Rachel, a 45-year-old Fort Worth entrepreneur, loved holiday gatherings but felt drained by December’s chaos. Last year, her periods became irregular, and hot flashes worsened, leaving her frazzled. A visit to Women’s Integrated Healthcare revealed stress was amplifying her perimenopause symptoms. With tailored strategies, Rachel now navigates the holidays with energy and calm.
The holiday season brings joy but often stress, impacting your physical and mental health. Here’s how to manage it this holiday season.
How Stress Affects Women’s Health
Stress disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, per the American Psychological Association (APA). This can cause:
- Irregular Periods: Cortisol delays ovulation.
- Worsened Menopause Symptoms: Hot flashes intensify.
- Bladder Issues: Stress aggravates urge incontinence.
- Mental Health Struggles: Anxiety risk rises.
Practical Stress Management Strategies
Take control with these tips:
- Set Boundaries: Decline non-essential commitments with, “My schedule’s full.”
- Prioritize Sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours with a screen-free bedtime routine.
- Move Your Body: Try 15-minute walks or yoga to lower cortisol.
- Eat Mindfully: Choose nutrient-dense foods like greens to stabilize mood.
- Practice Mindfulness: Use apps like Calm for 5-minute meditation.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes consistent stress management improves health.
When Stress Affects Your Body
Symptoms like irregular periods or fatigue may indicate PCOS or thyroid issues. Our in-office diagnostics, like hormone testing, identify causes. Treatments include lifestyle counseling and hormonal therapies.
Holiday-Specific Tips
Stay grounded this season:
- Plan Ahead: Schedule shopping or travel early.
- Delegate Tasks: Share responsibilities with family.
- Take Breaks: Do 5-minute breathing exercises at gatherings.
- Stay Connected: Reach out if overwhelmed.
Take Charge This Season
Don’t let holiday stress compromise your health. Schedule a consultation today.
References:
- American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Stress Effects on the Body. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/health
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Stress. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/stress
