If every up has a down, maybe vibrant women should be embracing their hot flashes instead of fighting them. It’s not such a crazy theory after all — research shows that when women relax, the severity of hot flashes could be reduced.
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Love hot flashes? No way!
You’re watching TV on the couch — your favorite show, just like every other Monday night. You’re laughing at something the cute guy said, when all of a sudden it happens. The temperature shoots up about forty degrees. You start to sweat. And just like that, you’re in the middle of a horrible hot flash. This is what menopause does to the female body, and there’s very little to like about it. But some women have a very interesting perspective on hot flashes, and what they signal.
VN member GloJean offered her unique viewpoint on menopause and trying to stop hot flashes. “I remember when my period started to stop… first one big heavy monthly then the next month, nothing!” She said. GloJean was “OVERJOYED!” when the doctor confirmed that she was going through menopause.
“No more periods! No more monthly mess! Yes, I had hot flashes, but I would trade them any day to get rid of the periods!”
So, maybe it is possible after all. And while some women find the idea of celebrating hot flashes to be a little unorthodox, evidence shows that this approach may make them a lot less terrible when they do happen.
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Stop hot flashes by stopping stress
Tension makes hot flashes worse, in both frequency and severity. Studies show that many women stop hot flashes successfully through certain stress-relieving techniques, from intense meditation to simple deep breathing. By taking a positive stance toward hot flashes and preparing for them with a calm mentality, you may find that hot flashes become less unbearable as a result. There are lots of ways to get hot flashes and hormonal night sweats under control, and loving them is only one method.
It’s only natural to tense up when you feel a hot flash coming on. Hot flashes and hormonal night sweats make you feel completely out of control, almost as if your own body has turned against you. When you hate hot flashes and hope to avoid them at all costs, you may get extremely tense… and the whole thing turns into a vicious cycle. Try to think positively about them instead, even enjoy them if you can. After all, you’re a vibrant woman now. What’s the point of getting all stressed out?
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I bought a 50s ranch at an auction to remodel for my retirement home. When I moved in the entire house was painted mint green. I turn around four years later and the entire house is beige! Oh how I need your book! I need to be saved from my monotone 
Susan,
If the heat waves came when I was watching TV I might be able to laugh about them (embrace is kind of a stretch). The problem is they come when I’m getting ready for work in the morning – and unless I take a few extra steps to re-clean after my shower (which I resent more than I can say)I run the risk of spending the whole day feeling self-conscious about the inevitable after effects. The only other time this phenomenon occurs is when I’m preparing for and greeting guests – and I look as though I’ve just finished a 20k and am heading for the shower – not how I want to look in my chic sequined top! Timing is everything!