Inside-Out Lifestyle Changes and Menopause Empowerment

Hey there, I wanted to take a moment to have a real, heart-to-heart chat about something that's been a big part of my life lately—**menopause**. Yep, that lovely, inevitable stage of life we all go through, yet so many of us shy away from discussing. Let's not. It's time we start discussing it more openly because it can be an incredibly empowering chapter of life.

And thankfully, menopause has gained the attention it so deserves.

I've always believed that **beauty begins from the inside out**. Your skin, how you feel, and how you appear in the world are all connected. That's why, after my 20s, my approach has always been root-cause inside-out beauty—it's not just about skincare; it's about lifestyle, wellness, and making choices that nourish you deeply. And menopause, as wild as it can feel, is no different. So, let's dive into this together.

### Menopause: My Rite of Passage

For me, hitting my early 50s meant embracing a new set of challenges—some expected, some not so much. Hot flashes, low energy, mood swings, divorce, grief, dry hair, you name it. And to be honest, it wasn't always easy to keep my confidence up when my body and mind felt vulnerable. I'm one of the weird ones who I actually *loved* my period. I felt deeply connected to my womanhood, to the cycles of life. I even looked forward to menopause, seeing it as another empowering chapter of being female—because let's be real, we women are the ones who make the world go round. But when menopause hit, it came at the same time as my divorce, and honestly, I felt a bit robbed. It wasn't the transition I'd imagined, but that's the path I ended up on.

I've discovered (and am still learning) that this phase is like hitting the reset button, a rebirth. It's a chance to nurture myself in ways I hadn't before, to slow down, listen to my body, and treat it with the love and respect it deserves. **Menopause doesn't have to be a time of burden**; it can be a time of transformation and empowerment. That's the mindset I'm embracing, and I hope you do too.

### Inside-Out Transformation: Healing From Within

Now, when it comes to menopause, one of the first things I noticed was how much my skin was changing. **Hormones** can throw your skin in a loop—dryness, fine lines, more sleep, and even breakouts. It's all part of the process, but the good news is you can keep your skin looking and feeling healthy with a little extra TLC. There's no way around it.

I've always focused on addressing the **root causes behind skin issues**, and menopause is no different. It's not just about slathering on more products (although I love a good hydrating serum like Peptide Collagen Renewal Serum!); it's about tuning into what's happening inside—**gut health, stress levels, and hormones**. All play a huge role in how your skin behaves. 

I work with my clients and friends to create simple yet powerful **skincare routines** that support their skin and overall well-being. Hydration is key, and keeping your skin's barrier strong is essential. But even more important is combining that with lifestyle shifts that keep your body and mind balanced.

### Lifestyle Changes for Menopause Empowerment

Let's be real, **menopause is a wake-up call**. It's a reminder that our super smart body is changing, and we must change along with them. But here's the empowering part—**We have the power to make choices that help us thrive.** 

Here are some key areas I focus on at KismetK regarding lifestyle changes!

-**Mindful Nutrition:** Dr. Hyman often emphasizes how food is our best medicine, especially beyond the grocery store aisles. I recently switched to a plant-based diet, and I can't even begin to tell you how much better I feel—bye-bye, bloated belly! But that's just me, confirmed by my yearly in-depth blood work. During menopause, what we eat can truly make all the difference. It takes a little self-awareness and diligence to ask yourself, "How do I feel after eating this?" Then, adjusting accordingly. Think of it as giving your body the fuel it needs during this transition. Adding fiber, using clean oils (no seed oils!), and cutting back on inflammatory foods like sugar and refined carbs can help naturally balance your hormones.

- **Stress Management:** This one is *major*. Stress can throw your hormones completely out of whack, and during menopause, you can feel its impact. Whether through meditation (I love TMB, guided EMDR deep imaginings, and self-inquiry journaling), yoga, stretching, breathing exercises, or simply taking a few minutes each day, managing stress is essential for staying balanced. Taking a 10-15 minute walk after my last meal (usually no later than 6 pm) has been a game-changer. I've done it for over three decades; honestly, the day doesn't feel complete without it. If I skip it, my body lets me know the next morning!

- **Movement:** We all know that exercise is good for us, but during menopause, it's even more important. Keeping your bones strong, maintaining muscle mass, and staying mentally sharp all come down to moving your body. It doesn't have to be intense—walking, yoga, or light weights can do wonders. My five-day gym routine includes a 30-45 minute intentional stretching session at least once a week. I save stretches and classes from Instagram and YouTube, but when Friday rolls around, I can always count on a class at the gym. Find a formula that works for you—stretching isn't just essential; it should feel like self-care!

It's such a nurturing way to reconnect with my body.

- **Hormone Support:** Everyone's body is beautifully different, and when it comes to menopause, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you're into natural remedies like adaptogens and herbal teas or considering **hormone replacement therapy (HRT)**, what matters most is finding what works for *you*.  

- **Self-Care:** Now more than ever, **self-care** isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. Taking time for yourself, whether through skincare rituals, dry brush, touching earth, hiking,  journaling, or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea, is important for emotional and physical well-being- find YOUR recharging tools. There's a saying, "Put on your oxygen mask before assisting others." which couldn't be more true. We can't truly support others without taking care of ourselves first. Prioritizing well-being makes us stronger and more present for those around us.

### Redefining Menopause: Strong, Vibrant, Empowered

Here's what I've realized: **menopause is an evolution, not a decline**. It's a RISE! It's a chance to redefine what it means to age. At KismetK, I want to help you see this time as an opportunity to embrace YOUR complexity, wisdom, vibrancy, and strength. Your femininity!

Sure, there will be days when it feels tough—I've been there, feeling tired, worn out, and stuck in a fog of uncertainty. But I *truly* believe that with the right support—both from within and from our community—we can absolutely thrive through this phase of life. **We're not slowing down; we're evolving into stronger, wiser, more beautiful versions of ourselves.**

I'm on this journey with you, learning, adapting, and sharing what I discover along the way. Together, let's redefine menopause and embrace it with open arms. 

You are lovely, strong, and capable of thriving—**inside and out**.

I'm here with you to support you and celebrate this incredible journey we're on.

Tons of love!