Starting a Journey: Navigating Peri-Menopause, Peak Performance, and Building Stronger Relationships

Recently, I shared a post about my time spent exploring and discovering my passion for uplifting and supporting others, particularly in diverse cultures like India. Now, as a woman over 50, I'm embarking on a new adventure into the world of peri-menopause, peak performance, and continuous learning. I'm eager to share the start of my exploration and connect with other women who are navigating this phase alongside me. (Side note: Peri-menopause can start, in some women, in their twenties).

I've always been intrigued by the idea of peak performance, that state where we're firing on all cylinders, achieving our goals, and achieving things we thought were impossible. However, I've come to realise that the path to peak performance is deeply personal and influenced by a range of factors, including age and hormonal changes.

So, I began my journey with a healthy dose of reading, reviewing peer-reviewed research, and listening to podcasts on peri-menopause, nutrition and peak performance. The stories of athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives achieving impressive feats, often against the odds, were truly inspiring. I was eager to uncover the secrets that set them apart and see how these insights could apply to my own journey.

Along the way, it struck me that the voices of women in the throes of peri-menopause were missing from the discussion on peak performance. This resonated with me, having seen firsthand the impact of peri-menopause on the women in my life. Hormonal shifts, sleep issues, mood swings – these were all challenges that could potentially affect our productivity and performance.

My journey led me to the Flow Research Collective, where I had the opportunity to be part of their High Flow Coaching program. It's been a game-changer, expanding my horizons and deepening my understanding of peak performance, but it struck me that most of the contributors to this work are men. In fact, when I asked ChatGPT for the top 10 names associated with peak performance this is the list it came up with:

1. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: Often referred to as the "father of flow," Csikszentmihalyi is a psychologist known for his work on the psychology of optimal experience and flow.
2. Steven Kotler: An author and journalist, Kotler co-founded the Flow Research Collective and has written extensively on the topics of flow, human performance, and the science of ecstasy.
3. Dr. Andrew Huberman: A neuroscientist and professor, Huberman's work on neuroscience and the physiology of stress, sleep, and vision has been influential in the field of peak performance.
4. Martin Seligman: A leading figure in positive psychology, Seligman has contributed significantly to the study of well-being, happiness, and positive human functioning.
5. Shawn Achor: A positive psychology researcher and author, Achor focuses on happiness and human potential. He's known for his TED Talk on "The Happy Secret to Better Work."
6. Angela Duckworth: Angela Duckworth is noteworthy for her research on grit and resilience, which are critical aspects of peak performance.
7. Barry Schwartz: A psychologist and author, Schwartz has explored the concept of "paradox of choice" and how it impacts human decision-making and well-being.
8. Daniel Pink: An author and researcher, Pink has written about motivation, behavior, and the science of timing, all of which are relevant to peak performance.
9. Charles Duhigg: Duhigg is an author and journalist known for his book "The Power of Habit," which delves into the science of habit formation and change.
10. Tal Ben-Shahar: A positive psychology expert and author, Ben-Shahar teaches about happiness and well-being at Harvard University.
11. James Clear: Although not a psychologist, Clear is known for his work on habit formation and peak performance, as detailed in his book "Atomic Habits."

One key takeaway? Only one woman is listed. 

Okay, so ChatGPT is not going to always be correct in its findings but it's clear in many areas, such as clinical research (in 1993 the USA passed a law to include women in clinical trials), women have not been included (the underlying assumptions that caucasian males constituted a 'normal study'). So it sparked my curiosity to delve deeper.

The basics matter. The foundations of flow, crucial for peak performance, include getting the essentials of positive psychology right – sleep, diet, hydration, and social interaction. These simple elements are the bedrock of our well-being, and nailing them can make a world of difference in hitting our stride.

Dr Andrew Huberman's work, through his podcast, #TheHubermanLab, has been a huge influence on my early journey. His insights on optimising nutrition and sleep have been a real eye-opener as have his interviews with people such as Sara Gottfried, MD (How to Optimize Female Hormone Health for Vitality & Longevity) and by weaving his findings into my own routine, I'm starting to see the tangible benefits of these foundational elements.

Now, at the outset of this adventure, I want to connect with other women who are on this peri-menopause journey with me. I'm eager to hear your stories, your experiences, and your insights. Together, we can build a supportive community and pool our collective wisdom to empower one another.

With over 20 years of experience implementing change, I bring my own expertise to the table. I understand the nuances of how change happens and the value of drawing on a network of support and knowledge. But what I've learned most is that the journey of education and learning is never-ending. It's the fuel that keeps our minds sharp and our spirits vibrant.

This journey isn't just about us; it's about strengthening our relationships, especially with our partners, husbands, and children. As we gain more knowledge and understanding about ourselves during this phase of life, we can better communicate our needs and experiences to those we love. It's an opportunity to build even stronger, more empathetic connections with our loved ones, fostering an environment of support and understanding.

My mission is clear: to bridge the gap in our understanding of peak performance by including the unique challenges and experiences of women like us during peri-menopause. Through research, advocacy, and open conversation, I aim to empower women to embrace this phase of life, benefit ourselves, and enhance our relationships.

So, I invite you to join me on this journey of learning, empowerment, and building stronger relationships. Let's celebrate the strength and resilience of women experiencing peri-menopause, and let's work together to create a world where every woman has the support and resources she needs to thrive.

#PeakPerformance #PeriMenopause #WomenOver50 #Resilience #Productivity #Inclusivity #FlowResearchCollective #HighFlowCoaching #PositivePsychology #Wellbeing #TheHubermanLab #AndrewHuberman #ContinuousLearning #StrongerRelationships 

🚀 Thanks for being part of this journey's beginning! Together, we can redefine peak performance, empower women, and strengthen our bonds with those who matter most. 🚀

📣 If you're ready to join this journey, drop a comment below and share your thoughts and experiences. Let's build a community of support and empowerment together! 📣