When having a sense of humour helps

When having a sense of humour helps (Yes, even with perimenopause!)

Let’s face it: life has a wicked sense of humour, doesn’t it? One minute, you’re breezing through life, and the next, you’re standing in front of the fridge with no idea why you’re there, fanning yourself like it’s the height of summer. Welcome to perimenopause, ladies—the ultimate test of our patience, sense of humour, and, apparently, short-term memory.

As a life coach, I help women through all kinds of transitions but let me be honest for a second—I’m having my own battles adjusting to hormonal changes. There’s nothing quite like a 3 a.m. hot flush to make you rethink your life choices. But instead of taking it all too seriously, I’ve found that laughing at the absurdity of it all is the best coping mechanism for me. Because, let’s be honest, if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry—or worse, end up scoffing an entire pack of biscuits in one sitting (not that I’ve ever done that, of course…).

Why Humour is the Ultimate Survival Tool

Humour might not solve all our problems, but it certainly makes them more entertaining. Here’s why it’s essential for surviving the madness of perimenopause—and pretty much any other life challenge:

It Puts Things in Perspective
There’s nothing quite like a well-timed joke to remind you that things could always be worse. You could be sweating your way through a work meeting and have a bit of spinach in your teeth—so really, an unexpected hot flush isn’t the end of the world. A bit of laughter turns those “Why me?” moments into “Well, this is ridiculous” moments, which is much easier to handle.

It’s Cheaper Than Therapy
Laughter releases endorphins—nature’s little pick-me-up, minus the cost of a spa weekend. So next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, just try to see the funny side. Like when you forget what you were saying halfway through a sentence. Who needs a coherent train of thought anyway? You’re just keeping everyone on their toes!

It’s a Reality Check
Let’s be honest, life doesn’t exactly ask permission before throwing changes our way, does it? Whether it’s perimenopause, job stress, or the kids leaving home, sometimes life feels like one long improvisation. But instead of trying to control the uncontrollable, why not embrace the chaos? Laughing about it is often the first step to accepting it. Sure, you’re sweating like a marathon runner, but hey, at least you’re not actually running!

It Keeps You Grounded in the Moment
Humour is brilliant at pulling you back into the present. When you’re dealing with a hot flush or trying to remember where you left your glasses (they’re on your head, by the way), a good laugh keeps you grounded in the absurdity of now. It stops you from getting bogged down in the “what ifs” and “should haves” of life.

It Brings Us Together
Nothing bonds people quite like shared experiences, especially the slightly embarrassing ones. Whether it’s chatting to friends about the joys of perimenopause or laughing at life’s other little curveballs, humour reminds us we’re all in the same boat—usually one that’s sinking, but at least we’re sinking together.

Humour Beyond Perimenopause

Of course, it’s not just hormones that benefit from a good laugh. Life is full of moments that deserve a chuckle, even if they don’t seem funny at first glance.

• Career Transitions: Starting a new job or switching careers can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out how the printer works (spoiler: it never does). Instead of letting the frustration get to you, laugh at the fact that we’re all just muddling through. Even the people who look like they have it together are probably just one step away from sending an email to the wrong person.

• Parenting (or Surviving an Empty Nest): Ah, the joys of parenting—just when you think you’ve got the hang of it, they either become teenagers or leave home entirely. Whether you’re navigating toddler tantrums or the eerie quiet of an empty house, laughter is essential. Because, let’s face it, none of us really know what we’re doing. We’re all just winging it with a smile (or at least trying to).

• Relationships: Whether it’s your partner’s inability to find the butter (it’s always right there!) or the complexities of friendships, humour is a saving grace. A shared laugh can ease tension and remind you why you’re together in the first place—even if they still can’t work the dishwasher properly.

My Own Hormonal Hijinks

On a personal note, humour has been my saving grace during perimenopause and other changes in my life. When my hormones decided to throw a party, I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the guest list. Mood swings, memory lapses, and hot flushes? Brilliant. Getting lost because I already had an abysmal sense of direction? Great. But instead of letting those moments turn me into a puddle of frustration, I’ve found that laughing at myself helps me stay sane. Because, honestly, hormones are a bit ridiculous, aren’t they?

So when life throws you a curveball—whether it’s hormonal havoc or one of the many other joys we face as women—try to find the funny side. Because here’s the thing: you can’t always control what’s happening, but you can control how you respond to it. And if your response is laughter, you’ve already won.

So here’s to handling life’s chaos with a smile, a bit of irony, and a lot of laughter. After all, when in doubt, laugh it out—and then maybe reach for the Hobnobs.