Some women experience moodiness, anxiety, and depression with the onset and different stages of menopause. This emotional upheaval can cause frustration and stress and can last for up to five years post-menopause.

There are valid reasons for these emotional issues, and, thankfully, there are self-care strategies to help you through them.

Why Do I Experience Anxiety, Depression, or Moodiness at Menopause?

Hormonal changes are one part of the picture when it comes to menopause side effects. Spikes and troughs in specific hormones seem like an emotional rollercoaster ride. Physical changes and fluctuating weight are also part of menopause.

Other factors that influence mood at this transitional time of life include:

• Medical health.
• A lack of knowledge about a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and self-care.
• The type of menopause you’re experiencing: early, late or surgically induced.
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and drugs.
• How you view your body and the changes happening to you.
• The stage of life you are in, age of children and state your career.
• What you perceive as achievements or lack of achievements in your life.
• Past trauma, including childhood.
• Poverty, lack of social support, and low self-esteem.

Many women believe menopause is a personal issue and suffer through it alone. Research suggests women with negative views of menopause may experience more severe symptoms.

How Can You Best Support Yourself Through This Time of Life?

It’s true that menopause affects women differently, but there are some practices you can follow to get through this stage of life and feel better about yourself.

Medical Exam

A full medical examination and guidance from your doctor is a good start.

Nutrition

A healthy diet can help with menopause symptoms like fatigue and moodiness. Choose a wide variety of different foods, including colorful fruits and vegetables.

Foods high in phytoestrogens may reduce the severity of hot flushes and night sweats. They act as a form of oestrogen, slowing oestrogen decline. Phytoestrogens are found in some cereals, herbs, vegetables, and legumes.

Exercise

The benefits of exercise are well documented for physical, and more recently, mental health. A daily walk can lower feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. This is due to the release of feel-good hormones. Exercise helps balance hormonal fluctuations such as those experienced at menopausal transition.

Social Network and Family

Confiding in close friends about your menopause experience can lessen your anxiety and stress. Females in your age group may also be going through menopause and want to share their concerns and issues.

Discuss your situation with a supportive life-partner. This provides greater understanding of why you feel the way you do.

Taking Time Out

Taking a break from responsibilities creates space for personal relaxation and inner reflection.

Journaling

Write about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Many women find journaling clears mind clutter and adds fresh insight. Gratitude journals are also valuable.

Download Rachelle’s free guide to journaling to get started.

Finding Joy

“The simplest things in life bring so much pleasure.” What are some of the things in life that bring you the most joy? Is it your pet’s little quirks, your grandchildren laughing, a walk in the park or a family get-together? These moments of pleasure enhance feelings of wellbeing.

There is much still unknown about the symptoms of menopause. There are also varying factors, as we are all unique individuals. Science is starting to make promising inroads in the area of women’s health, to the benefit of everyone.

Looking after your own health first is not something that comes easy to women. Some find it difficult to talk about their issues. The more we discuss and shed light on these very important topics, the more we can learn and support each other.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to get specific medical advice for your situation.

What menopause and post-menopause symptoms are you experiencing? Do you know how to handle menopause influenced depression and anxiety? Do you have a supportive group of people to encourage you during this time in your life? Please share your thoughts and concerns with our community!

Sure, it’s easy to remember to apply sunscreen to your face every day but there are parts of your body screaming for a little sun protection, too. One of those is your lips. The best SPF lip balm will help protect that delicate skin while you’re out and about in the sun. Yes, you can get skin cancer around your lips! Because the thin skin has very little melanin, it’s more prone to aging and damage from UV rays.

Luckily, there are numerous lip balms on the market that contain at least broad-spectrum SPF 15. Reapply every two hours and your lips will stay protected. But that’s not all these babies do. With ingredients such as vitamins A and E, shea butter and sunflower seed oil, lips feel soft and hydrated all day long. There are also tinted SPF lip balms that provide gorgeous color along with hydration and sun protection.

Choose Sun Bum and Fresh’s tinted lip balms for glossy color that feels like butter, Coppertone and Supergoop!’s for the best protection during outdoor activities and Neutrogena and Burt’s Bees for fragrance-free, clear options. Shop those and our other favorites, below.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Image: Burts Bees.

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural All-Weather SPF15 Moisturizing Lip Balm

You know Burt’s Bees has basically every lip balm fragrance and tinted tube under the sun. We love this sheer version with SPF 15.

Image: Sun Bum.

Sun Bum Tinted Lip Balm SPF 15

You’ll be surprised how much pigment there is in these tinted lip balms. They’re basically like a glossy lipstick with broad-spectrum SPF 15.

Image: Supergoop!

Supergoop! Play Lip Balm SPF 30 with Acai

Honey, shea butter and sunflower seed oil nourishes lips and helps retain moisture, broad-spectrum SPF 30 protects skin from UVA/UVB rays.

Image: Fresh.

Fresh Sugar Petal Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15

There are a whopping 13 shades, including sheer, of this best-selling tinted lip balm. Sugar, Meadowfoam seed oil and Grapeseed oil helps smooth and soften skin, while vitamins C and E protect the skin.

Image: Coppertone.

Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Lip Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 50

When you’re at the beach or by the pool, choose Coppertone’s aloe and vitamin E-enriched sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 50. It’s water resistant up to 80 minutes.

Image: Jack Black.

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm

This ultra-soft vegan lip balm features broad-spectrum SPF 25 plus skin-softening shea butter.

Image: Colorscience.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Lip Shine SPF 35

This gloss contains zinc oxide for UV protection and hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and peptides for hydrated lips.

Image: Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer With Sunscreen, SPF 15

Soften dry, chapped lips with this PABA-free and fragrance-free lip balm with broad-spectrum SPF 15.

Margaret Josephs’ Striped Halter Dress on Instastories

Real Housewives of New Jersey Instagram Fashion 2020

There’s no questioning the fact that Margaret Josephs’ multicoloured striped halter neck dress was the perfect pick for her to wear to the Englewood, New Jersey pride ceremony today. And although at this point we need another cute dress option for summer like a hair pull to hole in the head, we may just need to pull the ponytail trigger on it anyways because love is love.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Ted Baker Dress on Sale

Click Here to Shop Additional Stock on Sale

Click Here to Shop Her Chloe Sunglasses in Two Styles

Click Here to Shop Her Gucci Pumps

Click Here to Shop Her Cult Gaia Bag on eBay

Photo: @TheRealMargaretJosephs

Originally posted at: Margaret Josephs’ Striped Halter Dress

Getting married? Congratulations!

Are you getting married for the first time? Have you been down the aisle before? Or maybe you are renewing your vows with your longtime sweetheart? No matter what the context, you need a wedding dress that will make you shine on your special day.

Just because you are an older bride doesn’t mean you have to skimp on your wedding dress style. Many wedding dresses are designed with the older woman in mind without compromising on trends.

Sure, the body may change with age, but the spirits remain young, and you deserve to look stunning on your wedding day.

Let’s take a look at some simple tips and style advice to help you choose the perfect wedding dress.

White or Not?

You don’t have to shy away from wearing white just because you are an older bride or even if this isn’t your first wedding. White is the traditional color for wedding dresses, and if this is what you wish, go for it!

If you don’t want to wear white, you can also take a look at shades like ivory, blush, grey, or even gold. Truthfully, you can choose a wedding dress in any color that suits your style, personality, and complexion.

Be Yourself

The sky’s the limit when it comes to your wedding dress style. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t wear a certain style because you are an older bride.

At this point in your life, you have pretty much determined your fashion sense and you know what suits your frame. You want something that will showcase your confidence and elegance.

Tip: Empire waists and soft lines typically flatter an older woman’s body as opposed to ball gowns and princess dresses.

What Length to Choose

Wedding dresses come in an assortment of lengths: from mini to floor-length. If your legs are one of your best features, why not think about a cocktail or tea-length dress? Choose the length that you are most comfortable in.

Tip: Mid-calf A-line dresses are a classic and look great if you are shorter and carry a few extra pounds. Also, you can show off those great shoes if you wear a shorter wedding dress.

What About Sleeves?

You don’t have to cover your arms – unless you want to. Don’t let anyone convince you to hide your arms simply because you are a bride over 50.

But if you do want to cover up your arms, you have plenty of options. Look for wedding dresses with sleeves, a matching cover-up, or even a formal jacket.

Tip: ¾-length sleeves are quite stylish and can flatter your hands and wrists.

Necklines that Flatter

Chances are you won’t want a plunging and extra revealing neckline for your wedding. But then again, if you are proud and confident showing cleavage, go for it.

Tip: Look for bateau and scoop neck necklines that are typically very flattering and chic. Halter tops and lace necklines are also great options for brides over 50.

Think Vintage

Vintage-inspired wedding dresses are a great option for older brides. Timeless elegant and sophisticated styles from the 20s and 30s can complement your beauty and grace on your wedding day.

Tip: Many vintage wedding dresses are designed with lace and delicate beading which can soften the look and provide a romantic feeling.

11 Wedding Dress Styles for Older Brides

There’s a lot of ways you can shop for your wedding dress. From your local bridal shop to designer online options. Online shopping has come a long way and now offers you more possibilities than ever before.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite wedding dresses for mature brides.

Vintage Romance at BHLDN

When shopping for wedding dresses you can visit Anthropologie’s bridal division BHLDN stores or easily shop your dress online and have it delivered. They offer a variety of designer and signature dresses in an array of styles.

I particularly like this romantic vintage wedding dress with scalloped sheer sleeves and fine beading.

Photo: BHLDN Bonheur Dress

Stylish Design at MATCHESFASHION

Photo: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Lace-trimmed leaf-crepe gown

This Alexander McQueen wedding dress caught my eye because of its simple and stylish design features. The accented shoulders can add some definition to your shape and the crepe and lace mixed fabrics provide a flowy and easy fit. There are many other great options at MATCHES FASHION.

Perfect Plus-Size Short Lace Dress at David’s Bridal

Photo: Plus Size Wedding Belle Short Dress

This ivory, knee-length lace dress from David’s Bridal is a perfect wedding dress style to compliment your fabulous figure. Empire waisted dresses are simply the most flattering on any body type.

Elegant Hi/Low Wedding Dress from Tadashi Shoji Bridal

Get the best of both worlds with this beautiful, lace, off-the-shoulder gown that is short in the front and long in the back.

Photo: Mimi Gown

Tadashi Shoji Bridal has an assortment of exquisite wedding dresses that you can purchase in one of their retail stores or order online.

Modern Silhouette at BHLDN

Photo: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Shipley Gown

This is another great modern look that I love and that suits the older bride very well. This chic halter top dress from BHLDN is perfect for the stylish and modern woman on her wedding day.

Sophisticated Gown by Justin Alexander

Photo: Organza Draped Illusion V-Neck Ball Gown

I am in love with this dress by Justin Alexander! This elegant wedding gown is perfect if you want the volume of a ball gown while keeping your look sophisticated and contemporary.

Off-the-Shoulder Stylish Dress by AMSALE

Photo: Shiri Gown

There is both simplicity and elegance in this off-the-shoulder, crepe, fit-to-flare wedding dress by AMSALE. It’s sure to flatter your figure.

Tulle Beauty by Tadashi Shoji

Photo: Ripley Sleeveless Full-Skirt Gown

Tadashi Shoji effortlessly combines lace and tulle in this chic dress to provide an elegant look that can cater to many different body types.

Tailored Jumpsuit by Donna Karen

Photo: Belted Suit Style Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits are very trendy for modern brides and can be a great alternative if you don’t wish to wear a dress. This perfectly tailored jumpsuit offered by Donna Karen is classy and will assure a flawless fit with its adjustable belt.

3-Piece Pantsuit by David’s Bridal

Photo: Embroidered Plus Size Three-Piece Pantsuit

For an untraditional look go for this simple yet eloquent 3-piece pantsuit in sandstone offered by David’s Bridal. It will take you from afternoon to evening effortlessly on your special day.

Gold Floral Elegance at Pronovias

Photo: ATOL STYLE 05

Luxurious combo of floral embroidered placements on the bodice and a pleated skirt make this dress offered at Pronovias the perfect option for the discerning mature bride.

Go Ahead, Say I Do

Choosing your perfect wedding dress can be challenging when you’re getting married later in life. Let’s face it, most photos promote young women in their 20s and it can sometimes be difficult to relate.

Simply follow your heart, and don’t let anyone tell you that you have to limit yourself because of your age. Choose a dress that you are comfortable in and that makes you feel beautiful and confident.

Which style of wedding dress do you like best? Tell us about your upcoming nuptials and what your wedding dress will look like.