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Hey Reader,

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Is it just me or is being in your 50s a bit of a shock?

I mean, who knew your body would change so much, your health would start to talk to you and all your previous bad habits would announce themselves in new ways.

Here are some things I wish someone had warned me about being in your 50s.

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Firstly, no one warns you about what to expect from menopause.

Some women sail through menopause, no problem!

That hasn't been me!

I've had hot flashes, problems sleeping, increased anxiety, panic attacks, muscle aches and pains and definitely some brain fog, like why am I in the kitchen and why can't I find my phone again for the 10th time today? 🤣

I have to laugh at myself 'cause there are for sure much much worse things that can happen to you in life other than menopause.

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Secondly, wow, do those aches and pains get much much more pronounced! Who knew??

Since being in my 50s, I've had hip pain, ankle pain, wrist pain, knee pain (although my knee pain started way earlier than my 50s) and a back issue.

I've had thoracic outlet syndrome from too many hours (read years) bent over in front of a computer.

I've had costochondritis (painful sensation in the rib cage) for who knows what reason.

Yes, I'm a yoga teacher and I'm not supposed to be having aches and pains but I've also been a dancer, runner, high heel wearer, crouched over a computer consultant, alcohol drinker, and a few other things which have all contributed to my aches and pains!

My physical therapist told me that the majority of her clients are actually people who use their bodies a lot! The irony of it all!

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Thirdly, my blood pressure started to go up (again annoying and embarrassing, this isn't supposed to happen to me, seriously I'm a yoga teacher!).

My increasing blood pressure (I'm guessing here) was due in part to genetic reasons and partly 'cause I was in no way tracking my potassium and sodium balance.

Now I swear by the DASH and Mediterranean diets to help me manage my BP along with meds when necessary.

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So those are just a few of the not-so-fun experiences of my 50s.

But before you start thinking I'm a basket case LOL, all the above are either transient, fully gone or being managed.

I mean I am talking about what's been going on with me for almost the past 10 years!

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But just so you don't think being in your 50s is all doom and gloom, here's a blog post I wrote a while back about some of the positives of being in your 50s! Yes, there are!

Have a read: 7 Reasons Why The 50s Are Fabulous​

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Not sure how I would have managed my 50s without a super-understanding husband, great family and friends and my yoga practice!

I'm happy to talk more about any of the above, feel free to let me know.

And please hit reply if you can relate to any of the above or is it just me? 😊

Till soon!