Hormonal Holidays: Why Less is Truly More
Ah, the holidays. That magical time of year when everything sparkles and everyone expects you to show up—cheerful, decked out, and juggling a platter of queso de bola, humming “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” But let’s be real: for women in peri/menopause, the holiday season often feels less “merry and bright” and more like an exhausting obstacle course of stress, sugar, and sleepless nights.
No one talks about it, but we’re here to say it: navigating the holidays with fluctuating hormones is tough. And pretending you’re fine when you’re actually running on fumes? Even tougher. The good news? You don’t have to do it all. In fact, choosing to do less could be the best gift you give yourself this year.
Holidays and Hormones: A Perfect Storm
Picture this: You’ve just survived a marathon workweek, only to face a packed social calendar that’d make a PR manager weep. Tonight? The office party. Tomorrow? Your sister’s Secret Santa brunch. Somewhere in between, the kids’ Christmas play and a last-minute mall run. But here’s the kicker: you’re dead tired, your anxiety is in overdrive, and those mood swings? They’ve RSVP’d too.
This isn’t just in your head (though it might feel that way). Hormonal shifts during perimenopause amplify the effects of holiday chaos. Elevated cortisol (aka the stress hormone) and blood sugar fluctuations from all the eating, alcohol, and hardly moving can leave you:
Teetering on an emotional edge (tears over a cheesy Hallmark movie, anyone?).
Exhausted but unable to sleep because your body can’t switch off.
Bloated, moody, and craving carbs like a holiday cookie monster.
The Secret Sauce: Less is More
Here’s a novel idea: What if you skipped a few things? No, really. Let’s rewrite the rulebook. Who says you have to attend every event, bake the perfect cookies, or brave the mall on Christmas Eve? Instead, curate your holiday like the stylish capsule wardrobe on your Pinterest.
Opt out of the chaos and embrace the art of selective RSVPing. Attend events that genuinely light you up, and politely decline the rest. Imagine this: instead of running across town for your third potluck of the week, you’re curled up at home with a cozy blanket, a cup of golden milk, and zero guilt. Sound indulgent? It’s not—it’s self-care.
Why Food Matters (More Than You Think)
The holiday buffet is a battleground for your hormones. High-sugar, protein-lacking spreads send your blood sugar and gut health on a rollercoaster ride, which makes everything worse. We’re talking more anxiety, more cravings, and less energy to deal with your already full plate (pun intended).
Look I’m not saying sugar is bad. All I’m saying is that at these parties, it’s easy to load up on carbs (sweets, pasta, rice, etc.) and forget you need protein. Don’t even get me started on the veggies that were thrown in as an after thought.
But we don’t have any control over the caterer. So let’s work within our power:
Start your day strong: Think eggs with avocado or Greek yogurt with nuts. Protein-rich breakfasts stabilize blood sugar and keep you energized.
Snacks with substance: Stash roasted almonds or dark chocolate in your bag. When the cravings hit, you’ll be armed and ready. If you don’t give AF, like me, you can even keep an entire sandwich in your bag.
Hydration is your BFF: Holiday cocktails and salty ham can leave you parched. Sip water like it’s champagne.
Move, Rest, Repeat
Movement doesn’t mean a sweaty two-hour gym session. A brisk walk around the block or some light stretching before bed can work wonders for lowering stress and balancing your mood. And stop treating sleep like it’s a luxury. Make it a priority by setting a consistent bedtime and indulging in wind-down rituals—maybe a warm bath or a few pages of that novel gathering dust on your nightstand.
The Takeaway
Let’s be clear: the holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about connection, laughter, and maybe a little indulgence—all on your terms. By being picky with your time, giving your body what it needs, and embracing the power of “no,” you’re not just surviving the holidays—you’re reclaiming them.
So here’s to a season that’s less about doing it all and more about doing what feels right. Because when you feel your best, the holidays truly sparkle—no stress, no guilt, just you, living your best life.