Hormonal imbalance is not the only kind of imbalance that can interfere with your physical and emotional well-being. If you are experiencing the uncomfortable side effects of menopause, however, this can make any other conditions all the more discomforting. Whether you have been experiencing insomnia or other symptoms that signal hormone imbalance, you can achieve respite not only through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy: relaxation techniques also provide a means to create balance and calm in your life.

Beat stress with Yoga

Any kind of exercise is beneficial for you when you are experiencing sleep disturbances, low-grade depression or physical symptoms that are indicative of having too sedentary a lifestyle. Yoga has the added advantage of providing a complete mind-body practice. In yoga, holding a particular pose with total concentration helps you to forget concerns in the back of your mind and achieve a state of true relaxation while you simultaneously exercise major muscle groups. There are many different variants of yoga, and some are more intense and active than others. Kripalu yoga is one gentle form that begins with slow movements designed to ease your body into a sequence of stretching, relaxing poses.

Walking for Relaxation

Another way to ease stress and reduce its negative health effects is to walk daily. Besides simply walking, you can practice walking meditation where you repeat an affirming mantra or saying in your mind as you walk. This can be as simple as the walking meditation advocated by the Bhuddist monk Thich Nhat Hanh: simply say ‘yes’ with each in-breath and ‘thank you’ with each out-breath. This is a meditation for being in the present moment that will help you forget niggling concerns and find gratitude and awareness for the many small sources of joy around you.

Other Relaxation Techniques

Other relaxation techniques such as massage and ayurvedic oil treatments can also be effective at wicking away stress. The important thing is to find a therapeutic activity that achieves the full relaxation your body needs to make your daily life free of interfering anxiety.