Moving Gracefully Through Midlife (Halifax and Truro)
Wednesdays, February 21 to March 28, 2018 (6-part series)
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Room 2L7, Tupper Building Halifax
Please see below for the videoconference locations in Truro.
As women reach their 40’s and 50’s, their bodies begin to make a natural hormonal change. For many, the myriad of symptoms that come with perimenopause and menopause cause increased dis-ease and anxiety. There are tips and skillful tools to navigate this change and embrace the energies you possess. Whether you are already well underway in this phase or want to be prepared for the future, you are welcome to share and learn in a supportive environment.
In each session, we will investigate potential strategies to temper the challenging experiences associated with this part of your journey. These strategies come from Dr. Christiane Northrup, MD and the wisdom of Ayurveda. As Dr. Northrup says, “Agelessness is all about vitality, the creative force that gives birth to new life.” In this stage of life, learn to celebrate your creative energies in new and inspiring ways.
Program Overview:
Week 1: Understanding the changes in the body: Explore the hormonal and physical changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause and how these changes create a variety of symptoms that can influence our work and relationships.
Week 2 - Physical Activity Strategies: Learn how physical activity can help navigate this phase and what activities are best for bones, maintaining metabolism and creating renewed energy. Taking care of ourselves physically is essential to increasing energy and boosting mood.
Week 3 - Dietary Strategies: Fatigue, hot flashes and mood are greatly impacted by the foods we eat and the supplements and/or medications we take. Many women experience menopause symptoms differently, which makes absolute sense in accordance with Ayurvedic principles. We will explore how food choices can help alleviate symptoms based on you.
Week 4 - Sleep Strategies: Hot flashes, poor mood or increased stress can ruin a good night's sleep and keep the body in a downward spiral of increasing fatigue. Exploring various sleep strategies, such as using various essential oils, restorative and renewing practices, and breath practices to improve sleep will be part of the discussion.
Week 5 - Strategies to Create Calm: Very real symptoms of menopause often not talked about are confusion, distraction, inability to focus, and/or forgetfulness. Many of these symptoms are exacerbated by fatigue and stress. Creating a home and office environment that allows for improved concentration, focus and reduced stress will be the theme this week, including how to talk to others about issues and needs.
Week 6 - Strategies for a Young Mindset: As we age, our relationships are more important than our genetics when it comes to happiness and longevity. Staying engaged and connected to others begins with staying connected to oneself and placing value on the inherent wisdom and experience of ones life.
Room locations in Truro:
Feb 21 – CA Douglas Room, Cumming Hall (TRURO)
Feb 28 – CA Douglas Room, Cumming Hall (TRURO)
March 7 – CA Douglas Room, Cumming Hall (TRURO)
March 14 – CA Douglas Room, Cumming Hall (TRURO)
March 21 – CA Douglas Room, Cumming Hall (TRURO)
March 28 – CA Douglas Room, Cumming Hall (TRURO)
Your Facilitator: Heather Reynolds has been employed with Dalhousie University since 2002 when she proposed, developed and designed the climbing facilities in Dalplex. As the Casual Climbing Coordinator, Heather’s career has been built on a foundation of blending physical awareness with self awareness and well-being. Heather complements this approach as a 500-hour certified Yoga and meditation teacher, a Level 1 certified ParaYoga teacher, an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist and 20+ years of experience as a personal trainer and coach. Heather combines her many years of experience as a teacher, a coach and leader to guide others through a process of personal development and realization of their unique potential. Heather has authored several articles and a book on self-development and realizing one’s potential.