You know when you get that crazy hot feeling come over you in an instant and you can literally feel sweat forming at the base of your neck? As you reach for your trusty fan you ask everyone around you, “Did someone just turn the heating up…Is anyone else hot?” The looks you get and shakes of the heads in your company confirm that you are (as a lady of a certain age) experiencing the unwelcome effects of what is commonly known as a hot flash.
It would be nice if you got a warning!
You may be happily sitting in a coffee shop chatting to your friends or in a long line in your favorite store (hello TJ Maxx) when the feeling comes out of nowhere. It steals your sanity for anything from 30 seconds to several minutes and can be disconcerting to say the least. Aside from running out the shop and leaving your carefully curated haul behind, or explaining to your besties that you need some air, what else can you do in the moment to deal with this hormonal havoc? Read on for some tips to try out the next time your body enters the hot zone.
- Think about what you put on in the morning as you’re getting ready. Dress in layers that are easily removed and wear cooling fabrics such as cotton.
- Carry a portable water bottle designed to remain cold. I like this one which isn’t too big to lug around, and its metal exterior can also be placed directly on the forehead or neck during the hot flash along with a welcome drink – bonus!
- Always make sure you have a compact fan with you that can be easily produced whenever the need arises. There are some neat battery-operated ones which are rechargeable and are nice and discreet. Handheld paper fans of course work a treat too and never let you down.
- Consider using a facial mist such as the No 7 cooling mist which contains refreshing rosewater for instant relief. You could also make your own by filling a small mist bottle with 200mls distilled water, 10mls witch hazel and 10-15 drops of essential oil such as lemon, peppermint, or lavender for the same effect.
- Pack some facial cooling wipes which can provide a refreshing pick-me-up when things get hot and stuffy.
There you have it – I hope some of these suggestions help you the next time you feel like you’re about to melt in public. The downside is that you have lots more to remember now before you leave the house!
…keys, purse, phone, glasses
…fan, facial mist, water bottle…
There’s a challenge for the menopausal brain fog!