The hormonal changes menopause brings can upset women physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. These challenges are handled more easily from a place of equilibrium, says therapeutic counsellor Nidhi Amanda Chaitow.  She offers 5 simple ways to calm down, and emphasises tuning into one’s body wisdom, creativity, spirituality and sense of belonging.

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In ep. 130 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, therapeutic counsellor Nidhi Amanda Chaitow touches on

• a scientific definition of menopause  

• why it’s not a medical condition, even though it’s linked to hormonal changes

• challenges that accompany this transition, including brain fog, constriction and a low-lying grief

• how the heat associated with menopause can be viewed

• why self-care equals a conscious, kind and gentle attitude

• the two parts of the nervous system: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems  

• 5 simple ways in which the nervous system can be regulated: breathing, practicing mindfulness or focused daydreaming, taking gentle walks or sitting in nature, eating mindfully and consciously, and slowing down and listening

• why the electromagnetic energy of nature is healing

• why we should avoid stimulants

• how these ways of moving from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system have served Nidhi and her clients

• useful questions to ask yourself

• 3 tips on finding molecules of joy in your day.

 In this episode, Nidhi mentions a quote by Sharon Blackie: “Menopause is not a medical condition. It’s an earthquake, shaking us to our deepest foundations, wiping out the edifices we so carefully constructed on what we once imagined the solid ground of our life.”

Nidhi explains why menopause leaves many women with physical discomfort, feeling invisible, unsure of where they belong - or enraged.

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Naturopathic doctor Faryal Luhar offers advice on managing perimenopause in a natural way.

Nidhi explains what a death doula does, and how we can work towards a “beautiful death”.

Contact details

Nidhi Amanda Chaitow is a certified therapeutic counsellor, end-of-life doula and integrative life coach from Hoekwil on the Garden Route. As a rite-of-passage coach, guide and facilitator and conscious drummer she weaves the ancient wisdom of the medicine wheel together with psycho-social aspects (spiritual, mental, emotional, relational, and physical), nature’s elements, life developmental stages, many years of experience and her innate wisdom.

Nidhi offers 1:1 sessions in person and online, as well as retreats and workshops around inner self-care.

Website: https://nidhi-amanda.com/

Email: nidhi.counselling@gmail.com

Facebook: Nidhi-Amanda Chaitow - life and death doula and Circle of life

Instagram: nidhiamanda

LinkedIn: Nidhi Amanda Chaitow

Also listen to Dr Elsi Meyer’s explanation of how to reconnect your mind and your body.

Music by Mart-Marie Snyman

Thumbnail image: Unsplash.

Photograph of Nidhi Amanda Chaitow: supplied