Dear Ladies!
In this week's newsletter, we explore the impact of CORTISOL from constant stress, offering valuable tips to keep it in check during the holidays. Discover ways to REDISCOVER JOY in perimenopause by embracing new hobbies. Indulge your taste buds with a scrumptious PARSNIP RECIPE 🍲, and explore thoughtful GIFT IDEAS for beauty and organization, including toxin-free nail polish sets 💅 and chic 2024 planners 📅. Here's to a stress-free, joyful, and flavorful holiday season! 🌟
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🎄 WHAT DOES CHRISTMAS HAVE TO DO WITH CORTISOL? 🎄
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Christmas time is supposed to be a time of peace and love! However, as the festive days approach, we often feel the stress that comes with all the preparations. Particularly women are the ones who are most affected, because they are doing the planning, the shopping, the cooking etc. and on top we want to look good and glamorous!
With our already intense workload, adding the whole gift-giving, meals, festivals, and various events scenario sometimes becomes too much and then our body reacts by chronically elevating cortisol.
Cortisol isn't bad at all; it's a fantastic hormone that helps activate us when needed, like in the morning. The problem arises when our brain interprets this daily frenzy as a constant threat, resulting in constantly elevated cortisol
🌟 WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF HIGH CORTISOL?
Constantly elevated cortisol affects our hormonal balance, leading to disruptions in sleep, energy, insulin, and more. It even contributes to fat accumulation, poor sleep, increased susceptibility to illness, and negatively impacts mood.
🌟 PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS:
Take Small Breaks
Even amid chaos, find moments to consciously breathe. Consider trying Nadi Shodana breathing—check out my blog HERE.
PLAN THESE DAYS CONSCIOUSLY
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- What meals do you want to cook?
- Prepare a shopping list accordingly.
- Which events do you have?
- What will you wear to those?
- Do you have all the gifts?
- When will you wrap them?
- Did you send all the Christmas cards?
- Prioritize and allow imperfections. Treat yourself with love and compassion and add humor to the situation!!!
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CONSIDER SIMPLIFIED HOLIDAY MEALS
It doesn’t have to be the traditional turkey! A yummy Chili con Carne or potluck is perfectly okay too! Ever tried batch cooking? Reserve 2 hours to prepare your own salad bar. For the preparation of your salad bar, check out my blog HERE.
It is more important to spend quality time together than having the best meal and the worst mood
LEARN TO DELEGATE
You don't have to do it all alone. Delegate tasks and let others share the load. Collaboration lightens stress! Let the kids decorate the Christmas tree, and your husband can wrap the gifts! Distribute responsibilities – One cooks, the other cleans the kitchen!
PLAN FUN TIME FOR YOURSELF
Reserve space for activities that relax and make you happy. Have a hot bath with Epsom salts, head to the sauna, or enjoy an evening in a thermal bath.
MAINTAIN SLEEP HYGIENE
Keep your sleep routine consistent and try to get enough sleep.
WATCH YOUR EVENING CONSUMABLES
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or chocolate in the evenings, at least in-between the holidays.
GET SOME EXERCISE
Try to have a walk in the fresh air every day – exercise is crucial if you want to keep your cortisol on track.
I hope these ideas will help you to keep your cortisol under control and bring a bit more relaxation to your festive days.
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REDISCOVERING JOY IN PERIMENOPAUSE
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As we navigate perimenopause, it's common to feel that something is amiss in our lives—perhaps overwhelmed by certain aspects. This observation is a recurring theme among many of my patients. I affectionately term it the "I Lost My Pink Glasses" syndrome. What once worked and sparkled loses its luster, prompting a desire for change. We yearn to reconnect with ourselves, engaging in activities that bring genuine joy and fulfillment.
RECLAIMING WHAT IGNITES HAPPINESS:
I often advise my clients to reflect on activities that brought them joy during childhood or adolescence. Whether it's playing the guitar, swimming, or painting, these pursuits can rekindle a sense of aliveness and happiness.
THE CHALLENGE OF FORGOTTEN HOBBIES
Yet, many struggle to recall these sources of joy, having forgone personal hobbies amid the demands of family, work, and other responsibilities. The whirlwind of life often leaves little time for individual pursuits.
A CALL TO REDISCOVERY
If you find yourself resonating with this sentiment, explore the insights in this article. It may serve as a source of inspiration as you embark on a journey to rediscover what truly brings joy. And, please, do share if you uncover something that brings a smile back to your face! 😊
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Check out Claire Thomson’s delightful way of preparing Parsnips! They're rich in several important nutrients and antioxidants that may improve immunity and enhance digestive health. And if you need some more yummy and easy recipes for the festive days ahead, you will find much more inspiration among her Instagram posts.
Bon Appetit!
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“Do not live someone else’s life and someone else’s idea of what womanhood is. Womanhood is you.”
Viola Davis
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Have a great rest of the week!
If you feel like nothing's working for you and need guidance during this menopause phase, check out my coaching program here
Also do check out the fabulous menopause holistic kit here
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