Hi Friends, you know those weeks when your energy is running on fumes, but the to-do list just keeps growing? That’s exactly where I’ve been, and I’m not gonna lie – it’s been frustrating!

Does anyone else feel like adjusting to menopause is like adjusting to a newborn baby? Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, it changes. I go through phases where my sleep is awesome and my energy level is really good. And then, BAM – things just flip, and my sleep becomes inconsistent and I feel like I’m trudging through quicksand.

Pretty ironic considering I wrote an article about an Energy Boost (here) last week, right?!😂 I like to keep it real with you guys, and my current reality is that even though I’m doing all the things I recommend to everyone, I’m struggling with feeling worn out and drained while juggling responsibilities that won’t wait.

So, in that light, I’m going to share what I’ve been doing for myself in an effort to move forward and gain some momentum — and a few lessons learned along the way!

• Moving My Body Outside in Nature
  • On Monday afternoon, after spending the day sitting at my desk working, I forced myself to get outside with Gareth and do some cross country skiing. And guess what? It was fun and refreshing! Did I feel like a brand new person afterward? Not really. BUT I did feel good about the fact that I had gotten some fresh air and done something beneficial for my brain and my body.
• Eating Foods That Fuel My Energy Instead of Draining It
  • When I’m feeling exhausted, I reach for meals and snacks that are easy, comforting, and satisfying. These are the times that being prepared with options that are healthy AND indulgent really pays off! You guys know I love my snacks, so the fact that I had my Protein Banana Muffins in the freezer saved me from grabbing something that, ultimately, would have made me feel more fatigued.
• Listening to My Body and Showing Myself Grace
  • Yesterday, after an early morning workout and more hours working at my desk, I had planned to do some cleaning. However, I had hit a wall. My body and brain were fried, and I had to listen to them. I exchanged cleaning bathrooms for laying on my bed and watching mindless TV. And guess what? It was just what I needed.

If this week has taught me anything, it’s that recognizing the duality of our circumstances is a necessary skill.

• Good sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. AND For many of us in Perimenopause and Menopause, sleep is challenging and we have to work at managing strategies to help ourselves.
• Learning to embrace the balance of moving and fueling my body to boost energy AND listening to my body and showing myself grace has been truly valuable.

So friends, if you’ve been feeling drained and frustrated, remember:

What’s Coming Up?

Tomorrow, we’re hopping on a plane with our Boulder Besties to get a big change in temperature and scenery!

Considering our current situation, some warm weather and sunshine will be very welcome!

Meanwhile, today I have to pack for our trip and finish the cleaning I blew off yesterday. Do you guys clean before a taking a trip? I don’t know why I do this to myself. I’m definintely adding to my already big to-do list today, but I know I will be SO happy to come home to a clean house.

Tonight, we’re going with some friends/neighbors to an early dinner and to see a play at our local performing arts center. This will be our first event at this venue, and I’m really excited!

Having plans this evening and an early flight out of Denver tomorrow means that I have to get myself fully prepared today. So, on that note, I’m going to wrap up and wish you all a great remainder to your week! You can follow along on our little adventure on my Instagram!

Thank you so much for being here, being my sounding board, and taking this journey with me. I’ll see you back here next week!

So happy to be linking with Between Naps on the Porch!