Mindfulness in Midlife

Jul 10, 2024 | Menopause, Midlife, Mindfulness, Mindset | 0 comments

If you’re a woman in your 40’s or 50’s, chances are you’ve spent years taking care of everyone else. You’ve been the steady rock for your family, the go-to for your friends, and maybe even the overachiever at work. But now, as you find yourself in the thick of menopause…hot flashes, mood swings, body redistributing and the aches that seem to come out of nowhere, you might be wondering: when did I stop taking care of me?

What if all those years of caring for others and climbing the corporate ladder left you disconnected from yourself? In the desire to meet everyone else’s needs and expectations, not tuning in to what you need, can take a toll on your body and mind.

After awhile, stress builds up, your nervous system stays on high alert, and your body starts to send you signals that it’s time to slow down. Maybe it’s a nagging pain in your shoulders, that dull ache in your lower back, or just the overwhelming exhaustion that no amount of caffeine can fix.

It may be your body’s way of saying, “Hey, it’s my turn now.”

The quote, “Let go of who you think you are supposed to be and embrace who you are,” couldn’t be more relevant in this season of life.

So many of us have worn the “superwoman” badge with honorably…but what if you made a choice to choose you and let go of the guilt, the expectations, the endless to-do lists, and finally focus on what you need?

I am sure by now, you have heard the phrase, “You can’t fill an empty cup…” but something that may be just as important is the message that self-care in not important that you are sending to your family, your son’s and daughters.

Do you want your son’s growing up thinking everything is the Mom’s job or do you want them to grow up being a supportive partner in life, helping thier wife?

Do you want your daughters to be caught on the same hamster wheel you have been on because you weren’t taught differently?

You can still be the Mom to your kids you always wanted and needed growing up without losing yourself in the process!

Mindfulness is the key to this shift. It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and reconnecting with your mind and body. You can start today by carving out even just one minute to sit quietly and breathe. Place one hand on your heart and the other on your belly, and ask yourself: “What do I need right now?” Maybe it’s rest. Maybe it’s a gentle stretch. Maybe it’s finally saying no to something that doesn’t serve you. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to honor it.

Mindfulness isn’t just about finding peace in the present moment, it’s also about releasing the pressure to live up to impossible standards (you know those high standards that YOU have set for yourself?).

When you let go of the idea that you’re supposed to have it all together and that you need to be everything to everyone, you create space to just be—to feel what you’re feeling, to honor your body’s needs, and to embrace the woman you’ve become and have yet to become.

This stage of life isn’t about losing who you were; it’s about rediscovering who you are. So take a deep breath, let go of the “supposed to’s,” and step into the freedom of “I want to…” that comes with being authentically, beautifully you.

5 Steps to Begin a Mindfulness Practice:

1. Start Small: Begin with just one to five minutes a day (don’t complicate it, for someone who has never sat quietly, one minute may be your max…you might even find multiple minutes throughout your day).

Sit in a quiet space, set a timer for one to five minutes, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Notice the inhale and exhale without judgment.

2. Create a Routine: Pick a consistent time each day for your practice, like first thing in the morning or before bed, to help make it a habit.

3. Be Present in Daily Activities: Practice mindfulness during routine tasks like washing dishes, taking a walk or drinking your morning coffee. Focus on the sensations, smells, and sounds around you.

4. Use Guided Meditations: Apps or online videos can provide structure and support as you build your mindfulness practice.

5. Be Gentle with Yourself: Mindfulness is a practice, not a perfection. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the present moment without judgment.

By incorporating these steps, you can begin to reconnect with yourself, become more present and bring more peace and clarity into your life.

Your Journey Begins Now!