STRESSED OUT AND NOT IN THE HOLIDAY TO-DO MOOD.
Dear Crabby:
It’s been a rough year suffering from miserable menopause
symptoms. I have gained a lot of weight, I am always
cranky, my skin has started to drastically age, my hot flashes
hit me every few hours, and I feel like no one understands
what I am going through. I am not in the “giving” mood
this year, freaking out that I won’t get through my
holiday “to-do” list, and feeling stressed out.
Bah, Humbug from Minnesota
Dear Bah Humbug,
The responsibilities of the holidays can be difficult with
99 percent of all women experiencing stress and panic attacks
this time of year. Throw in one of the biggest transitions
of your life, menopause, and it is no surprise you are
freaking out, not in the “giving” mood, and
feeling stressed out.
First, let’s address your physical menopause symptoms. Weight
gain, irritability, skin changes and hot flashes are all
symptoms of fluctuating hormones. Make an appointment with
your doctor to discuss your hormone levels and possible treatments. Once
you decide on a program to treat your symptoms you will start
to feel better. Going through physical changes is stressful.
Second, menopause usually happens as the natural aging process
kicks in. And if you’ve practiced a lifetime
of poor eating choices and lack of exercise it’s unforgiving
at this point. It is time to start eating nutritiously,
exercising regularly, and dedicating time to pampering. Regarding
your skin, treat yourself to a Holiday makeover at your favorite
make-up counter. A new cleansing/moisturizing program
and exploring the anti-wrinkle foundations available is fun
and you will start to notice healthier looking skin.
Visit your doctor to discuss your hormones. Start eating
a healthy diet and exercising. And make time to pamper
yourself. This is the biggest gift you can give yourself.
And if you practice a few of these Stress-Free Holiday Tips
you will survive your “to-do” list and the holiday
season.
10 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday
1. Keep expectations reasonable. Planning
parties and decorating are stressful tasks. Instead
of planning a big holiday party, plan a day to celebrate
the holiday at the spa with your closet friends. Keep
your schedule open to attend a few parties, not give them. Instead
of decorating your home and a Christmas tree, put a lovely
wreath on the front door, place a small-planted evergreen
in the living room and enjoy red candles around the home.
2. Communicate with your loved ones. Let
them know you are going through changes, and that you plan
to get some rest this holiday and would appreciate their
support.
3. Limit your alcohol intake. Holiday
parties are often centered on drinking. Try to “nurse” one
glass of wine for the evening. Remember alcohol is
loaded with extra calories. I ask for “water
on the rocks with a twist” – it is fun, always
gets a reaction, is calorie free and keeps you hydrated.
4. Quiet time. Plan a half hour
a day to sit quietly. Find a spot in your home in a
comfy chair. Close your eyes, and take long deep breathes. Breathe
in thinking of good health and happiness and breathe
out stress and frustration.
5. Eat a healthy diet. Eat more
vegetables, whole grains, fruits and low-fat foods. You
will have more energy.
6. Start exercising. Take a
30-minute walk. Not only will you burn calories, you
will feel more relaxed.
7. Manage your time. Cut your
to-do list in half this year.
8. Send e-cards this year. It
is fast, easy, free and fun. This will save you time,
money, paper and postage.
9. Have a sense of humor. Dealing
with relatives over the holidays can be stressful. If
relatives are visiting you for the holiday, ask them to book
a hotel for their stay. Keeping your home a sanctuary during
your menopause transition is important. If a relative
is driving you crazy, try to be cheerful and laugh it off.
10. Keep a budget. Dealing with extra
holiday expenses is also extremely stressful. To buffer
this a bit, try making homemade gifts or let your loved ones
know that this year the gift theme is ‘to spend less
than $20 per person per gift’. And don’t
forget, shopping on-line will save time and frustration at
the malls.
Remember menopause is a natural transition. The holidays
can be a joyful time if you embrace your changes and make
a few holiday stress-free adjustments to your agenda. The
greatest gift you can give…. is to take care of yourself,
and when you do, you will want to give to others.
Signed,
A less stressed Dear Crabby wishes you a Happy Holiday!
If you are experiencing stresses this Holiday, visit our
message board and chat with others going through the same
thing.
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