Reclaiming Your Mojo and a Mindset Guide for Perimenopausal Women
- Brainz Magazine
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
Written by Charlotte Cheetham, Gut Health Coach
Charlotte Cheetham is an expert coach in Gut Health for menopausal women. She is the founder of Lifeinsghts and aims to help all menopausal women one by one to heal their symptoms, which are preventing them from living a normal life. She has also written articles for Healthieyoo magazine about gut health, menopause and psychobiotics.
For many women, perimenopause can feel like an unwelcome storm, one that arrives without warning and leaves you feeling out of control. The rollercoaster of hormonal shifts, mood swings, brain fog, and fatigue can sap your energy and enthusiasm for life. You might wake up one day and wonder where your motivation, confidence, and spark have gone. The good news? You don’t have to accept this as your new normal. By shifting your mindset and making intentional changes, you can regain control, rediscover joy, and step into this phase of life with power and confidence.
Understanding the mindset shift
The first step to regaining your mojo is acknowledging that perimenopause is not a downfall. It’s a transition. It’s a time of transformation, much like adolescence, but with the wisdom of experience. Your mindset during this time can either hold you back or propel you forward.
A negative mindset often manifests as:
Self-doubt – Feeling unsure of yourself in work, relationships, or daily decisions.
Frustration – Being irritable and overwhelmed by changes in your body and mind.
Victim mentality – Feeling powerless and believing that perimenopause is something happening to you rather than for you.
Lack of motivation – Struggling to find the energy or desire to do things you once enjoyed.
Shifting your perspective allows you to take back control and see this phase as an opportunity to realign with what truly matters.
The power of positive self-talk
What we say to ourselves matters. Our internal dialogue influences our emotions, actions, and overall well-being. If you constantly tell yourself, “I’m getting old,” “I can’t handle this,” or “I’m falling apart,” your mind and body will respond accordingly.
Instead, try reframing your thoughts:
“I am evolving into a wiser, stronger version of myself.”
“I have control over how I respond to my body’s changes.”
“This is a new chapter, and I get to write the script.”
Practicing positive affirmations daily can help rewire your brain to focus on possibilities rather than limitations.
Building emotional resilience
Perimenopause brings emotional ups and downs, but developing resilience can help you navigate them more smoothly. Here’s how:
Practice mindfulness – Mindfulness helps you stay present and avoid becoming overwhelmed by negative thoughts. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the present can make a huge difference.
Accept, don’t resist – Fighting against the changes in your body can lead to frustration. Instead, accept them as part of your evolution and ask yourself, “What can I do to support myself through this?”
Develop emotional agility – Rather than suppressing emotions, allow yourself to feel them, process them, and then move forward with constructive action.
Surround yourself with support – Build a tribe of like-minded women who understand what you’re going through. Join online communities, attend workshops, or start conversations with friends.
Reclaiming confidence
One of the most challenging aspects of perimenopause is feeling disconnected from yourself. Your self-confidence might take a hit, but you have the power to rebuild it.
Reassess your strengths – Make a list of things you’re good at and have achieved. Remind yourself of your resilience and capabilities.
Step out of your comfort zone – Trying something new, whether it’s a hobby, a fitness class, or a career change, can reignite your passion and boost confidence.
Own your story – Instead of feeling ashamed of the changes you’re going through, embrace them. Your experience makes you unique and powerful.
Fuelling your body for mental clarity
Your mindset is deeply connected to how you fuel your body. Nutrient-dense foods can support your brain, stabilize mood swings, and give you sustained energy.
Increase omega-3s – Found in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, omega-3s support brain health and reduce inflammation.
Balance blood sugar – Avoid sugar crashes by eating balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fibre.
Support gut health – A healthy gut microbiome is linked to better mood regulation. Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
Stay hydrated – Dehydration can lead to brain fog and fatigue, so drink plenty of water.
Movement as a mindset booster
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for shifting your mindset and increasing energy levels. It doesn’t have to be high-intensity; gentle movement can be just as effective.
Strength training – Helps maintain muscle mass and boosts metabolism.
Yoga and pilates – Improve flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance body awareness.
Walking in nature – Lowers cortisol (stress hormone) and improves mood.
Rest and rejuvenation
Poor sleep can exacerbate mood swings, anxiety, and brain fog. To improve your sleep quality:
Create a bedtime routine – Wind down with calming activities like reading or a warm bath.
Limit screens before bed – Blue light from devices disrupts melatonin production.
Practice relaxation techniques – Try meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or deep breathing.
Optimise sleep environment – Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
Cultivating joy and purpose
Perimenopause is an invitation to reassess your passions, goals, and purpose. What brings you joy? What excites you?
Reconnect with hobbies – Revisit old passions or explore new interests.
Set new goals – Whether personal or professional, having goals gives you something to look forward to.
Give back – Helping others can bring fulfilment and shift focus from struggles to contributions.
Conclusion: Embracing the journey
Perimenopause is not the end of vitality. It’s a new beginning. With the right mindset, you can step into this phase feeling empowered, confident, and full of life. By nurturing your thoughts, emotions, and body, you can reclaim your mojo and navigate this transition with grace and strength. You are not alone, and you are certainly not powerless. The best version of you is still unfolding. Embrace the journey, and own your transformation.
Charlotte Cheetham, Gut Health Coach
Charlotte Cheetham is an expert Gut Coach for menopausal women. After suffering from an acute gut infection, she had to learn how to manage her gut health to prevent another massive flare-up. She has learnt how to manage her nutritional needs to become healthy and happy during menopause. Her mission is to help as many women as possible to manage their diet and lifestyle so. too, can learn how to become healthy and happy again.
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