The Art of Slow Living: Embracing a Gentler Pace During Menopause

The Art of Slow Living: Embracing a Gentler Pace During Menopause 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pace of modern life whilst navigating your menopause journey, you’re not alone. The transition through menopause often coincides with a time when many women are juggling demanding careers, family responsibilities, and their own changing physical and emotional needs. Learning to embrace slow living during this transformative period can provide much-needed relief and help you rediscover what truly matters in your daily life. 

What is Slow Living During Menopause? 

Slow living is about intentionally choosing a more mindful, deliberate approach to life that prioritises wellbeing over busyness. Research from Mayo Clinic demonstrates that mindfulness-based approaches can significantly reduce stress and improve quality of life for menopausal women (Sood et al., 2019). Rather than fighting against your body’s natural rhythm during this transition, slow living encourages you to honour your changing needs and create space for healing. 

Redefining Productivity on Your Terms 

Society often equates productivity with constant motion and endless achievement, but menopause invites us to question these assumptions. Research suggests that working smarter rather than harder can be particularly beneficial during this transition (Faubion et al., 2023). 

Consider redefining productivity to include: 

• Quality over quantity – focusing on meaningful tasks that align with your values 

• Energy management – scheduling important work during your peak energy hours 

• Rest as productive time – recognising that recovery enhances performance 

• Strategic boundaries – declining commitments that drain rather than energise you 

Creating Mindful Routines that Nurture You 

Establishing gentle, consistent routines can provide stability during the unpredictable nature of menopause. Simple mindful practices to incorporate include: 

• Morning intention setting – beginning each day with quiet reflection 

• Mindful movement – choosing physical activities that feel nourishing 

• Evening wind-down rituals – creating calming routines that signal rest time 

• Regular self check-ins – pausing throughout the day to notice how you’re feeling 

Saying No to Overwhelm 

Learning to set boundaries becomes crucial during menopause when your tolerance for stress may be lower than usual. Research shows that menopausal women can experience work-related challenges due to symptoms, highlighting the importance of managing overwhelm (Faubion et al., 2023). 

Strategies for reducing overwhelm include: 

• Prioritising essentials – distinguishing between what you must do and what you think you should do 

• Delegating when possible – allowing others to help with tasks that don’t require your specific skills 

• Creating buffer time – building flexibility into your schedule for unexpected symptoms 

• Communicating your needs – being honest about your current capacity 

Finding Joy in Simplicity 

Research indicates that simple, sustainable lifestyle changes during menopause can be effective, often proving more beneficial than complicated approaches. 

Ways to embrace simplicity include: 

• Decluttering your space – creating calm, organised environments that support relaxation 

• Simplifying meals – focusing on nourishing, easy-to-prepare foods 

• Choosing quality relationships – investing time in connections that bring joy and support 

• Appreciating small moments – finding pleasure in everyday experiences like morning coffee or sunset walks 

Making the Shift Gradually 

Transitioning to slow living doesn’t require dramatic lifestyle changes. Start small by choosing one area to simplify or one mindful practice to incorporate. The menopause transition can actually serve as a powerful catalyst for positive change, encouraging you to reassess priorities and create a life that truly supports your wellbeing. 

Conclusion 

Slow living during menopause isn’t about doing everything at a snail’s pace; it’s about being intentional with your time, energy, and attention. By redefining productivity, creating nurturing routines, setting healthy boundaries, and finding joy in simplicity, you can navigate this transition with greater ease and satisfaction. 

Looking for more support with your menopause symptoms? Speak with the team at the Australian Menopause Centre to discover our holistic treatment pathways. We’re here to support you through every aspect of your menopause journey. 

References 

Sood, R., et al. (2019). Association of mindfulness and stress with menopausal symptoms in midlife women. Climacteric: The Journal of the International Menopause Society. 

Faubion, S., et al. (2023). Mayo Clinic study on menopause symptoms and workplace productivity. Mayo Clinic Proceedings.