I Am Thankful For:
Rainy days
Little puppy paws
Binge watching a favorite show
Grapes
New books
Valentine candy
Chocolate dessert
My daughter stopping by with the grandkids
My husband taking care of me with my sore back
A lazy Sunday
Long weekends
Dr appointment
Muscle relaxers
My husband driving me around
Getting plenty of rest
Being in less pain
Heating pads
Sleep
Homemade vegetable soup
Snow flurries
This post is meant to share what I have learned based on my own experience. It is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking help because of something you read on this website.
For almost two weeks now, I have been dealing with back pain. Over the past few days it has become much worse. In fact, I have a doctor appointment today so that I can hopefully get some answers and some relief.
Thanks to normal wear and tear on the spine over a lifetime, it is not unusual to experience back pain in midlife. There are things we can do to reduce our risk of developing back pain or injuries : regular exercise to strengthen back and core muscles, watching our posture, and maintaining a healthy weight to name a few. But what if you feel that sudden twinge or a dull ache in your back? Here's the advice I have found helpful the past couple of weeks:
I Am Thankful For:
Ice packs
My husband taking over dinner prep
A long hot shower
My son helping with the dogs
A day of doing mostly nothing
Getting out of the house for a little while
When the pain medication kicks in
Stretches
My husband making lunch for me
Finally falling asleep
When the grand sons come over for dinner
SuperBowl Sunday
A good book club meeting
Valentine gifts
Opening a new book
Cough suppressants
Back feeling a little better
Having the cutest little dogs in town
The full moon
I Am Thankful For:
My grandson is feeling better
Morning sun on my face
Accomplishing goals
My husband is home from work trip
Dropped off my volunteer application
Ice cream
Open windows on a January day
Playing with the dogs
The sound of falling rain
Homemade shortbread
Reading a book together
A decent night's sleep
Homemade Bolognese sauce
A short nap
Books
Yogurt and berries
My grandson's new braces
Hot tea with honey
Warm February days
My husband bringing me cold medicine and cough drop
Honestly, has this been the longest January that ever januaried - or am I the only one feeling that way?
This month, the most popular post on the blog was "Aging Gracefully... or not" where I explored what the idea of aging gracefully means to us as women. I also shared ideas for combatting the winter blues, making a simple London Fog for sipping on the cold January days, and dealing with sleep problems in midlife.
On the first weekend of January the Man of the House and I went to Baltimore, Maryland. We did some sightseeing, ate some delicious seafood, and on Saturday evening we went to the Ravens game. The game was FREEZING! The whole weekend was honestly. But the game was a night game and very windy, which made it feel that much colder. We had originally planned to leave Monday evening, but there was a winter storm forecasted to move through on Monday morning, so we switched our flight and came home Sunday evening to beat the snow.
Like much of the country, we had some brutally cold temperatures this month. And we did see a little snow. But it has been a crazy winter. When the southern snow storm hit, it went way south and east of us. While they had several inches of snow along the coast - we didn't see any of it here in mountains!
We celebrated our oldest grandson's 13th birthday this month. I know what you're thinking - I'm not old enough to have a teenage grandson. You're right! At least that's what I've been telling myself.
I finally decided to do something this month that I've been thinking about for a while. One morning I grabbed the scissors and cut some bang. I know, they say you should never cut your own bangs. But I have been doing it off and on for years. And I'm actually pleased with the results.
In January I read two books and listened to one audio book. I read "Somewhere Beyond the Sea" by T J Klune and "A Curious Beginning" by Deanna Raybourn. The audio book I listened to is "The Dressmaker" by Kate Alcott.
Some of my favorites and finds for January included:
- The Rydir band: it kept the tote bag I used on our Baltimore trip clean while traveling (airports and planes. IYKYK) And kept it attached to my carry-on luggage while on the move.
- A London Fog: Earl Grey tea, vanilla, steamed milk. A delicious treat on a chilly afternoon.
- The Quilted Koala Town Crossbody Bag: It's roomy enough for all the things, including a book, my Kindle, or a small crochet project for when I'm going to be doing some sitting and waiting somewhere. The detachable crossbosy strap keeps me hand-free when I'm running errands.
How was your January? Any special moments, favorite finds, or stand out memories?
I Am Thankful For:
Signs that there are still brave and decent people in the world
Time for myself
A quiet, early morning house
Brave women who speak what's on their heart
Slightly warmer days
Sunny mornings
A bowl of warm oatmeal
Shopping with my husband
Doggy kisses
Donating items
Sleeping late
Soft pretzels
When my husband makes me laugh
Historical podcasts
Kisses at the airport
Peace and quiet
Texts from my husband
Completing a task
Feeling organized
This post is meant to share what I have learned about menopause based on my own experience. It is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking help because of something you read on this website.
Almost every night, at some time between 2 and 4 AM, I am probably awake. Not just a short trip to the toilet or grab a cup of water and back to sleep. Nope. I'm talking wide awake and going to be that way for a while.
Talking with other women, I have discovered that I am not the only one losing sleep in midlife. Far from it! In fact, according to the National Institute on Aging, up to 50% of women between the ages of 40 to 65 report having sleep issues, including insomnia and having trouble staying asleep. The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine says that number may be as high as 60%.
So... why are so many of us suddenly becoming unwilling night owls at this stage of life?
- The decrease of hormones obviously plays a huge part. The hot flashes and nightsweats that come along with hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause are big sleep disruptions.
- Anxiety and depression are factors that contribute to insomnia and sleeplessness at any stage. Since depression and anxiety can increase in perimenopause, they are also more likely to cause sleep disruptions during this time.
- Research shows that the risk of sleep apnea increases during our menopausal years. Symptoms for women may also differ some from just the well known snoring and fatigue, including headaches and insomnia.
- Health conditions - both perimenopause/menopause related and those that are not - as well as medications used to treat them can disrupt sleep.
- Some sleep problems at this stage of life are life-style related, including blue light from electronics. Especially in the evenings just before bed time.
Sleep is so important for many aspects of a healthy life, especially during perimenopause and menopause. A good night's sleep can help balance hormones, reduce the risk of hypertension and heart disease, and strengthen our immune system. Sleeping well can improve our mood and ability to manage stress. And it may also contribute to diabetes control and reducing our risk of dementia.
That's all well and good. We want to sleep well and be as healthy as possible. But, easier said than done. Right?
There are some simplethings we can do to try and improve our sleep quality.
- Stick to a sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Create an environment that is sleep friendly. A comfortable mattress and pillow. A comfortable temperature. Eliminate as much light and noise as possible.
- Reduce or eliminate your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Especially in the late afternoon and evening.
- Don't eat later in the evenings, especially heavy meals.
- Don't drink liquids just before bed.
- Avoid afternoon naps
- Exercise regularly. But, not to close to bedtime which can actually disrupt your sleep pattern!
- Don't watch TV, use your computer, or scroll on your cell phone in the bedroom.
- Try supplements such as magnesium or herbal supplements.
- Talk to your health care provider to rule out sleep disorders or do discuss other treatment options.
How's your quality of sleep? What have you tried to help get a good night's sleep?
I Am Thankful For:
Waking up to bright moonlight coming through the window
New bedding
Resisting the urgebto be snippy
A short break from the cold
A London Fog
A cardinal siting in the bushes
Finishing a project
Clean laundry
Sunshine
Feeling cute
Family gatherings
Celebrating our grandson's birthday
Signing up for a jewelry making class
Errands done early
Comfort foods
A self-imposed media blackout
Shelter from the cold
Creative outlets
Cozy winter days
Pasta
Snow flurries
