MY JOURNEY

The Services and Solutions That Helped Me

My menopause journey began far earlier than I ever imagined, brought on suddenly by medically induced menopause. Almost overnight, I was trying to make sense of overwhelming hormonal changes while also managing treatment and its side effects. Because I didn’t fit the usual profile for menopause support and couldn’t use HRT, I often felt lost and unsure where to turn. In time, I began exploring everything that might help: nourishing foods, herbal support, gentle supplements, stress relief practices and mind and body approaches. Slowly, I discovered what truly helped me feel more grounded and balanced. Those personal lessons, combined with years of learning and professional experience, now shape the heart of Natural Equilibrium, a compassionate, holistic approach designed to help women feel understood, supported and empowered through every stage of menopause.

What I Tried”

During my own journey, I explored and tested a variety of approaches, including:

• Nutritional changes to support hormonal balance and energy levels

• Herbal medicine traditionally used for menopause support

• Targeted supplements for bone, mood and metabolic health

• Stress management and mindfulness practices

• Sleep and lifestyle strategies to improve wellbeing

• Practitioner led programmes and educational resources

• Holistic approaches that combine nutrition, herbs and mind body wellbeing

These experiences helped me understand what genuinely worked for my mind, body and spirit, but every woman’s journey is unique. That’s why it’s so important to create your own narrative and bespoke programme that reflects your individual needs and circumstances.

Mental Health & Resilience

One of the most important lessons I learned during my own journey was that mental wellbeing and resilience are often the foundation for navigating menopause. When physical symptoms, hormonal changes and treatment side effects feel overwhelming, it is easy to focus only on the physical aspects of health. However, I discovered that building emotional resilience, self-awareness and supportive coping strategies can make a profound difference in how we experience these challenges.

Developing practices that support mental wellbeing such as mindfulness, stress management, and taking time to reconnect with what brings balance and calm—helped me approach physical symptoms with greater clarity and strength. For me, this became the most important step in finding a sense of natural balance.

I believe that supporting mental health alongside physical wellbeing empowers women to navigate hormonal change with greater confidence, resilience and self-compassion.

Mind

All of these service offer some form of art therapy which I found helped switch of my brain and brought me great joy and pleasure through different creative mediums.

Live Well Kent

https://livewellkent.org.uk/

The Shaw Trust

https://shawtrust.org.uk/

Great Leaps - Forrest School for adults you can be referred via Live Well Kent but they do offer free sessions twice a month. I would highly recommend.

https://www.greatleaps.org.uk/

Mid Kent mind offer lots of free local support for swale

https://midkentmind.org.uk/

Local groups in Swale which are really inclusive and highlight the local creative talent on the Isle of Sheppey

The Sheppey Art Society -https://www.facebook.com/groups/371867792897426/

Life Drawing

https://www.facebook.com/swalelifedrawing/?locale=en_GB

Sheppey Matters

https://www.sheppeymatters.org.uk/

Castle Connections

https://www.castleconnections.uk/

Even while facing these challenges, I began to see the experience as an unexpected journey of self-discovery. It highlighted something I had rarely prioritised before the importance of self-care, self-compassion and making space for moments that were just for me.

I learned how powerful it can be to slow down and create time for activities that bring genuine joy and curiosity, without feeling the need to focus on anyone else’s needs or expectations. I explored practices that helped quiet the mind and reconnect with a sense of calm and inner balance.

Along the way, I trained in Reiki, undertook courses in subjects that sparked my interest, and began attending exhibitions and lectures simply for the pleasure of learning and being inspired.

These experiences helped me rediscover a sense of inner peace and resilience. They reminded me that nurturing our mental and emotional wellbeing is not a luxury it is an essential part of finding our natural balance, especially when navigating the physical and emotional challenges that life can bring.

Course, Experiences and Simple Pleasures I would recommend

Level 1 Reiki and a Crystal Course and various treatments with Magda Marshall Therapies, Reiki & Crystal Training, absolutely love everything Magda has taught me and I use my Reiki training on myself, husband and cat, lol. Magda also has a host of Crystals and beautiful products that promote spiritual wellness, I treated myself to a Amethyst Church which I need to move to my bedroom as I can't stay awake in our living room, lol https://www.facebook.com/groups/370760429801705/ Magda Marshall

Free Certified Courses England -funded by the government

https://freecoursesinengland.co.uk/free-courses-1/

Faversham Literature Festive annual event loads of really good talks locally

https://www.favershamliteraryfestival.org/

Rochester Cathedral also host lots of paid and free events

https://www.rochestercathedral.org/whatson

Body

Eden Beauty https://www.facebook.com/edenbeautytherapies/?locale=en_GB was unknowingly the start of my self care ritual over 8 years ago where I would go and get my nails done and unburden my soul to the amazing Emma Murphy-Lees whose place work is Fusion https://www.fusionaesthetics.co.uk/. This simple ritual of light or heavy conversation always resulted in an hour of entertainment and the cheapest and most effective therapy session. As we discovered how many shared and lived experiences we had and it reaffirms you are not alone and many women are facing the same challenges on a daily bases.

Nearly 4 years ago I was fortunate to be recommended Tracy at Me2you Holistic Massage and this started the catalyst for change and reminded me how amazing and essential a massage is to your mental and physical health. I can highly recommend and she also specialises in oncology massage so for all those women who need self love and pampering we have an expert on the island. https://www.facebook.com/Me2youHolisticMassage

Nourishing and Caring for the Body

Reconnecting with my body in a more supportive and compassionate way became an essential part of my journey. During times of hormonal change and medical treatment, it can feel as though your body is unpredictable or even working against you. For me, this became an invitation to slow down, listen more closely, and respond with greater care to what my body truly needed.

Nourishment was the first place I found stability. I began focusing on balanced, supportive nutrition choosing foods that helped sustain energy, regulate hormones and strengthen overall wellbeing. These small, intentional changes created a sense of steadiness during a time that often felt physically overwhelming.

Movement also played a key role in restoring balance. Instead of pushing through intense exercise, I turned to gentle, consistent movement that felt grounding and sustainable: walking, stretching, and spending time outdoors. These simple practices helped rebuild resilience, support my nervous system and deepen my connection with my body.

Equally important was learning to care for my body with kindness. Restorative practices relaxing treatments, nurturing body‑care rituals, and moments of intentional rest became a way of releasing tension and creating calm. These acts of self care reminded me that tending to our bodies is not indulgent; it is a vital part of wellbeing.

Together, nourishment, movement and restorative care became the foundations that helped me find balance again. This philosophy sits at the heart of Natural Equilibrium supporting women to nurture their bodies with compassion, practical strategies and a renewed sense of connection to their own wellbeing.

Free Movement I can highly recommend Sea swimming and a coastal Walk, we are really lucky to have a beach so close and available. The water is tested regularly so we meet European standards, obviously avoid if its been raining for at least 48 hours to insure any pollutants have been destroyed by the sun. I love nothing more then dragging my husband to selfie rock or bench as I call it. If I'm feeling a real need for a little spoiling we go to the little oyster tea room as they do the best ice cream on the island in my opinion.

If you want to be part of a group of wild swimmers connect with Sheppey Bluetits https://www.facebook.com/groups/sheppeybluetits/

Nurturing the Soul

Alongside caring for my mind and body, I came to understand how vital it is to nurture the parts of life that feed the soul. During challenging periods, it’s easy to withdraw or focus solely on managing symptoms and responsibilities. Yet I found that making space for simple pleasures, connection and joy was just as essential for my overall wellbeing.

For me, this often meant finding welcoming places to eat, sharing good food and meeting friends for relaxed, unhurried conversations. Those moments of laughter, warmth and connection reminded me that life still held enjoyment, even in the midst of change.

Stepping away from daily pressures to sit, talk and simply be with others helped restore perspective and lift my mood. These experiences became gentle but powerful reminders that wellbeing isn’t only about physical or emotional health practices—it’s also about nurturing relationships, joy and meaningful connection.

At Natural Equilibrium, this belief is woven into everything we do. Caring for the soul through friendship, community and moments of genuine enjoyment plays an important role in helping women feel supported, uplifted and more balanced throughout their menopause journey.

My secret foodie hotspots that I found on and off the island

So if I'm having breakfast with my boys we always head to Arizona as they have something for everyone and I find food with my sons seems to be a constant way to connect. I also love the team at Arizona they always go the extra mile and the food is tasty, wholesome and extremely good value. https://www.facebook.com/arizonadiner/?locale=en_GB

When I’m planning a proper girly catch‑up, my go‑to place is always Stones Café. There’s something wonderfully indulgent about it, the high quality ingredients, beautifully presented dishes and that little touch of decadence that makes the whole outing feel special. It’s the kind of place where you settle in, order something delicious, and suddenly hours have passed in the best possible way. https://www.facebook.com/stonescoffeeshop?locale=en_GB

And of course, a visit to Stones wouldn’t be complete without wandering through the garden centre afterwards. It’s almost impossible to leave without a plant sneaking its way into your basket, consider it part of the charm. https://www.facebook.com/stonesgardencentre?locale=en_GB

Favourite places to dine on the island when I simply want a night off and I want to catch up with friends

The Ferry House, I know it is closing but I have spent many a special occasion enjoying the field to fork experience and I'm looking forward to their pop up restaurants. https://www.theferryhouse.co.uk/country-restaurant-kent/

Favourite Indian is Kohinoor https://www.kohinoorhalfway.co.uk/ and I also like Mr India https://mrindiakent.com/

I also love going to Mems Mezze however this is definitely one for my carnivorous friends. https://www.memsmezze.co.uk/

However my all time treat is the street food market in petite coat lane (nearest tube Aldegate East), I probably only go once every 3 months but is is my favourite part of going to London. https://aldgateconnect.london/petticoat-lane-food-court-crowned-best-small-speciality-market-2024/

When I want to create a culinary master piece or some home cooked comfort food to share with loved ones.

I love Brambledown Farm Shop which we are so lucky to have on the island as they house everything you could need to cook a sumptuous dinner or an indulgent Sunday roast, https://share.google/XvSYdxtQDq3Vn77QX

Faversham Food Market is also a great place to visit for artisan breads, local game and produce https://favershammarket.org/faversham-charter-market/

Last but not least Shaun and Steve O'Meara Butchers in Minster they are a firm favourite and offer such a great selection and I wouldn't go anywhere else for my Christmas Turkey, lol. https://www.facebook.com/omearameat/?locale=en_GB

I'm a firm believer in supporting local and Rob's Green Grocers in the High Street is another favorite. https://www.facebook.com/p/Robs-Traditional-Greengrocery-100045131602408/

Last year I stumbled upon one of the most joyful, grounding experiences I’ve ever had: the Pick Your Own pass at Brogdale. We visited for my birthday and it turned into a day I still think about with a smile. Wandering through the orchards, tasting and picking an incredible variety of cherries, felt like stepping into a slower, sweeter world.

Brogdale is a wonderful local charity that opens its orchards to the public throughout summer and early autumn. Their Pick Your Own weekends are family friendly, relaxed and deeply nourishing, an invitation to reconnect with nature in the simplest, most delicious way.

One of my favourite memories is sitting in the dappled sunlight between two cherry trees, moving back and forth between them because each one tasted too good to leave behind. It was such a small moment, yet it felt abundant and peaceful in a way that stays with you.

This experience is a reminder of how generous nature can be when we pause long enough to notice. If you’re curious, you can explore their upcoming events here: https://brogdalecollections.org/event/pick-your-own-weekends/

A Field to Fork Experience at Brogdale

Yoga with Elizabeth was the start of my zen journey and even though one of my favourite elements is the relaxation, the overall practice has increased my stability and flexibility. Elizabeth is such a wonderful teacher and always finds alternative postures to suit all abilities and has such a positive aura you can't help but feel better after class. https://www.localyogaclasses.co.uk/teacher/5351/Elizabeth-Mulley

Pilates with Fran Thomas at Castle connections is definitely one of my secret masochist pleasures, I always leave knowing I have worked my body and my movements are slight. However I always break a sweat and leave class with a smile on my face and a sense of achievement or survival not completely sure which, lol. The women in the class are lovely, friendly and so inclusive and regardless of ability Fran always finds ways to include you in her practice. Classes are booked via https://gymcatch.com/ or you can follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575289719019

© 2026 Natural Equilibrium CIC