Your emotions are running high and hot flashes don’t help! Consider these tips to enjoying a stress-free holiday season.

by Dini Cohen, BA, RHN

 

Let’s face it: with the holidays approaching you might be feeling a little stressed. While trying to juggle work, family and a social life, it can all be a little overwhelming. Add to that this pesky thing that all women go through called “menopause” and it’s enough to make you a little crazy. While some woman have little or no symptoms, others suffer from hot flashes, weight gain, vaginal dryness and depression.

 

So how do you enjoy a stress free holiday season without pulling your hair out? It’s simple, just take note:

Get your zzz’s - aim for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. Sleep is the time when your body has a chance to rebuild itself. Without enough sleep, you will tend to crave starchy carbohydrates; have problems concentrating and likely suffer mood swings.

 

Fuel your body - aim for five-to-six mini-meals consisting of a good fat, carbohydrate and lean protein. This will keep blood sugar stable, and rev up metabolism.

 

Shake it - exercise is like a magic potion. Endorphins help boost your mood and strengthen your bones. Maximize your workout by combining both aerobic and weight-bearing exercises.

 

Supplement where necessary - while it is difficult for most people to get all their nutrients from food, supplements are a good adjunct to complementing a balanced diet. Talk to your health care provider, as some supplements can interfere
with medication. .

 

Stay hydrated - make sure to drink plenty of water. The body is 70 percent water after all, so in order for our bodies to work properly we need to stay hydrated. Monitor your intake of alcohol and fruit juice, which have empty calories and limit soda and caffeine as it draws calcium from your bones, increasing the osteoporosis risk.

 

Attitude - the key to dealing with menopause is to embrace it gracefully. Physician and author Christiane Northrup recommends using menopause as a time to redefine yourself with positive thoughts, love yourself, explore what brings you pleasure and revive (not retire) your sex life.

 

 

So instead of letting your hormones take control of you, take control of them, so you can relax and enjoy the holidays. Draw yourself a hot bubble bath, pour a glass of vino and remember to lock the door so no one bothers you.
Happy Holidays!