Christmas ‘thrival’ guide: how to handle the holidays in menopause
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year... that's an awful lot of pressure to place on the festive season. That applies to anyone at any time, but if you're experiencing menopause and you have the added expectations of the holidays to contend with, it can all become a bit of a daunting prospect.
The goal isn't to simply survive however - at Christmas or at any time during menopause, you deserve to thrive. So, what can you do to feel your best and get the most out of the occasion? In this week's Christmas ‘thrival’ guide we focus on emotional wellbeing.
Bring relaxation and reduce stress
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Menopause symptom: Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety are both common parts of the festive season as well as common consequences of menopause, so the two are a pretty potent combination. Often the stress in relation to Christmas comes from wanting everyone to have a nice time and trying to please everyone. It's an admirable endeavour but it places a lot of pressure on you. Start by thinking about you and what you need to help ease feelings of stress and anxiety. Here are some holistic suggestions.
Acupressure point:
Stress and anxiety manifest in different ways and there are different acupoints that can help. For example, for tension, pressing and massaging the Bladder 2 acupoint (Chinese name: Cuanzhu), can help, while for feelings of insecurity or unease, the Yin Tang acupoint between your eyebrows can help.
Aromatherapy:
Ylang ylang is an essential oil that's known for helping to alleviate stress and anxiety. It has a calming effect and is also great for headaches, which is a bonus.
Wellbeing product:
Try our Well Being Beauty Serenity Body Oil, designed to help bring relaxation and reduce stress whilst also moisturising the skin.
Life support:
Laugh. Laugh when your mother in law comments about the overcooked sprouts, laugh when one of the grandchildren feeds the canapés to the dog, laugh when you realise you forgot to buy someone a Christmas present. It's easier said than done, but try to see the funny side of all the things that can (and usually do) go wrong when you're trying to do everything.
An energy boost at the start of the day
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Menopause symptom: Fatigue and low energy
Fatigue and low energy are also common unwanted consequences of menopause, which is not helpful when you want to run around taking part in Christmas parties or doing things with/for your loved ones. To some extent, you have to listen to your body and be kind to yourself - it's going through its process right now. However, there are ways to help ease those feelings:
Acupressure point:
Try pressing and massaging Kidney 3 acupoint (Chinese name Tai Xi meaning Great Ravine), which is located in the inner ankle in a depression between the medial malleolus and your achilles tendon.
Aromatherapy:
Rosemary is a traditional stimulant used for helping relieve physical and mental fatigue, while lemon is an invigorating scent that helps address exhaustion and depression.
Wellbeing product:
Our Motivating Morning Body Oil is rich in plant hormones and contains lavender to soothe as well as lemon and rosemary to stimulate, helping you prepare for the day ahead as well as treating your skin.
Life support:
Delegate. It's actually not all on you and it's ok to ask for help.
Menopause symptom: Sleep problems
Sleep disruption is one of the most commonly reported challenges that women in menopause face. It can manifest in multiple ways - trouble getting to sleep, waking up a lot or it can be as a result of needing to go to the bathroom a lot at night. Either way, it makes you tired and (if you're like us), a bit of a grinch as well. Here are a few tips to help prepare the mind and body for rest.
Acupressure point:
Kidney 6 (Chinese name Zhaohai, meaning shining sea) is the acupoint for sleeplessness. It is located on the inside of the ankle in the depression below the bone.
Aromatherapy:
Lavender is well known for its sleep-inducing powers; bergamot helps to slow the heart rate, bring a sense of calm and reduce stress; red mandarin helps you to be in the present moment; and benzoin promotes positive thinking, relaxation and encourages deep sleep. Together they all help prepare you for a good night's rest.
Wellbeing product:
Our Comforting Night Body Oil has been designed to be the evening counterpart to our Motivating Morning Body Oil. Containing the same plant-powered skincare benefits, it contains lavender, bergamot, red mandarin and benzoin essential oils, which all help to ease tension and prepare mind and body for sleep.
Life support:
Don't sweat the small stuff. Also, easier said than done, but if something wasn't bought, cooked, prepped or completed, it's actually ok. Don't sweat it, everyone will have a lovely time whether they're eating a takeaway in front of the TV or popping in for coffee. Prioritise yourself and enjoy every moment.
