How to Practice Self-Love Like You Mean It

Have the concept of practicing self-love ever crossed your mind? The concept may seem silly and even a bit self-indulgent at first, especially if you’re constantly doting on everyone else. Why is it that we have such an easy time showing tenderness to our children, partners, and friends, but when it comes to ourselves, it feels foreign?  The following self-love techniques are attainable, affordable, and will help foster a positive relationship between you and, well, you. 6 Self-Love Techniques Squash Negative Self-Talk Take note of harmful thought patterns that may be limiting your potential. Think of your inner voice as your inner child—speak to it kindly! Daily affirmations and journaling are great tools to help with this.  Prioritize Your Health This means nourishing your body with healthy, energy-boosting foods, making regular time for physical activity (whatever that means to you), getting enough sleep, building white space into your day, and any other actions that support your mental and physical well-being. Set Boundaries Whether at the office, with extended family, or between you and the six hours you spent scrolling on TikTok last night, setting boundaries is a way to maintain healthy relationships and preserve your sanity. (Say, for example, your boss is texting you on the weekend. Boundary-setting would be telling him or her that they can no longer text you outside of normal business hours.) Although setting boundaries can be awkward at first, it’s worth it in the long run. Make Time for Self-Care Self-care is a crucial part of loving yourself. Making time for self-care means that we think we are worthy of love, attention and TLC. Try to set aside time in your schedule to do things that make you happy, even if it’s something as simple as going for a walk or baking a pie.  Show Yourself Compassion Ditch the perfection mentality (it’s the enemy of self-love), and realize that you’re human and you’re going to make mistakes. It’s important to get comfortable with that notion and change the way you react to them when they happen. Instead of interpreting mistakes as a sign that you’re a failure, view them as an opportunity to learn and grow.  Practice Authenticity Don’t hide the parts of you that are messy and imperfect, embarrassing or shameful. Don’t fear the judgment of others (it says nothing about you and a whole lot about them). The only person you need to please is yourself. So live your life full out. Be unapologetically and authentically you.  (Photo: Shutterstock)

Understanding the Signs of Menopause

As we age, our bodies undergo a TON of changes. And for us women, the dreaded menopause marks a massive transition that can affect our overall health and well-being.  On episode 5 of the Nutritious Life Podcast, guest Dr. Kavita Desai, a clinical pharmacist and women’s health advocate, chats with Keri Glassman to demystify menopause and its influence on brain health. Dr. Desai explains how symptoms often viewed as standard signs of menopause may be indicative of enhanced risk for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.  By recognizing these signs early on, women can get the jump on symptom management and improve long-term health outcomes. In case you missed the podcast, here’s a summary of some important considerations and signs of menopause to pay attention to. Perimenopause: More Than Just Symptoms Often, perimenopausal symptoms like mood swings, bad sleep, and hot flashes are considered par for the course for women (how delightful!). But these symptoms should be taken seriously as they can be an indication of diseases like Alzheimer’s. Dr. Desai stresses the importance of not dismissing these as mere “signs of menopause” but as warning signals necessitating proactive health measures. Hormones and Health Risks Of course, we’re familiar with the hormonal changes brought on by menopause. But besides your mood, these also have a big impact on your body. The loss of estrogen and progesterone isn’t just about uncomfortable symptoms—it directly relates to an increased risk of cognitive decline. So, no, it’s not your fault that you left the grocery list at home! This connection is often overlooked in medicine, where the protocol still leans towards treating the symptoms rather than holistic condition management. The Vital Role of HRT While Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) was once discouraged as a treatment for menopause, the medical field is now shifting to acknowledge HRT’s potential benefits. Dr. Desai emphasizes that HRT isn’t just for alleviating symptoms. It has many preventive benefits, like fighting against osteoporosis—a huge issue for post-menopausal women—and maintaining brain health. Starting HRT early can significantly influence longevity and quality of life. However, for many women the main challenge with HRT is finding a healthcare provider knowledgeable enough about it to prescribe it. Dr. Desai recommends finding a women’s health specialist who’s experienced in hormone replacement therapy. (This goes beyond your typical gyno appointment!) She also recommends showing up to your appointment with the right questions and knowledge so you’re well prepared. Preventing Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s disease has become an increasingly hot-button issue, particularly for women in their postmenopausal years. Dr. Desai suggests that early symptoms of Alzheimer’s can mirror those of perimenopause, complicating detection and treatment. She recommends starting preventive measures early, addressing lifestyle factors, and possibly supplementing with specific nutrients to minimize risk. Don’t let the science scare you! Remember that knowledge is power: By understanding the signs of menopause and its broader health implications, you can take informed steps to maintain your brain health and wellness as you age.  (Image: Unsplash) Check out episode 5 of the Living a Nutritious Life podcast to learn even more about the signs of menopause and its role in your overall health.