Your Health, Your Rules: 5 Powerful Ways to Prioritize Yourself This Women’s Health Month
May is Women’s Health Month and for so many of us, it’s a reminder we didn’t know we needed:
You are allowed to put yourself first.
In fact, your health depends on it.
If you’re navigating the ups and downs of perimenopause, it might feel like your body has a mind of its own. Perimenopause symptoms including fatigue, disrupted sleep, anxiety, mood swings… they all show up, often uninvited... and always at the worst time.
And still, you show up for everyone else.
At Opal & Joy, we know that Women's Health Month is more than awareness; it’s about empowerment. It’s about choosing, even in small ways, to reclaim your energy, your time and your well-being.
Here are five ways to do just that:
1. Sleep Like You Mean It
Sleep is not a luxury: It’s your foundation to a better tomorrow. But during perimenopause, getting good rest can feel like chasing a dream (literally).
This month, protect your sleep like you would any important appointment.
- Set a wind-down routine (screen-free time, journaling, herbal tea).
- Keep your room cool and dark.
- Try our Restorative Sleep System, specifically formulated to support midlife women's sleep challenges.
2. Speak Up at the Doctor’s Office
Too many women feel brushed off when they bring up symptoms like brain fog or anxiety. But you deserve to be heard.
Prepare for your next appointment with a short list of what you’re experiencing. Ask questions. Be persistent. You’re not “overreacting”—you’re advocating.
Pro tip: Keep a symptom tracker for a few weeks before your visit. It can help you notice patterns and feel more confident in the conversation. You can use the one in our Perimenofesto, which you can download here.
3. Make Movement Work for You
You don’t need a punishing workout to feel good in your body. Gentle strength training, walking in nature, stretching—whatever supports your energy (not drains it) is the right choice.
Your body is shifting. That doesn’t mean it’s failing; it needs different care.
4. Get Real About Mental Load
You’re not just managing your own life. You might be holding mental tabs on partners, kids, parents, and colleagues. This month, take stock of what you’re carrying—and delegate what you can.
Ask yourself: What would I say to a friend doing this much? Now, say it to yourself.
5. Reconnect With You
Midlife can feel like a blur of responsibilities, shifting identities and unexpected changes. Somewhere between managing symptoms and caring for everyone else, it’s easy to lose touch with yourself. Throw in a hefty helping of perimenopausal hormone fluctuations and you got yourself a really wild ride.
This month, carve out space to reconnect with the version of you that isn’t defined by to-do lists or symptoms.
What brings you peace?
What used to light you up?
What kind of support do you need right now?
Whether it’s five minutes of quiet in the morning, a solo walk, or starting a new ritual (hello, nightly wind-down with our Restorative Sleep System), remember this: You’re still here. And you’re still you—wise, evolving and worthy of care.
You Deserve to Feel Your Best
Perimenopause doesn’t have to be endured in silence. With the right tools, support and community, it can be a time of incredible transformation.
So let this Women’s Health Month be your turning point—not a gentle reminder, but a bold declaration:
My health matters. My needs matter. I matter.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.