Ep. 109 | Holiday Stress in Perimenopause: How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed and Exhausted
If the holidays leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, bloated, or "on edge" every year—it's not that you can't handle stress anymore. It's that your nervous system in perimenopause and menopause can't absorb pressure the same way it used to.
In this episode, we break down why stress hits harder in midlife, how it impacts your hormones and metabolism, and what you can do right now to create the grounded, steady energy your body is craving before the holiday chaos begins.
Why Holiday Stress Feels Heavier in Perimenopause
This isn't about perfection, routines, or pushing through. It's about understanding how your cortisol, blood sugar, sleep, and nervous system all shift in menopause—and how creating calm first changes everything.
Whether you're dealing with cravings, mood swings, low energy, sleep disruptions, or that "always on" feeling, this is the episode that will help you find your footing again.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Why holiday stress feels heavier during perimenopause and menopause
The real reason your nervous system becomes more sensitive in midlife
How dysregulation leads to fatigue, cravings, bloating, and mood swings
What "calm" actually means biologically (and why it must come first)
Simple, realistic ways to regulate your system before the holidays
How small daily shifts help your hormones respond—not rebel
Is This Episode For You?
If you're experiencing any of these during the holiday season (or year-round), this episode will help you understand what's happening and what to do:
Feeling overwhelmed and "on edge" during the holidays
Exhaustion that doesn't match your actual schedule
Increased cravings for sugar or carbs
Bloating that seems to come out of nowhere
Mood swings or irritability
Sleep disruptions
That "always on" wired-but-tired feeling
This episode will help you regulate your nervous system so you can actually enjoy the holidays instead of just surviving them.
Resources Mentioned
Free Nervous System Morning Reset
Start your morning in a regulated state with simple, effective habits to help your body feel calm, clear, and in control.
https://cindistickle.myflodesk.com/nervoussystemorningreset
Get Personalized Support
Book a Menopause Hormone Clarity Call
If you're tired of feeling dismissed, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode, let's uncover what's really driving your symptoms and the next steps that will finally work for your body.
https://calendly.com/cindistickle/menopause-hormone-clarity-call
Join the Community
Menopause Made Easier: Real Relief & Support for Women 40+
Join a community of women who are learning how to support their hormones with no shame, no judgment, and no BS.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nobsmenopause
