by Rosemary Redfern

Created on: April 27, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

Life after the menopause can be a time of renewal but each woman reacts differently emotionally and physically according to her chemistry, genetic make up and experience. There are subtle changes in the body but the person remains the same. The trick is to make the best of that.

By focusing on enjoying each stage of life and making reference to the good, happy and pleasant experiences in your life, a positive outlook can help your mental health which in turn affects your physical and emotional health. Above all like yourself.

There are a number of healthy choices to be made which can support this effort.

Check out the foods which suit your body chemistry. Become an expert in you. What keeps your bowels regular? Being constipated is uncomfortable and can weigh on your mind as well as your digestive system. Eat fresh fruit, vegetables and small amounts of meat and fish it you are not vegetarian. Dried fruits such as prunes, apricots and figs help keep things moving. They can be made into delicious puddings or served with savory courses. Blitzed dried apricots with an equal amount of plain yogurt makes an easy pudding. For some women bread causes bloating. Indulge occasionally but try alternatives.

Paul McKenna, a successful therapist, says that eating when you are hungry and having what you fancy but stopping when you are full even if your plate is not empty is a simple way to weight control which works without faddy diets.

Maintaining fitness helps you to feel good. If you have never been keen on exercise nor had the time, gentle walking regularly is not strenuous but keeps your system healthy. Walking is free. Choose the stairs rather than the elevator. I found this made an amazing difference to my ability to go for walks. Swimming is another form of gentle exercise.

If you experience bleeding it is possible this is a warning about your life style as much as anything serious. For peace of mind and common sense, check it out with your health care provider. But also endeavor to maintain a healthy, daily life style which suits your body chemistry and mental needs. You know what is comfortable for you but inform yourself about diet, exercise and stress.

Post menopause is a time when it is possible to reassess who you are and consider what you would like to achieve. Make lists of fantasy, realistic and long held wishes. How many of them can you do now and how many in the near future? Nothing makes you feel as good as success and achieving a long held wish is a stimulant to better things.

Finally consider the menopause as a liberation. You can have great sex and no risk of pregnancy,

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