December 2020, and at 32 years old, I was navigating a challenging new reality as a mother to a three-year-old daughter. Surgical menopause, pushed upon me after treatment for cervical cancer, took not only my fertility but also my physical and mental well-being.
The guidance I received about menopause and mental health was inadequate at best. To reclaim my health, I sought care privately, a decision that kick started my journey into understanding my own health, but a story for another day.
It was during this tumultuous period that I discovered my passion for yoga. I began attending weekly sessions not only to rebuild my physical strength but also to regain control over my health. Up until then, I had always been fit and slender, but I had never truly prioritised my wellness.
As the weeks turned into months, I found that yoga became my crutch. I experienced a shift, not only did my physical strength improve, but my mental clarity and emotional resilience blossomed. I learned the importance of mindfulness and meditation, recognising how closely intertwined our physical, mental, and emotional health truly are.
Through yoga, I discovered how to connect my breath to movement and how the practice is inclusive to all, regardless of shape, size, or previous fitness levels.
It was this inclusive yoga community that provided me with a safe space where I quickly forged friendships. I learned the value of vulnerability, both with myself and with others. My strengths grew with each passing year; the resilience I developed helped me cope with the dark days of anxiety and depression that often accompany menopause. Yoga became my sanctuary.
Fast forward five years, and I now proudly serve as a yoga teacher, holding space multiple times each week in my beautiful home county of Shropshire. Last year, I expanded my practice by facilitating wellness retreats throughout the UK, which have thrived and empowered many women in their own journeys.
From a place of experience, I can confidently affirm how yoga has transformed my life, complementing the support I received from a select group of menopause health specialists. Unfortunately, I encountered a lack of knowledge in certain healthcare settings regarding women’s health, particularly in the context of menopause. Yet, yoga bridged this gap, allowing me to reclaim my health and fitness.
In conclusion, my journey through surgical menopause at a young age led me to discover the profound healing potential of yoga. For those navigating similar challenges, I encourage you to explore this holistic practice. It may well become your crutch, just as it did for me, offering not only physical strength but also the emotional resilience needed to thrive in the face of adversity.
