Christmas, With Care.

Hi Network!

 

Close your eyes and picture what comes to mind with the word Christmas? 

I think of a family sitting by the fire in a cozy home filled with food and drinks, gifts and most importantly love, while it snows outside. The reality of my Christmas is an Australian summer with scorching heat and extended family that does not get along. Oh, and did I mention menopause symptoms? If you add hot flushes to our Australian summer Christmas you could be excused to think you are the Turkey in the oven!

 

To make it through this "Meno-Christmas," here are a few tips for you that I will be using too!

 

Take time - While I doubt you have invited irritability, sadness, depression or anxiety to your Christmas season, there is a chance these symptoms may join anyway and bring a higher level of rage.  Remember to listen to your own body and take time out for you. Plan something each day that you love that will allow you to decompress and look forward to.

 

Reach out and re-connect - Christmas can be one of the loneliest times of the year and perimenopause can increase feeling of loneliness due to psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression and mood swing - which can lead to social withdrawal. During perimenopause we may not have the energy to be the life and soul of a party, but you don't have to be. Dunbar's Theory states that something as simple as saying hello to a stranger while walking is a connection. If you have lost contact with a friend and their friendship is valuable to you, reach out they may be missing you just as much!

 

Ask for help- Christmas often can fall on one person to make sure everyone else has a wonderful time.  Even if this has been a tradition in your family, it is ok to start a new one. Ask family or friends to help with anything that will alleviate your stress a little. It is ok to delegate - the meal, the clean-up, pouring you a drink while you sit and relax is something you can try as well!  In all seriousness, if you are feeling life is too much and need to speak to a professional, there are services available such as Beyond blue 1300 22 4636 or  Lifeline 13 11 14 or WHEQ phone counselling - 1800 4 Women.

 

Otherwise, take care of yourself during this festive season. Make yourself a plate of your favorite foods, grab a cold bevvy, and lock yourself in an air-conditioned room and play your favourite music, tv show, or start a good book! Lock the world out for a moment (or many moments) to recharge your batteries.

 

For those who find the Christmas period challenging, don't celebrate Christmas, or will be working over this period, all of the above applies to you too. We hope that you take time to prioritise and look after yourself now and always.

 

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday.

 

Robin & The Menopause Network