1. I make my health a priority
Where would we be without our health? If we want to enjoy life and keep doing the things we love, we need to look after our bodies every day.
For me, that starts with my diet. If we don't give our bodies the nutrients they need, it will have an impact on how we feel.
Now, I have to admit that I love food! I'm also very small, so I only need to overeat for a week and I can easily go up a dress size. But the thought of being on a lifelong diet just isn't for me.
Instead, I follow what I call the 80/20 rule.
Around 80% of the time I'm careful about what I eat. Over the years I've found that a lower-carbohydrate, protein-rich diet suits me best. That won't be right for everyone, but it's what works for me.
The other 20% of the time, I enjoy myself. If I'm on holiday or out with friends and family, I'll eat what I want, in moderation.
I also enjoy the odd glass of wine and my mid-morning cup of coffee. They're little pleasures that I'm not prepared to give up, and I don't feel I need to. The 80/20 approach keeps everything on an even keel.
I also take supplements to help support my bones and my nervous system, as these become increasingly important as we get older.
2. I keep moving
Exercise plays a really important part in my life.
If we want to enjoy these years, we need to stay fit enough to do the things we love.
I love walking, so every week, weather permitting here in Scotland, I'll head out for a long walk. I also practise yoga, which I think is wonderful for balance.
Balance becomes increasingly important as we get older because so many women in their 60s, 70s and 80s experience falls that can lead to serious injuries such as hip fractures.
I also make sure I do something that gets my heart working a little harder. Unfortunately, heart disease becomes more common after menopause, so keeping active is something I make a priority.
The good news is that it doesn't have to mean running marathons or spending hours in the gym. Simply keeping active every day can make a real difference.
One of my biggest motivations is my family. I now have four wonderful great-grandchildren, with another one on the way.
I want to be able to get down on the floor to play games with them, run around outside and enjoy every moment together. Having something meaningful to keep yourself healthy for can be a wonderful incentive.
3. I prioritise rest
Sleep is one of our greatest healers.
If we don't sleep well, it affects us physically and emotionally, so getting a good night's sleep is incredibly important.
Ironically, I actually find sleep harder now than I did before. I used to put my head on the pillow and be asleep within seconds. These days it takes me much longer to fall asleep, I don't sleep as deeply, and I sometimes wake during the night.
Because of that, I make a real effort to get the best quality sleep I can.
If you're struggling with sleep, there are lots of lovely herbs that many women find helpful, such as Valerian and Hops. I also like to play relaxing music before bed to help quieten my mind.
I'm also a great believer in giving yourself 30 minutes of 'me time' every day.
We all need a little peace and quiet away from the constant demands of life. It doesn't have to be meditation. It could simply be listening to music, reading a book, sitting quietly with a cup of tea or doing some slow, deep breathing.
For me, making time to rest is a non-negotiable part of staying well.
4. I focus on what I can control
There is so much happening in the world that can leave us feeling worried, overwhelmed or upset.
One of the biggest lessons I've learnt in post-menopause is to let go of the things I simply can't change.
Social media can make this particularly difficult. I know I've picked up my phone to look at one thing on Facebook, only to realise an hour has passed and I feel completely drained after reading so much negativity.
That's why I don't have my phone with me all the time, and I regularly have little digital detoxes so I don't get pulled into everything that's happening.
Another important lesson has been learning to say no.
For many of us, saying no feels uncomfortable because we worry about disappointing people. We think they'll be upset with us or won't like us anymore.
In reality, I've found that most people are perfectly understanding when you simply say, "No, I don't feel like doing that," or, "I've already got something else planned."
Protecting your own energy isn't selfish. It's an important part of looking after yourself.
5. I make time to find joy
Perhaps the biggest gift post-menopause has given me is that I genuinely enjoy life more.
I feel more adventurous, more confident and more willing to embrace new experiences.
I'll happily travel halfway around the world on my own to visit family in Australia. Last year I enjoyed an incredible trip along the Amazon River, and I already have more adventures planned.
But joy doesn't always have to come from big experiences.
I'm lucky enough to have a little garden, and one of my favourite things is coming home from work, sitting outside and listening to the birds, watching the bees and butterflies, and enjoying the flowers.
Those quiet moments bring me just as much happiness as the bigger adventures.
There really is life after menopause
If you're currently in the middle of menopause and struggling, I hope this gives you a little hope.
When you're having difficult days, it can feel as though things will never improve. But from my own experience, there really is light at the end of the menopause tunnel.
Post-menopause isn't the end of something - it's the beginning of a new chapter.
I certainly don't feel like the same person I was before menopause. I feel as though I've evolved into someone different, and in many ways, someone stronger.
If you're post-menopausal too, we'd love to hear from you.
What has helped you the most? What are you looking forward to? And what little (or big) things bring you joy?
Please do share your experiences in the comments. I always enjoy reading your stories, and your words could make a real difference to another woman.
Other articles that you may find helpful:
10 things you need to know about post-menopause
10 self-care tips for perimenopause, menopause & post-menopause
