MUSHROOMS MEET MENOPAUSE!

OCT 25, 2023

Hello beauties!

In this edition of my Fabulous Menopause Newsletter, we explore the intriguing world of menopausal health with the magic of mushrooms 🍄, the joy of decluttering 🏠, and the inspiring Princess of Asturias Art Award 🎨. Discover why women often hesitate to take all their deserved time off 💼 and explore solutions for impostor syndrome during menopause 👑. Plus, savor a delectable mushroom recipe that promises to tickle your taste buds and nourish your body 🍽️. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a journey of discovery, empowerment, and well-being. 🌟🍁

Autumn is mushroom season. As someone who grew up in the Bavarian countryside, collecting mushrooms and creating delightful meals from them is a cherished tradition during autumn weekends!

THE BENEFITS OF MUSHROOMS

Little did I know, when I was a child, about the myriad benefits that mushrooms bring to your diet. And now comes the best: these versatile wonders offer an array of advantages for women in perimenopause and menopause: From bolstering your nervous and immune systems to potentially reducing water retention. 🍄🧠

Furthermore, mushrooms emerge as a valuable source of essential B vitamins, infusing your diet with vitality. Their inclusion also brings you the gift of nourishing fiber, aiding digestion, and overall wellness. Plus, don't overlook the potent trio of potassium, selenium, and zinc that mushrooms deliver to support your body's intricate needs. 🍃🍄✨

MYCOTHERAPY IN MENOPAUSE

Enter the realm of Mycotherapy, where Reishi, Chaga, Turkey T., Shiitake, Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane fungi take center stage. These extraordinary fungi present a treasure trove of benefits, including:

🍄Hormonal equilibrium achieved through the normalization of estrogen and progesterone.

🍄Amplified blood circulation benefiting vital organs and the sexual apparatus.

🍄Relief from anxiety, stress, insomnia, and depressive states.

🍄Assistance to brain mediators for an antidepressant and anti-fatigue impact.

🍄Enhance memory and cognitive function

🍄Nurture your microbiome and your gut health.

If you want to use mushrooms for you diet, check out the mushrooms-101 of MUSH MUSH. They have plenty of information on the individual mushroom’s benefits and they offer products you can add easily to your diet.

Everyone's familiar with 'Spring Cleaning,' but do you also feel an autumn urge to declutter your home? Summers are spent outdoors, and as cooler months approach, it's the perfect time to prepare your house for winter. Helen Sanderson’s book THE SECRET LIFE OF CLUTTER will guide you with ease and enjoyment.

I'd like to share a few lines from actress Meryl Streep's speech at the 2023 Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony, where she received the Arts prize on October 20th. 

"The gift of EMPATHY is something we all share. The uncanny ability to sit together, strangers in a darkened theater or cinema, and experience the feelings of people who don’t look like us or sound like us, is an ability we should all carry within us as we return to the light of day. 

Empathy can be a radical form of rapprochement and diplomacy, equally crucial in other areas of activity. In this increasingly hostile and volatile world of ours, I hope we can make our other rule that is taught to all actors: the important thing is to listen."

If you wish to listen to her complete speech, please click here. 

Do you belong to the group of women who often hesitate to prioritize taking paid time off (PTO)? 

And why could this affect you wellbeing in perimenopause and menopause?

According to this article on Forbes Magazin, in 2022, 55% of earned PTO went unused, nearly double the 28% from 2019, according to a Sorbet survey. Women used even less of their allocated time off. On average, men earned 10% more PTO and took 33% more days off than women. A noteworthy 24% of female respondents admitted discomfort in requesting time off, often stemming from fears of falling behind at work. Kelly Smith O’Hara, Head of North America at Bentley Lewis, suggests this unease is particularly pronounced among women who may feel imposter syndrome, leading them to think they haven't earned the right to take a break.

THE IMPOSTOR SYNDROME – “AM I GOOD ENOUGH”?

During perimenopause and menopause, many women grapple with impostor syndrome, marked by feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. This phenomenon often intertwines with anxiety and mood swings, impacting their self-confidence and well-being. Understanding this complex interplay is essential to navigate the challenges of midlife with resilience and empowerment. It's a common issue, observed in almost every single patient I've seen in my practice at some point.

If you would like to get some insights on the symptoms and solutions to this syndrome, please check out my blog.

WHY WE NEED TO RELAX AND REDUCE STRESS DURING PERIMENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE?

🌡️ Managing Symptoms: Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue can affect daily life. PTO allows for rest and self-care to alleviate these challenges.

🧘‍♀️ Reducing Stress: Juggling work and menopause can lead to increased stress, which affects hormonal balance, including cortisol levels (cortisone) and pregnenolone steal. Taking time off offers an opportunity to de-stress, supporting hormonal equilibrium.

🌼 Self-Care: Women in perimenopause and menopause need simply more time for self-care, including adequate exercise, relaxation, hobbies, and healthcare appointments. PTO facilitates these essential activities.

💪 Improved Productivity: Adequate rest and symptom management can lead to improved focus and energy, potentially boosting productivity when returning to work.

So please don’t even think about NOT using your PTO. You DESERVE your free time off!

CRUNCHY STUFFED BAKED APPLES

Talking about mushrooms I found this absolutely YUMMY recipe for Gluten and Dairy Free Stuffed Mushrooms for you. 

Michelle from Unbound Wellness suggests them as an appetizer or as a side dish with Turkey or Chicken.

“I have been at probably every powerful table that you can think of, I have worked at nonprofits, I have been at foundations, I have worked in corporations, served on corporate boards, I have been at G-summits, I have sat in at the U.N.: They are not that smart.”

Michelle Obama about her experience, facing impostor syndrome herself.

Have a great rest of the week!

If you feel like nothing's working for you and need guidance during this menopause phase, check out my coaching program here

Also do check out the fabulous menopause holistic kit here