CHRISTMAS BLOG – 30 November 2022

Christmas can be pretty stressful for anyone at any time, but if you’re adding perimenopausal symptoms into the mix it can be even more challenging. So if you’d like some simple suggestions on how to keep calm, cool and carry on then please read on!

CALM STARTS IN THE MORNING

1. Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast. This will help avoid early spikes of blood sugar that can make you prone to blood sugar highs and lows throughout the day.  A scromlette or some egg muffins made the night before can set you up well. They’ll keep you full and less likely to pick on sugar foods which can also lead to moods swings and hot flushes.

2. Before you start and whenever you get a moment to yourself, even a couple of minutes on the loo, practice some cooling breaths to calm your nervous system.  If you can, roll your tongue and breathe in gently, or flatten your tongue if you can’t roll it. Notice the cool air on your tongue. Then breathe out with a big sigh, allowing the exhale to be longer than the inhale.

3. Make sure you stay hydrated by placing a jug of cold water where you can see it. Maybe with some cooling mint, cucumber and ice cubes. Then it’s in plain sight for everyone. If you drink alcohol, this will make alternating an alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic one much easier.

4. Calming supplements and nutrients include: Bach Flower Remedies, adaptogenic herbs (eg Ashwagandha, Rhodiola etc), magnesium glycinate and L-theanine. (Always check for contraindications with health issues and medications before taking supplements).

If you are having a stressful period, then B Vitamins and Vitamin C are also important for a healthy stress response.

5. Burning a lavender candle or diffusing calming essential oils can also create a calm environment.

DRESS FOR COMFORT

1. Avoid synthetic fabrics especially cheap Christmas jumpers. They are a hot flush waiting to happen!

2. Choose cool and comfortable layers in natural breathable fabrics and lots of stretch! These can be whipped on and off as needed.

RELEASE

1. The need for perfection! I know it’s hard, but honestly, people won’t remember the perfect table-scape, even if it goes on Instagram!

2. Expectations of how others will behave. If you’re with your family, they’re going to do exactly the same thing as they’ve done every year. Everyone will be joyful and full of good intentions for about 30 minutes (if you’re lucky) and then they’re going to revert back to type!  Think ahead about who and what triggers you and prepare for it.  Put some strategies in place for yourself, so that you can head off the meltdowns at the pass.  You can’t change them, but you can change how you react.

I hope there’s some ideas that will stick with you and I wish you a calm and cool Yule!

With festive wishes

Alexis