12 Dec Not decorating my house and feeling great about it
So… confession. I am not decorating this year. Not because I turned into the Holiday Scrooge. Not because I’m boycotting twinkle lights.
But because we are going to be in California so much this month that the thought of hauling out bins, fluffing garland, and wrestling with a tree felt like… Why? Truly. Why?
Midlife me is prioritizing sanity and time over decorating a house I won’t even be in. A few years ago I would have forced it, stressed myself out, and had glitter stuck in my hair until March.
But now I am embracing simplifying and practicality. Honestly, it feels good. 🥰
And I am noticing a theme in the conversations I’ve had this week. Every woman I talked to is tired. Overbooked. Overstimulated. Trying to hold onto joy while managing real life, hormones, and a to-do list that looks like it should come with its own zip code. 😩
So with all of that, I wanted to share what I’m personally doing to keep stress lower and my midlife self feeling somewhat balanced while we move through all the holiday expectations in hopes that it will help you, too.
Tip #1: Ditch Perfect And Simplify
This started with the no decorating decision, which has now spiraled into simplifying everything. And let me tell you, it is joyful. Perfect holidays are a myth anyway.
I looked at our schedule and crossed off anything that made me feel tense. I said yes to the things that actually feel fun. Midlife perk number one: no more forced holiday cheer.
I also set a realistic gift plan so January me does not cry.
And I gave myself permission to modify traditions. Less people pleasing. Less fuss. More presence.
Tip #2: Stress Proofing Nutrition
I’ve learned that if I show up hungry to a party, I will eat like I have not seen food in days. So I’m doing a little protein beforehand. Small thing. Big difference.
At gatherings, I load my plate with the good stuff first, then I choose the treats I truly love.
And I’m being honest with myself about sugar (and alcohol) because they kill my sleep. And when sleep is off, cortisol is off. So yes, sometimes I’m the woman sipping herbal tea while everyone else pours the wine and that’s fine. My hormones approve and that’s all the approval I need.
Tip #3: Move To Feel Good, Not Punish
My workouts are super simple right now. Walking. Strength training a couple times a week. Nothing too intense. Some days the win is just getting outside for fresh air. And that counts.
Tip #4: Micro Moments Of Calm
I don’t have the bandwidth or even interest for long meditations, so I’m leaning into tiny reset moments.
Slow exhale breathing.
Hand on heart.
A quick step outside for one minute.
Jaw unclenched.
Shoulders down.
Instant relief.
I also made a few acupuncture appointments which seem magical this season! Have you tried them? I feel so relaxed during and after them!
Tip #5: Boundaries And Sleep
Boundaries are my love language this month.
I decide ahead of time what topics are off the table. I have decided NOT to say “yes” to anything that makes me feel “blah” and I am choosing to NOT spend time with things (even people) that negatively effect my mood and sleep! This may sound selfish but I assure you it is SELFLESS. When we protect our boundaries we show up better for everyone and everything that really does matter!
Sleep is also sacred right now. Screens off earlier. No LED lights at night, Calming routine (sauna, hydrogen, and reading before bed). Cool dark room, NO EMF’s in my bedroom, and a weighted blanket (I seriously love these things). My nervous system practically applauds. 👏
🎙️ New On YouTube and the Podcast This Week
One. If your midlife eyes are suddenly drier, blurrier, more sensitive or just… acting weird, there is a reason. Hormones. Yes they are involved. I break it all down in this week’s episode. Watch it on YouTube or listen audio only on Apple here or on Spotify here.
Two. I made a decision. No fat loss live launch this year. Instead, I recorded a solo episode released today sharing everything I see going wrong with fat loss for midlife women right now. It is honest and direct and, yes, I pulled out the soap box. You can listen here on Apple or here on Spotify.
Until next week,
Natalie Jill
P.S. Even though there is NO fat loss “live launch” this year, you can still join Thrive at your own pace anytime HERE
P.P.S. If you know you need more protein and recovery support but cannot even look at another chicken breast, this is what I use. I add it to my water every day. All nine essential aminos and it tastes amazing. I get the berry flavored one here (and you can save on your order there, too).
