Women's Wellbeing Hormonal Health,Reflexology,Selfcare

*****IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT*****

Well I tried.

M.E has beaten me again and it is with great regret and sadness that I announce the closure of Women's Wellbeing Hormonal Health,Reflexology,Selfcare I have hope that one day I will be able to start again as I have done several times before, but for now I need to focus on getting a bit better. Thank you to all who I have worked with and all your kind, supportive words.
Hopefully be back with you all soonish...
Loads of love # # #
Donna Anstead
The Peri Peri Chick

My hot flushes calmed down for a while after starting HRT. They are definitely less frequent but when they come they are epic!!! I want to rip my clothes off and shave my head at the same time!
How are you affected by hot flushes?

Managing Hot Flushes/Flashes About 75% of perimenopausal women experience hot flashes, with many continuing to face them for more than seven years post-menopause.

In my happy place with baby Maeve # # #

🏋🏼‍♀️ FITWORX - WEEKLY CLASS TIMETABLE 🏋🏼‍♀️

What do we offer here at FitworX?

👶🏼
We have our popular Me Time class which allows you ladies to take away the stress & overwhelm of having to find childcare. Bring them along.

😅
HIIT for all is a fun and varied HIIT class but allows you all to work at your own level 10! Exercises will be progressed or regressed as needed.

💕
Women’s group training are small group training sessions where I make the sessions as fun as possible with a different format each week.
Whether this is team games, circuits, strength work or a time trial then I make sure there’s plenty of fun along the way (whilst getting a sweat on - no one attends for an easy ride)

The main thing about all of our sessions are that they are motivating and designed to bring fun to exercising and what’s even better you get to meet some supportive and lovely ladies along the way 💙

Morning all sorry I have been a bit quiet # # # firstly I have my new granddaughter Maeve who has stolen my heart ❤️❤️❤️❤️💕💕 secondly I'm have a few health problems! What's new huh! I plan to be available for a reduced treatment schedule from 3rd June # # #

Looking for something to do on this lovely sunny day? I'm heading to this in a minute xx do come along # # #

"The Peri Peri Chick" They will be no (meno) pausing during the race for this one.
Women's Wellbeing Hormonal Health,Reflexology,Selfcare Perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy, fertility. Supporting Women and their hormonal health.

To back "The Peri Peri Chick" use this link:
https://www.bucks.radio/win-with-bucks-radio/win/virtual-aylesbury-duck-race-202

Stress is a major cause of health related issues.

My mind is calm, my body is healthy, and my spirit is peaceful.

Affirmations have the power to uplift, motivate, and transform our mindset. By repeating positive statements, we can shift our perspective and believe in our own abilities.

When we replace negative self-talk with empowering affirmations, we open ourselves up to new possibilities. Even on the toughest days, taking a moment to recite an affirmation can provide a much-needed boost.

Affirmations allow us to be our own cheerleaders. They help us let go of self-doubt, build resilience, and unlock our greatest potential. Think of them as daily doses of inspiration and self-confidence.

The simple act of declaring an affirmative mantra creates new neural pathways that promote optimism, success, and self-love. Make affirmations part of your routine and watch their magic unfold. You have the power to manifest the reality you want using the power of your words and thoughts.

This really spoke to me this morning. Between my downturn in health and losing my beloved pixie Pug, I could do with remembering small steps count too.

Are you Battling Weight Gain During Perimenopause? You’re not the only one!

Understanding the cause helps one stop beating one’s self up! Plus, did you know that any research on this is still limited in women’s health?

Many women find themselves struggling with their weight during this time despite no major changes in diet or exercise habits. Understanding why this weight gain occurs can help manage and mitigate its impact.

Hormonal Fluctuations

The primary driver of perimenopausal weight gain is hormonal fluctuations. As women approach menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen, one of the key hormones regulating the menstrual cycle and also influencing the distribution of body fat. Estrogen levels that swing from high to low unpredictably can lead to increased fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. This type of fat distribution is not only frustrating for reasons of appearance but also raises the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Metabolic Slowdown

Age-related changes in metabolism further compound the issue. Metabolism naturally slows down with age, decreasing the rate at which the body uses energy. This slowdown means that even if a woman doesn’t increase her calorie intake as she ages, she might still gain weight. Additionally, muscle mass typically decreases with age, and since muscle burns more calories than fat, the metabolic rate decreases accordingly.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance tends to increase during perimenopause. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body convert sugar from carbohydrates into energy. When cells become less responsive to insulin, blood sugar levels can rise, leading to increased fat storage and weight gain. This resistance is partly due to age, but the hormonal imbalances associated with perimenopause play a significant role as well.

Lifestyle Factors and Challenges Faced by Caregivers

While hormonal and metabolic factors are significant, lifestyle factors also substantially contribute to weight gain during perimenopause. This is particularly pronounced for women who have responsibilities caring for elderly relatives or other dependent individuals. Caregivers often put the needs of others before their own, leading to stress and lack of time, which can result in eating on the run and making quick, less healthy food choices. Stress hormones, particularly cortisol, are often in overdrive, further contributing to weight gain.

Psychological Impact

The psychological burden of caregiving can exacerbate the mood swings, anxiety, and depression that are often part of perimenopause. Emotional eating becomes a coping mechanism for dealing with stress or sadness, leading to increased caloric intake.

Strategies for Managing Weight

Understanding the causes of weight gain during perimenopause can empower women to take proactive steps in managing their health. Here are some effective strategies:

Dietary Adjustments:

Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reducing the intake of processed foods, sugars, and excessive fats can help manage calorie intake and improve overall health.

Regular Exercise:

Incorporating both cardio and strength training exercises can help counter the loss of muscle mass and slow metabolic rate. Regular physical activity also helps in managing stress and improving mood.

Adequate Sleep:

Ensuring adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. Poor sleep can affect hormones that regulate appetite and hunger, leading to increased caloric intake.

Stress Management:

Techniques such as yoga, meditation, or even regular therapy sessions can help manage the emotional and psychological symptoms of perimenopause, reducing the likelihood of emotional eating.

Support for Caregivers:

Leveraging support from other family members or community services can provide necessary breaks and reduce the stress load. Support groups for caregivers can also offer strategies for managing stress and finding balance.

Medical Consultation:

Consulting with a healthcare provider about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other medications can be crucial for some women to manage the symptoms of perimenopause effectively.

Perimenopause is a challenging time for many women, particularly when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. By understanding the biological changes and incorporating healthy lifestyle habits, it is possible to manage weight gain effectively. The key is to recognize the changes happening in the body and to be proactive about health and wellness during this significant life stage.

One of the lessor talked about issue for women is the feeling of being judged about weight by men and other women. There will often be a significant reason to weight gain, that may even be down to ‘that’ judgement so we should always think about that persons feelings, and how we might help make them feel better about themselves rather than worse and reaching for a biscuit.

We are all stronger together, and as women we face so many hurdles to overcome. Weight is just one of them, but can feel overwhelming to so many. Some days you’ll feel worse than others but cling onto the positive xx

Original post by Dee Murray of The Menopause Experts Group

Picture of me and my quadruple chin, because I am me and as much as I don't like my chubby face, it's my chubby face # # # 😁

🌸🤱 Embracing the Journey: Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 🤱🌸

This week is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week. As a mum myself (and soon to be Nonna Donna!) I stand in solidarity with all the incredible mothers out there. Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. From sleepless nights to the overwhelming responsibility, it's okay to admit that it can be tough. At Women's Wellbeing, I honour and recognise the importance of supporting women's mental health, because a healthy mum leads to a healthy family. 🌼💕

If you're a woman who's looking for a supportive network, I invite you to join our meditation classes at The Family Hub Aylesbury or come along to our Cuppa & Chat monthly meetings. Book yourself in for a blissful Reflexology session or join Mellow Menopause Chat group on Facebook, a safe space for questions, understanding, and empowerment. It's not just about menopause; it's about embracing all stages of womanhood, including the beautiful journey of motherhood. 🌟🌷

Make YOURSELF a priority, drop me a message for more information or to book💖

*****long post alert*****
Hi all,

I want to apologise and say sorry as I have been rather flakey lately and unable to keep many of my commitments and responsibilities.

As many of you know, I live with a chronic illness: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

I have had the condition since I was around 15 years old. I am never running on full power and can fluctuate from being not too bad and being able to carefully go to the gym every now and then, to being bed bound and having to give up my job and pretty much everything. I have had to give up education and work and completely start again around 5 times in my life, every time petrified that this will be the time I won’t get better. I’m writing this now because I have had a few years doing quite well but can unfortunately feel a relapse coming on. I'm spending up to 18-20hrs a day in bed at the moment. I’m pulling back from as many activities as I can hoping that I will still be able to see a few clients etc. and hopefully prevent a full on collapse.

The way I need to manage my life can be challenging, to myself and others around me. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is characterised by persistent and debilitating fatigue that is not relieved by rest (although sleeping and resting are often the only activities I can manage), along with a range of other symptoms that can significantly impact all aspects of my daily life. So although you may see me out and about or with clients, the remainder of my day is spent sleeping or at the very least resting.

For those that are interested, here's a glimpse into what it's like to live with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)

1. Overwhelming Fatigue: I experience profound exhaustion that is not proportional to my level of activity. This means that I can do a little or I can do alot, but I have no idea how it is going to affect me! Sometimes I’m fine, other times I end up spending 20hrs+ in bed a day.(this is where I am at the moment) This fatigue is debilitating, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming and exhausting.The fatigue is not the typical tiredness that most people experience; it's a deep, pervasive exhaustion in my body and my mind that can persist for months or even years.

2. Post-Exertional Malaise: One of the hallmark features of ME is post-exertional malaise, where physical or mental exertion can lead to a worsening of my symptoms. This is one of the symptoms I find it hardest to deal with. It makes it very difficult to make/keep plans. It may last for days or even weeks. This can make it challenging to engage in activities, work, or social events, as the consequences of overexertion can be severe.

3. Emotional and Physical Impact: Living with ME really takes a toll on my mental and emotional well-being. The unpredictable and persistent nature of the illness, coupled with the limitations it imposes, causes me feelings of frustration, guilt, worthlessness, shame, fear, and anxiety. On top of the psychological pain I also suffer constant physical pain, particularly in my joints and muscles. It doesn’t go away with painkillers or rest and can really affect my mobility; I can often be seen with or without a walking stick and I even have a mobility scooter for when things get really bad but I’m not completely bed bound. Dealing with the uncertainties of the condition and the challenges of navigating healthcare systems also contribute to my emotional distress.

Long story short; I’m sorry for not keeping plans, I’m sorry for getting excited and having big ideas that I often can’t follow through on. I’m scared, really scared, that this is going to be one of the huge ’give up everything and try and start again in a few years’ relapses. And I’m asking that you please bear with me and understand when I have to change our plans.

I really appreciate you all # #
Thank you
Donna

Did you know you can pay once for your HRT prescription and get it as many times as you need in a 12 month period? Google gov.menopause or follow the link in the description # # #

Yup!!

🌙📚 Embrace the magic of storytelling this World Book Night! 📚🌙

At Women's Wellbeing, I believe in the power of words to inspire, educate, and uplift.

I'm celebrating World Book Night with a good old James Patterson Novel
'Kill Me If You Can', so I invite you too, to immerse yourself, and your little ones, in the enchanting world of literature. Whether it's a gripping novel, a thought-provoking memoir, a favourite children's book or a guide to holistic health, there's a book out there waiting to spark imagination and nourish your soul.

Join me in this literary celebration by sharing your favourite book in the comments below. Let's create a virtual library of inspiration and empowerment! 📖✨

I will have a very tough time choosing just one book, so many inspire me! However I would like to point you in the direction of Children's book I wrote and illustrated; about a little girl called Hannah who is a wheelchair user, with the support of her trusty pug Pixie she grows her resilience and learns that she CAN do it, she just does it differently!

You can find out or more buy the book in the comments below https://www.donnaanstead.co.uk/products
# # pleeeaaassseee :)

🌟

Women's Beginner Golf Academy starting Monday 13th May 2024 for 5 weeks - sign up now :-)

Morning all, there are still some spaces on my meditation class at 11:30 at the Family hub in duck farm court. Today is stress reduction and is going to be a good one! Session costs £10. Hope to see some of you lovely ladies there # # # Donna

Morning all, there are still some spaces on my meditation class at 11:30 at the Family hub in duck farm court. Today is stress reduction and is going to be a good one! Session costs £10. Hope to see some of you lovely ladies there # # # Donna

Wishing my duck much luck 😄

"The Peri Peri Chick" They will be no (meno) pausing during the race for this one.
Women's Wellbeing Hormonal Health,Reflexology,Selfcare Perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy, fertility. Supporting Women and their hormonal health.

To back "The Peri Peri Chick" use this link:
https://www.bucks.radio/win-with-bucks-radio/win/virtual-aylesbury-duck-race-202