Women have traditionally been the central axis of family life. They are bearers of children, wipers of noses, dispensers of bandages — often while juggling the demands of a career as well.

It's true that as we travel through life our roles evolve. As children grow and become parents themselves, sometimes we find ourselves just as much in demand — and that's the time of life when menopause symptoms often play havoc with our emotions, comfort, and equilibrium.

All this devotion, in other words, can really take it out of a woman, so while you may be busy nurturing and feeding those you love, do take the time to nurture yourself too and feed your own spirit. Here are a few tips to guide you to a better sense of balance:

• Take time out for yourself. Take regular yoga classes, a walk in the park, or time with lots of good books.
• Let people support you. It's great to be needed, but you should also have someone to share all your concerns.
• Eat well. Learn about all the foods and supplements recommended to nurture, rejuvenate, and fuel the efficient functioning of your body. Learn about botanicals. Some of them, like red clover, are highly recommended to relieve menopause symptoms for example. Red clover is an isoflavon, a plant estrogen. It has such a high concentration of isoflavones — 10 to 20 times the quantity found in soy — it may be the best botanical for hot flushes and other menopause symptoms available.
• Learn how to say 'no'. That may be hard to do at first, but once your loved ones get over the shock, they'll realize it's not because you love them less, it's just that you want to have the energy to keep loving them tomorrow.
• Laugh. It really is the best medicine. Seek out funny books or movies and surround yourself with people who make you laugh.

Source: www.newscanada.com