If you're like most women, you want it all - career, kids, a beautiful home, travel, recreation, time to give back - and a clear head with enough energy to handle it all.
Because of our busy lifestyles, we often sacrifice quality for quick. We've learned to operate on less sleep, eat on the go or skip meals entirely, and consume caffeine or sugar in large quantities to keep the machine running.
There's a price to be paid for all these compromises. And if you're a woman (or a man living with a woman) you know what it's like when things start to spiral out of control: - mood swings
- crying jags
- junk food binges (followed by guilt and remorse)
- trouble getting or staying asleep
- feeling bloated around your midsection
It's no big secret that symptoms associated with PMS, peri-menopause or menopause are far worse when you're stretched too thin, sleep deprived, and have no time to eat a meal sitting down (and I don't mean while driving). If this is news to you, then we should talk.
Start paying attention to what triggers your bad habits. Once you've identified the trigger, you can do something about it. Here's a few tips to help you on your way to having it all without sacrificing your sanity: - Identify what's bothering you. See if you can make small changes to create a better experience or phone a friend to get some perspective.
- Get some support. Collaborate with a friend to set goals to keep you on track or hire a health coach.
- Breathe. It's one of the most important tools we have at our disposal. It lowers blood pressure and calms our nerves. I like Dr. Herbert Benson's Relaxation Response.
- Learn to say no. It's ok to to let others know you've got a lot going on and need to decline for now. This is one of the most powerful ways to get things under control. Finish what you start before adding anything new to your overloaded plate.
Thanks for checking in. I hope you'll try implementing one or more of these tips to free up a little R&R for some of your summer fun!
Be well,
Kat
PS: Check out the new segment "Just For Fun" below. |