SE7: EP1 Navigating Menopause with Mindfulness

Today's episode is a MUST listen. If you are navigating #menopause and experiencing stress, sleep disruption, brain fog and beating yourself up for all of it, then this is for you.

Cara Bradley joins Clarissa on the podcast today. She is a mind-body expert dedicated to advancing mind-body education through movement, mindfulness, and the science of human performance. Cara is the author of "On The Verge: Wake Up, Show Up, and Shine," and Mindful.org voted her one of the most powerful women in the mindfulness movement.

Clarissa and Cara Bradley discuss the power of mindfulness in navigating menopause. They explore the impact of menopause on the brain and the importance of self-compassion during this transformative phase of life.

Cara shares a three-step menopause and mindfulness practice that involves naming symptoms, examining them with loving kindness, and taking small actions to address them. They also discuss the role of mindfulness in managing brain fog and choosing one's state of being. The episode concludes with key takeaways and action steps for listeners to implement mindfulness in their own lives.

Takeaways

Menopause is a prime time for women to awaken to their changing bodies, brains, and minds, and mindfulness can play a crucial role in this process.

Mindfulness is the ability to know what's happening in the present moment without judgment, and it can be practised through formal meditation and moment-to-moment awareness.

Self-compassion is essential during menopause, and simple practices like placing a hand on the heart can cultivate self-love and kindness.

Addressing brain fog in menopause can be supported by mindfulness practices that help regulate the nervous system and prioritize sleep.

Choosing one's state of being through mindfulness empowers women to navigate the challenges of menopause and embrace their wisdom and power.

In this episode

08:48 The Impact of Menopause on the Brain

12:48 Understanding Mindfulness

18:43 The Importance of Self-Compassion

22:08 Practicing Mindfulness in Menopause

33:00 Addressing Brain Fog with Mindfulness

38:08 Choosing Your Mindset

45:21Action Steps to Start Being Mindful