Spring Awakening: How to Harness the Energy of the Season, the Equinox, and the Blood Moon for Menopause Wellness

As winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, nature reminds us that change is not only inevitable but also full of possibility and promise. Just as the earth awakens from its winter rest, our bodies respond to the shifting season - especially during menopause, when hormonal changes make us more sensitive to external rhythms. We are reminded that whilst menopause might feel difficult and messy, it is temporary and that it heralds our journey into a new era of our lives; a time of growth, reawakening and renewal; a time full of possibilities if we’re ready embrace them.

Balance, Renewal and Transformation

The Spring Equinox (around March 20th-21st) marks the moment when day and night are of equal length, symbolising balance and renewal. This celestial event is a turning point - after months of darkness, we step into the increasing light of the year, an invitation to restore harmony in our body, mind, and emotions.

For those of us going through menopause, this theme of balance is particularly powerful. Menopause is a time of inner transformation, much like the changing seasons. The equinox reminds us that even in transition, we can find balance and peace - whether that means adjusting our lifestyle, embracing new rhythms, or nurturing our wellbeing in a deeper way.

Just as nature begins to bloom, this is the perfect moment for us to release anything that no longer serves us – that could be routines, food, maybe a job or even a friend who is bringing us down - and plant the seeds of self-care, vitality, and strength.

In my workshop, Unlocking Your Menopause Journey, I talk about two things we need to embrace – what menopause demands of us and what menopause offers us. So think on these:

What Menopause Demands

• Our Attention: So much is changing, we need to pay attention to our bodies and our minds.
• A New Approach: What we’ve relied on before may no longer be giving us what we need. We need to rethink our routine and start a new approach to our lives.
• A Call to Action: We can try and hide our heads in the sand and hope it all works out, but that simply won’t do. We need to make changes in our lives that will support us through and beyond menopause.
• Assess our Present and our Past: Menopause is a crossroads and we have a chance to choice the path we wish to take, but only if we’re honest about where we are now and where we want to go.

What Menopause Offers

• A Time for Reflection: The chance to explore how we feel about our lives, release what isn’t working for us and start new routines that take us closer to our dreams.
• A Time for Growth: As we come through and out of menopause, we will be different, so we have the chance to stretch our wings in a new direction.
• A Time for New Opportunities: It’s a time to try new things or do that thing you always wanted to do but didn’t have the time or courage to tackle.
• A Chance to Truly be Ourselves: If we’ve been a “people pleaser” or followed a path someone else felt was right for us, then as we come out of menopause, we can own our destinies in a way we didn’t before and chase that dream we’d kept hidden.
• A Time for Self-Compassion: Menopause can be an upheaval, so it’s critical we start to “lighten up” on ourselves. Now is a time to embrace a more caring approach and take self-care seriously.

The Blood Moon: How to Embrace Emotional Shifts and Energy Surges

Adding to this potent seasonal shift is the March Full Moon, or Blood Moon, often associated with deep emotional shifts, energetic awakenings, and heightened sensitivity. All things many of us might already be experiencing intensely through menopause.

During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can make us feel more in tune with lunar cycles, and full moons tend to amplify symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, and even sleep disturbances. The Blood Moon is believed to stir deep emotions, bring old patterns to the surface, and invite us to release what we no longer need.

• Reflect & Release: ?Take time to journal or meditate, acknowledging any emotions or habits that you’re ready to let go of.
• Rest & Restore: The heightened energy can disrupt sleep, so create a calming nighttime routine - dim lights, soothing herbal teas, and deep breathing before bed.
• Set Intentions: The Blood Moon is a time of renewal. Use this energy to focus on your wellbeing - set an intention for how you want to navigate menopause with strength and grace

How Changing Rhythms affect Menopause

As daylight hours increase, our circadian rhythms adjust to the extra light exposure. This natural shift should help us feel more alert in the morning, but menopause can disrupt the process, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. Many of us might experience a drop in melatonin levels (the sleep hormone), making our sleep cycle even more fragile, leading to more disturbed nights, frequent waking during the night, increased fatigue and brain fog during the day making us more susceptible to stress and anxiety.

But instead of feeling at odds with these changes, spring offers us the opportunity to reset and align our body’s rhythms.

• Soak in the Morning Light: Natural light exposure first thing in the morning helps regulate cortisol (the wake-up hormone) and melatonin, reinforcing a healthy sleep-wake cycle. Try stepping outside for at least 10-15 minutes in the morning - this simple practice can help combat insomnia, anxiety, and low energy, plus it helps us to feel more grounded.
• Adjust Your Sleep Routine: With the increase in daylight, our bodies may want to stay awake later, but maintaining consistent sleep habits is key. Create a wind-down routine in the evening and set a bedtime to counteract menopause-related sleep disruptions. Try to go to bed and get up the same time every day – our bodies and minds thrive on routine.
• Embrace Movement Outdoors: Spring invites us to move more, and exercise is a natural way to regulate our circadian rhythms. Whether it’s a walk in nature, gentle yoga, or gardening, regular outdoor activity can reduce stress hormones, clear brain fog, and promote better sleep. My routine always includes a daily walk with my little dog in our local woods. It helps me to relax and gives me well needed thinking time before I rush into the rest of my busy day.
• Eat with the Season: Spring’s fresh produce like leafy greens, berries, and seeds, offers hormone-balancing nutrients. Foods rich in magnesium (such as spinach and pumpkin seeds) support sleep and relaxation, while phytoestrogen-rich foods (like flaxseeds and soy) can help manage hormonal fluctuations. (Check out my workshop Happy Gut Happy Hormones on YouTube at https://youtu.be/GHcv5AdhzP4 ). I always start my day with home-made nut granola which is high in protein and phytoestrogen-rich foods. It's so tasty with a selection of fresh berries and Greek yoghurt!
• Prioritise Rest and Reflection: Spring invites a moment of pause. Menopause, just like the changing of the seasons, is a transition and taking time for self-care, mindfulness, and relaxation can help us embrace this phase with more ease.

Spring as a Metaphor for Menopause

The Spring Equinox and Blood Moon teach us that change is both natural and powerful. Just as nature sheds the old and embraces new growth, menopause is a time to release what no longer serves us and step into a new phase of strength and wisdom. By aligning with the rhythms of nature, we can make this transition smoother, healthier, and more empowering.