I’m joined in this episode by Dr. Katie Ashcroft, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and lecturer, to share her extensive experience in mental health and the intersection of menopause and mental wellbeing. Katie emphasises the importance of body awareness and emotional regulation in managing mental health issues, especially during menopause. We discuss the need for better information and research on menopause to support women's health decisions, highlighting the significant impact of hormonal changes on mental health. Our discussion also covers innovative research projects being undertaken at Royal Holloway University of London aimed at understanding how practices like yoga and breathwork can support women's overall health during menopause. In our conversation we talk about: How the connection between mind and body is crucial for mental health. The connection Katie has seen throughout her career between hormones and mental health. Menopause significantly impacts mental health and requires much more research. That women need more data-driven information about menopause. Why improving awareness of physical health can enhance mental health outcomes. That anxiety often manifests physically, affecting overall wellbeing. The way the pandemic highlighted the need for social support in mental health. Understanding your menstrual cycle to aid in mental health management. Practical tips for enhancing mind-body connection and managing anxiety through breathing techniques. The research projects that trainee clinical psychologists at Royal Holloway University of London are recruiting for to explore the impact of different modalities to support menopause and mental health. About Katie: Dr. Katie Ashcroft has over 20 years experience working with adults with mental health difficulties. Her experience ranges from working with severe and enduring mental health conditions, such as psychosis and schizophrenia, through to more commonly experienced problems such as anxiety and depression. Her recent research focuses on body awareness and emotion regulation. Her role as a lecturer on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway University of London enables her to conduct a range of research projects with trainee clinical psychologists. At the moment, her team is recruiting to a couple of menopause studies. The aim is to give people more information about what is useful in the management of symptoms in peri- and post-menopause. Connect with Katie: LinkedIn To find out more about joining one of the menopause research projects CLICK HERE These projects are open for all women in the UK or Republic of Ireland, aged 40+, with an iPhone 6 or newer, experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms, period changes or no periods for 12 months, and not taking HRT. About Life Now Coaching: We unwrap what healthy living really means to help you get clear on the power of building sustainable healthy habits without overwhelm and confusion. We’re stripping back and laying out the truth about why taking better care of yourself is the answer to the happy vibrant life you’re striving so hard to create so that every woman knows the incredible value of her health. Life Now Coaching supports women in midlife to build sustainable healthy habits using our success framework of mindset, movement, nutrition, sleep and stress Resources: Get your FREE guide with 10 proven ways to navigate perimenopause with confidence. Visit our website Follow on Instagram Follow on LinkedIn Watch the episodes on YouTube Full episode notes available on our website Make sure you subscribe and rate the podcast to help other women create their own healthy habits to thrive through every season of their life - including menopause!

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