grace for myself.

Coping Mechanisms That Work

When I'm feeling down, I practice self-talk, reminding myself of my blessings and support system. I'm also open about taking medication for anxiety and OCD – finding what works for you is key!

This week's Podcast episode topic was inspired by a personal experience highlighting the importance of treating each other with respect, even during struggles. Unaddressed stress can bleed into other areas of our lives.

3 Ways to Reset & Find Perspective

Feeling overwhelmed? Here are 3 tools to help you break free from negativity and gain clarity:

• Power Naps: Don't see them as an escape, but as a tool to process emotions more effectively when you're feeling tired or emotional. Give yourself permission to recharge.
• Movement: A quick workout, walk, or even "punching it out" (with a pillow!) can release tension and improve mood. Exercise is a natural mood booster!
• Feel Your Feels: Music is a powerful tool for processing emotions. Find a song that resonates with you to validate and release your feelings in a healthy way.

3 Things to Avoid

Now, let's talk about what not to do when overwhelmed:

• Don't Stay in the Drama: Remove yourself from heated situations to cool down before reacting.
• Ditch the Stress Eating: We all have comfort foods, but emotional eating creates bigger problems down the line. (Especially for those with a sweet tooth!)
• Avoid the Social Media Trap: Curated feeds can make you feel inadequate. Remember, everyone has struggles they don't post about.

The Importance of Grace

When we approach situations with grace – for ourselves, our children, and even the line-cutter – we create a space for understanding and compassion. We acknowledge that everyone has battles, even if invisible.

Remember: Perimenopause is a journey, and grace is one of the golden keys. By prioritizing self-care and healthy coping strategies, we can build a more supportive and positive environment, together.

Listen to the Podcast Episode ⤵