The festive season is magical, but it can also be totally exhausting. Between last-minute shopping, work deadlines, social gatherings, and family commitments, it’s easy to feel completely drained before Christmas even arrives. But staying energised doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are ten simple strategies to help you feel bright, balanced, and full of festive cheer.

1. Prioritise Sleep
It might be tempting to sacrifice rest to fit in everything on your to-do list, but lack of sleep will leave you sluggish and more prone to stress. For most healthy adults, the recommended amount of sleep is 7 to 9 hours per night, say sleep specialists at the National Sleep Foundation and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. BetterYou’s Magnesium Sleep range is perfect for both adults and kids alike at helping lull reluctant sleep goers into a deep and dreamy slumber – because let’s face it, if the kids aren’t sleeping the adults won’t be either!

2. Move Your Body Daily
Exercise doesn’t have to be intense to boost your energy. A brisk walk, a short yoga session, or even a few stretches in the morning can increase circulation, release feel-good endorphins, and help combat festive fatigue. When you’re feeling tired, we know that this might be the last thing you want to do but getting active (and even better – getting active outdoors) is a fail-safe way to help your body unwind and rest properly later. It also provides you with a bit of “me-time” to recharge the batteries. 

3. Eat for Sustained Energy
Instead of relying on sugar and caffeine, focus on whole foods that provide long-lasting energy. Incorporate protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs into your meals – think roasted vegetables with quinoa, eggs with avocado, or a handful of nuts with fruit. These healthy, energising breakfast recipes by Megan Hallett are ideal for those feeling sluggish in the morning.

4. Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to forget water amid the flurry of festive drinks, but dehydration can make you feel lethargic. Keep a water bottle handy, and balance festive indulgences like wine and coffee with plenty of H2O. For an added boost we love adding electrolytes to our water (especially brilliant around the festive season for reinvigorating tired souls) – our favourites are PHIZZ, which also come with an added bonus of vitamins to help keep immune systems strong too.

5. Manage Your Stress
The holiday season can be stressful, and stress is a major energy zapper. Take 10 to15 minutes a day for mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to reset your mind and body. Even a short walk outside can work wonders. The way I best like to do this is to wake up a tad earlier than everyone else in the house – it can sometimes be hard to do with these horrid dark mornings – but everytime I do I feel so much better for allowing myself 15 minutes to drink a cup of tea, or fold laundry to to the sound of Classic FM just so I am on top of the house too. It’s so basic and sounds boring but it’s just about being alone with my thoughts in the morning and working out what I need to do that day before actually doing it. Plus – another big thing here for me is eating right, so I really prioritise that.

6. Plan Your To-Do List Wisely
Instead of trying to do everything at once, prioritise tasks and break them into manageable steps. Crossing off small items can give you a sense of achievement without leaving you overwhelmed. I have a Smythson Diary with all my “To-Do” lists in it and I love it. I also use a family weekly planner for the kids’ holidays (like this) as I am not just juggling my own  “To-Do” lists but theirs too!

7. Supplement Smartly
Nothing stresses me out more than a mid-festive season cold! If your diet is a little depleted during the busy season, certain supplements can help maintain energy and wellbeing. Vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium are great for supporting energy levels and reducing fatigue. I love Wild Nutrition’s Energy Support. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting anything new.

8. Take Mini Breaks
Even five minutes away from your desk, phone, or the Christmas chaos can help you recharge. Step outside, listen to your favourite song, or enjoy a warm drink in peace, small pauses can make a big difference.

9. Keep Socialising Balanced
Festive events are fun, but overcommitting can be exhausting. Choose the gatherings that matter most, and give yourself permission to decline invitations when needed. Quality over quantity is key to staying energised. I also have a little unwritten rule that I tend not to drink at the big drinks party but I’ll allow myself a glass of champagne or two with close family and friends as I find the big drinks parties can be overwhelming at the best of time and if I add alcohol into the equation I am full-on depleted the next day. 

10. Embrace the Joy
Finally, focus on the aspects of the season that truly make you happy. Whether it’s baking, decorating, connecting with loved ones, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the fire, leaning into joy naturally boosts your energy and mood.

Enjoy, Happy Christmas xxx

The post How To Stay Energised This Festive Season appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

Regular worry is a sign that we are listening to the wrong voice. The mind is loud, repetitive, and fear-based. But beneath it is another voice; your soul, your intuition, your heart. This inner voice is calm, wise, and always guiding you toward inner peace and alignment. When you learn to trust this voice more than the mind, worry begins to dissolve naturally.

Here are five powerful and gentle steps you can start today to live a worry-free life:

1. Quiet the Mind to Hear Your Inner Wisdom

The mind creates noise. The heart creates clarity.

Most worries come from an overactive mind trying to predict, control, or perfect the future. But your deepest wisdom doesn’t speak through mental chatter, it speaks through stillness. So the path to a worry-free life begins with quieting the mind enough to hear the guidance already within you.

You can do this by:

• Sitting in silence for a few minutes each day
• Placing your hands on your heart and breathing consciously
• Spending time in nature without your phone
• Meditating, grounding, or simply pausing

Quieting the mind isn’t about stopping thoughts. It’s about softening their grip so the whispers of your heart can rise to the surface. When the mind quiets, intuition becomes unmistakable.

2. Reduce External Noise and Reclaim Your Energy

We often feel overwhelmed not because life is chaotic, but because we allow too many external voices to interfere with our inner knowing. Society, family, friends, social media, everyone has an opinion about what you should do, who you should be, and what your life should look like.

But you cannot live peacefully if your nervous system is constantly reacting to external expectations.

A worry-free life requires learning to trust your soul before all else.

This may look like:

• Taking breaks from social media
• Choosing who you share your dreams with
• Limiting conversations or content that drain or confuse you
• Not asking for advice when you already know the answer

When you quiet the external world, you create space for your own truth to guide you. You stop absorbing other people’s fears and return to your own inner compass.

3. Trust Your Soul Above Your Fears

This is the heart of living without worry.

Your soul communicates with you constantly, through sensations, images, intuitive pulls, and feelings of expansion or contraction. When you follow this inner guidance, life flows. When you ignore it, everything feels heavier.

Worry dissolves when you choose to trust your soul more than you trust your fear or the expectations of others.

This means:

• Trusting the quiet “yes” or “no” inside you
• Trusting the dreams that keep returning
• Trusting the path that feels like home, even if you can’t explain it
• Trusting the feeling of alignment in your body

Self-trust is a practice, not a moment. Every decision made from intuition strengthens your connection to your soul. Over time, fear loses its influence because you’ve built a deeper, unshakeable trust within yourself.

4. Let Your Heart Guide Your Decisions

The mind calculates. The heart knows.

When faced with decisions, most of us turn to logic, opinions, and overthinking. But the mind can only analyse based on the past. It cannot feel what is truly meant for you, but your heart can.

Heart-led decisions are grounded, peaceful, and deeply aligned.

To make heart-centered choices, ask:

• Which option expands me?
• Which feels heavy or constricting?
• Which aligns with the woman I am becoming?
• Which choice brings me closer to love, not fear?

Your heart is your compass. The more you honor it, the more your life fills with clarity and ease and the less space worry has to grow.

5. When Fear Appears, Don’t Spiral, Heal

A worry-free life doesn’t mean you’ll never feel fear again. Fear is human. What changes is how quickly you return to your heart when it arises.

Instead of letting your mind spiral, you pause, breathe, and meet the fear with presence and compassion. You heal what the fear is showing you so it no longer controls your choices.

Try:

• Journaling or emotional release
• Inner-child connection
• Somatic movement
• Meditation
• Energy healing

These practices dissolve the emotional charge underneath the fear, allowing you to hear your intuition again. Living worry-free is not about avoiding fear, it’s about knowing how to return to alignment every time you drift away.

Fear is temporary. Your inner wisdom is constant.

You Can Live a Worry-Free Life; Because Peace Is Your Natural State

A worry-free life isn’t something you achieve. It’s something you remember. When you quiet the mind, limit external noise, trust your inner guidance, make heart-led decisions, and heal fear with compassion and love, you shift into a way of living where peace becomes your default, not the exception.

Words by Macarena Gonzalez, Energy Healer (www.bloomingrose.love)

The post How to Live a Worry-Free Life (Yes, It’s Possible): 5 Steps You Can Start Today appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

This Christmas, Hertility is redefining what it means to give a thoughtful gift. While many women will unwrap yet another bath bomb, pillow spray, or last-minute beauty set, Hertility invites us to think differently.

With over 600,000 people waiting for a gynaecology appointment in England alone, women are spending yet another year navigating symptoms, unanswered questions and endless Google searches. Hertility’s mission has always been clear: to give women access to real answers, real support and real healthcare, with clinical insights, without the wait.

This season, Hertility is relaunching its gift cards, designed for every woman in your life. Whether it’s a mother experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, a partner whose symptoms keep being dismissed, a sister trying for a baby, or someone simply seeking clarity about her future fertility, a Hertility gift card gives her exactly what she needs to make informed decisions.

Gift card recipients can choose from Hertility’s Advanced At-Home Hormone & Fertility Test or book an appointment with leading specialists, from fertility nurses to gynaecologists and nutritionists.

Gift cards range from £25 to £249 and are valid for one year, giving women the freedom to access care when they need it most. Click here for more information.

The post The Christmas gift every woman actually wants (but no one talks about) appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

Here are seven healthy habits (and the hero products that make them effortless) to help you feel energised, radiant, and grounded all season long.

Nourish Your Skin (and Gut) from within with Correxiko Collagen Powder.

Between colder weather, festive stress, and richer food, your skin and digestion can take a hit over the holidays. Collagen is your best friend here. Not only does it support smooth, supple skin, but it’s also fantastic for gut and joint health. Correxiko is a clean, high-quality marine collagen packed with amino acids that support elasticity, hydration, and digestive balance. Add a scoop to your morning smoothie, coffee, or even festive hot chocolate for a subtle self-care boost that keeps you glowing well into January.

Support Your Energy Levels (Even on Party Nights) with Higher Nature Multi Effervescent. 

The holiday season can be demanding with endless plans, late nights, and indulgent food which can leave you running on empty. A quality multivitamin can bridge the nutritional gap and keep your energy and immune system strong. Higher Nature Multi Effervescent is a refreshing, orange-flavoured drink that delivers essential vitamins and minerals in a single fizzy glass. Think of it as your daily wellness insurance policy for keeping you vibrant, even on the busiest festive days.

Strengthen Your Immunity Naturally with Hifas de Terra Lentinan Shiitake Extract. 

Coughs, colds, and winter fatigue don’t have to be part of your December routine. Mushrooms are nature’s immune superheroes and Shiitake in particular is known for its high beta-glucan content and ability to support immune resilience. Hifas de Terra Lentinan Shiitake Extract is a potent, easy-to-take extract that works to balance immune function and support your body’s natural defences. It’s your quiet shield against 

Glow (Literally) with Light Therapy Bon Charge LED Red Light Face Mask 

The dark days of winter can leave both your skin and mood a little lacklustre. Red light therapy helps to boost collagen production, even out tone, and leave you looking fresh and rested, even after a few too many festive nights. Bon Charge LED Red Light Face Mask is the ultimate at-home skin treatment that stimulates cell renewal and boosts radiance in just 10 minutes. It’s like giving your face a little sunshine when the skies are grey. The self-care moment that nourishes your skin and relaxes your mind.

Balance Your Hormones & Support Your Cycle with Sisterly Lab Supplements

The festive season can be full of joy, but it can also throw your hormones completely off balance thanks to late nights, stress, disrupted routines, and richer food. Sisterly Lab creates targeted, science-led supplements designed specifically to support women’s hormonal health, mood, energy, and cycle harmony. Whether you’re dealing with bloating, PMS, breakouts or dips in vitality, their blends work to rebalance from within and bring your body back to its natural rhythm. It’s the kind of quiet, consistent support that helps you feel grounded, centred and more you, no matter how busy December gets.

Unwind & Sleep Beautifully with Welleco The Evening Elixir

Late-night events and sugar spikes can disrupt your sleep, which in turn affects your mood, metabolism, and skin. A soothing evening ritual can make all the difference, especially if it feels this luxurious.Welleco The Evening Elixir is a decadent, nutrient-rich hot chocolate that supports deep sleep, skin repair, and overnight restoration. It’s the perfect switch-off drink: indulgent yet functional and let your body (and mind) truly rest.

Move Mindfully, even when you don’t feel you have time with the  Yoga Collective Oval Mat 

You don’t need to hit the gym to stay active over Christmas. A few minutes of yoga or stretching can reset your energy, ease tension, and support digestion, especially after big festive meals. This mat is beautifully designed, non-slip, and made for all forms of movement. Its curved edges and luxe texture make rolling it out feel like an act of self-care, not a chore.Keep your mat visible, in the bedroom as a daily reminder to pause, breathe, and stretch. Even five minutes counts.

Cleanse and Rebalance with de Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm

All those late nights, makeup, and festive indulgences can leave skin feeling dull and tired. A nourishing cleanse can completely reset your complexion and your mind. de Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm transforms cleansing into a ritual. Infused with plant oils and calming botanicals, it melts away impurities while restoring your skin’s balance and radiance. The scent alone feels like a deep breath of calm after a busy day.

Healthy habits don’t have to mean restriction. They can be small, joyful rituals that make you feel better instantly. This Christmas, choose nourishment, movement, rest, and self-care that fit easily into your lifestyle. Because when you take care of yourself, inside and out, you’ll have the energy, confidence, and glow to enjoy the festive season even more. 

The post Healthy Habits You’ll Actually Keep Over Christmas (because the best festive rituals are the ones that make you feel amazing) appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

December arrives and the invitations come in thick and fast. Drinks, dinners, plans to “catch up before Christmas” stack up quickly. What’s supposed to feel festive can leave your diary busier than ever and your energy heading in the opposite direction.

We’re sold the idea that the season should be one long celebration, filled with sequins, champagne, buzzy dinners and late-night conversations. And while those moments can be joyful, they also come with a cost. Between the outfit prep, late nights, rich food and endless small talk, many of us wake up not glowing, but drained. That wiped-out feeling (think brain fog, emotional flatness and zero social battery) is often referred to as social burnout, or a social hangover.

December amplifies this pressure to be constantly “on”. Friends want to catch up, colleagues want to toast the year, family want to squeeze in quality time and you want to show up, smile and make it all meaningful. Yet the Christmas break rarely behaves like a break. It’s connection on repeat, with no time to actually refuel.

For me, learning to set boundaries has been the difference between enjoying the season and simply enduring it. In my twenties, I’d accept every invite and wonder why I ended up depleted. Now, I know it’s not about being antisocial, it’s about understanding capacity. For some of us, solitude isn’t indulgent; it’s essential.

What is social burnout exactly?

Social burnout isn’t just feeling “peopled out” after back-to-back plans, it’s a deeper state of emotional, mental and physical depletion. “It happens when we’ve spent more energy socially than our body can comfortably replenish,” explains Jess Shand, registered naturopathic nutritionist and hormone health specialist. “It isn’t simply over-doing it – it’s a deeper overstimulation of the nervous system.”

Rather than bouncing back after a night’s sleep, social burnout lingers. It can show up as irritability, emotional flatness, anxiety, brain fog or the sense that even simple conversations feel draining. Physically, Shand says many people describe “heaviness in the body, tension in the chest, a tight jaw or a sense of being ‘wired but tired’.” Think low battery mode, even after a full charge.

What’s going on in the body?

When we override our need for rest, the body shifts into fight-or-flight mode and stays there. “The stress response stays switched on,” Shand explains. “Cortisol becomes dysregulated, which can disrupt other hormones such as progesterone, oestrogen and thyroid hormones.” The result? Poor sleep, low mood, dips in energy, craving sugar or caffeine and difficulty focusing.

During December, multiple stressors stack at once – late nights, alcohol, social pressure, disrupted routines and emotional triggers. “Even positive excitement raises cortisol,” Shand adds. Add the fact that hydration drops, sleep shortens and boundaries tend to slide, and you have the perfect storm for anxiety spikes and exhaustion. A social hangover, says Shand, is the body’s way of “shouting for some real TLC.”

Little-known warning signs

Beyond feeling tired, the body sends subtle cues that you’ve reached capacity. Shand highlights:

• Waking between 3–4am
• Heightened sugar or caffeine cravings
• More colds or slower recovery
• Bloating and digestive sluggishness
• Jaw clenching or headaches
• Feeling unusually cold
• PMS or cycle symptoms intensifying

These small shifts, she stresses, are early signs the nervous system needs rest, not another event in the diary.

The psychology behind burnout

While the physical symptoms of social burnout are hard to ignore, the mental and emotional load plays just as big a role. Emily Austen, founder of EMERGE PR and author of Smarter: 10 Lessons for a More Productive and Less-Stressed Life, says social burnout happens when your emotional, mental and physical energy have been “overdrawn” for too long.“It feels like you’ve been ‘on show’ – performing, hosting, chatting, pleasing – without the space to regulate your own needs.”

Her tell-tale signs include:

• Dreading plans you’d usually enjoy
• Irritability or sensitivity
• Feeling overwhelmed by tiny decisions (what to wear, when to leave)
• Physical heaviness, headaches or tension
• A complete lack of desire to socialise, even with people you adore

Austen says these early cues often get ignored. “Social burnout is your energy screaming that it needs recalibrating, and most of us push past the warning signs.”

How to protect your energy this festive season

To avoid burnout, both experts say the key is pacing – not just your plans, but your capacity. Austen suggests planning your diary around energy, not time. “Ask yourself when you naturally have more capacity, what drains you and how many social plans you can manage before you crash,” she says.

Shand agrees that this preventative approach is essential. “When we override our need for rest, the stress response stays switched on,” she explains, which is why December feels so depleting.

Together, they recommend:

• Keep one or two quiet nights non-negotiable
• Avoid stacking intense plans back-to-back
• Create buffer days around bigger events
• Build micro-rest into your day (e.g. a morning walk, screen-free commute, early finish)
• Pause before accepting invitations rather than defaulting to “yes”
• Eat a protein-rich meal before events to keep blood sugar stable
• Stay hydrated, ideally with electrolytes on busier days

“It’s not antisocial to protect your energy,” Austen adds. “It’s self-respect.”

How to say no (without feeling guilty)

Guilt is one of the biggest barriers to preventing burnout, especially for women. “We’ve been conditioned to believe being agreeable makes us good,” Austen says. But boundaries, she stresses, are not selfish. “Guilt isn’t proof you’re doing something wrong, it’s proof a healthier behaviour feels unfamiliar.”

Here are her go-to scripts:

For declining plans

“Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m keeping things low-key this week.”
“I’d love to see you, but I don’t have the energy for a big night. Can we do something quieter another time?”
“That sounds great, but I have a low social battery at the moment and just need a night at home.”

For leaving early

“I’ve had the best time, but my battery’s done. I’m heading out.”
“I promised myself an early night – love you all, see you soon!”

For avoiding overcommitting

“Let me check my energy and get back to you.”
“This month is nuts for me, but I’d love to plan something next month.”
“I’m feeling a little socially drained so would prefer to do a walk or Pilates if you’re up for that?”

Shand adds that setting expectations early helps prevent nervous system overload before it starts.

How to recover from a social hangover

When you do reach your limit, Shand recommends supporting your nervous system as soon as possible. Think of it as giving your body room to recalibrate.

A few restorative rituals both experts say genuinely help:

• Hydrate with minerals or electrolytes
• Choose grounding meals with protein, slow carbs, greens
• Increase magnesium (supplemental or through food) to ease tension
• Opt for gentle movement, like stretching or a slow walk
• Create a low-stimulus evening – warm bath, dim lights, deep breathing, phone on silent
• Keep the following day light, with minimal commitments

Alcohol is a major factor in social burnout, Shand says, because it disrupts sleep and depletes nutrients. Drinking smarter (aka pacing drinks, alternating with water and eating protein beforehand) can lessen the morning-after slump.

Her supplement picks to support recovery include:

Dreem Distillery Night Drops

Phizz Daily Immune+ Effervescent Tablets

ARTHA Enhanced Nootropics

Bare Biology Ready & Rested

Ancient + Brave True Ashwagandha

The post Social Burnout Is Real: Here’s How to Avoid It This Festive Season appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

Artah, Cellular Hydration £32
A refined, wellness-forward electrolyte blend that goes beyond basic minerals. ARTAH pairs magnesium and potassium with prebiotics, vitamin C and maca giving it a noticeable “lift” that feels clean rather than caffeinated. It’s the one we reach for when we want to feel recalibrated,  post-late-night, pre-school-run, or when we need all-day steadiness without sugar or stimulants.

Phizz, Daily Immune+ from £9.49
The multitasker of the hydration world. Phizz blends electrolytes with vitamins C, D and zinc, making it ideal for winter resilience, especially when you’re in and out of heated buildings or feeling run down. It’s also travel-friendly and the perfect daily supplement. Think: hydration, immunity and energy rolled into one simple tablet.

Elete Water, Pocket Bottle £8.90
Pure, minimalist hydration. No flavour, no sweetness, no fizz, just a concentrated dose of essential minerals you can drop into any bottle. Ideal if you hate the taste of electrolyte drinks or want control over strength and flavour. It’s tiny enough to throw into a handbag or coat pocket, making it a quiet workhorse during festive travel or long working days.

Puresport, Ultra Electrolytes £20
Designed with performance and recovery in mind, Puresport’s blend is big on flavour and function. The watermelon-salt profile makes it easy to drink mid-workout or when you’re craving something more refreshing than plain water. It’s the one we reach for before or after exercise, or on those “I’ve been on my feet all day” festive shopping marathons.

BetterYou, Magnesium Water Hydrate £7.96
A soothing still drink with a generous dose of magnesium, ideal for anyone who feels tense, tired or wired at this time of year. Magnesium supports muscle relaxation, sleep quality and steady energy, making this the perfect afternoon or evening hydration choice. It’s a gentle way to top up minerals without the punch of a traditional electrolyte mix.

Trip, CBD Drinks £24
Hydration with a side of calm. TRIP’s botanical CBD-infused blends feel more like a moment of ritual than a functional drink, perfect for evenings when your mind is buzzing, or after social plans when you need to wind down but still want something refreshing. It’s hydration that feels indulgent, without the sugar or alcohol.

Ameri-Vita, Liver Support Drink £9.99
A functional sachet designed with milk thistle and digestive-supporting ingredients, ideal after indulgent meals, heavy festive foods or stretches of richer eating. Not a traditional electrolyte, but definitely a useful addition for supporting the body’s natural detox pathways during a busy season.

Tonic, Energy and Hydration £34.67
Bright, zesty and vitamin-rich, this sachet brings both hydration and a clean energy lift. It’s particularly good for mornings when you’re flagging or heading into a long day with little sleep. Think of it as your “get me going” mix and great for immunity, clarity and powering through.

Diso, OQO Hydration Plus £23.99
A hybrid between hydration support and recovery formula. OQO includes electrolytes, amino acids and B-vitamins, making it perfect for gym lovers or anyone with physically demanding days. It’s also helpful on those depleted-feeling afternoons when water alone just isn’t doing the trick.

Humantra, Himalayan Lime £21
Mineral-rich, naturally salty and citrusy, Humantra is a clean, modern take on classic electrolytes. With real Himalayan minerals and minimal additives, it feels grounded and functional rather than flavoured or sweet. Brilliant for all-day sipping, whether you’re celebrating or simply keeping pace with real life.

The post Hydration Heroes for The Festive Season (and Beyond) appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

For Bath Lovers
Dreem Distillery Limited-Edition CBD Body & Bath Set, £45

Dreem Distillery are not only masters in relaxation but their products support the body’s parasympathetic nervous system by harnessing the potent power of plants and botanicals, chosen for their efficacy to create the best formulations. This luxury bath gift set includes a mini Among the Stars Body Oil (30ml) and mini Into the Deep Bath Oil (30ml) promoting total body relaxation. The brand believes in giving ourselves daily practices that help us to disconnect from the stresses of life in order to promote wellbeing, healing and longevity. If you know someone who has a penchant for baths – then this is the perfect gift!

For The Sleep Obsessed
Dreem Distillery Limited Edition Sleep Ritual Gift Set, £70

When life is busy, sleep becomes ever more important. For those who love sleep or for those that are in desperate need of more of it – this gift set is ideal. Featuring mini Night Drops (10ml) and mini Bed Balm (15ml), this travel-ready duo is designed to calm the mind and soothe the body. The high-grade cbd helps send even the most highly-strung into the most peaceful of slumbers. Plus, there is a free breathwork video series with every purchase.

For The Wellness Traveller
Dreem Distillery Jet Set Kit, £145

Perfectly presented in a luxury blue towelling wash bag, each Jet Set Kit includes travel-sized luxury body oils that all promote wellbeing and relaxation: Among the Stars body oil (30ml), Into the Deep luxury bath oil (30ml), Night Drops natural sleep aid (10ml) and Bed Balm muscle relaxing balm (15ml). So that wherever you are, prioritising your self-care is at the heart of your adventures.

H&H Stocking Filler Edit:

Night Drops Gift Set (10ml Night Drops + Christmas Pyramid), £60

Moonlit Night Cream (Luxury Illuminating Sleep Mask with CBD, £40)

Bed Balm (Luxury Muscle Relaxing Balm with CBD), £75

The post The Ultimate Gift Guide To Help Loved Ones (or yourself!) Relax, Rest and De-stress… appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

As a former ballerina and childhood athlete, my cycle was irregular for years. I’ve experienced painful periods, months where things felt “off,” and times when I wondered whether my hormones were truly in balance or just coping with the intensity of my lifestyle. It’s strange how often we focus on how our bodies look from the outside, without having any real idea of what’s happening on the inside.

So when the chance came to actually look under the hood, I took it.

I also decided to document the whole thing in a three-part video series, partly for accountability, partly because I know how many women are quietly wondering the same things I was. 

Getting the kit – and the wait for Day 3

The kit arrived quickly and felt thoughtfully designed: modern, feminine, clear. What surprised me was how specific the timing needed to be. You take the blood test on Day 3 of your cycle, so for a moment I just had to wait. This is because Day 3 is when key hormones like FSH, LH, oestradiol and others are at baseline levels, giving the clearest picture of ovarian function and overall hormonal balance. It sounds small, but it created a sense of anticipation: this wasn’t just me “taking a test,” it felt like tuning into my body.

I was excited, but also a little bit nervous. There’s something vulnerable about choosing to know more about yourself. You can’t help but wonder: what if something’s wrong? What if my timeline looks different from what I’d hoped? But curiosity won.

Doing the test at home

When Day 3 arrived, I set myself up at home, read through the instructions (which were genuinely easy), and did the finger-prick blood test. I didn’t exactly enjoy it, I don’t think anyone loves squeezing their own fingertips until blood appears – but it was doable. More than anything, it felt empowering. Like: I can actually do this. I can be curious about my body rather than afraid of it.

I posted my second video, dropped the sample off, and waited.

The results – and the relief

When the email came through saying my results were ready, I genuinely paused before opening it. I think almost every woman understands that tiny moment of fear.

But everything came back perfectly normal. My hormones were balanced, and my fertility markers were exactly where they should be. I was relieved. The results were reassuring, grounding, and gave me some clarity around my painful periods.

Why I’d recommend it to any woman in her twenties

I didn’t take this test because I want a baby tomorrow, I took it because I wanted perspective. I wanted to know how I should plan for when I do want to be able to conceive, and whether the timeline in my mind is realistic with the timeline of my body. There’s something incredibly calming about knowing where you stand: about understanding your hormones, your cycle, and your fertility long before you’re forced to make decisions around them.

For me, the biggest gift was peace of mind.

Not because everything was perfect (though that was lovely), but because I finally felt connected to what’s happening inside my body instead of guessing. I know now that I don’t have to rush. I know what my painful periods likely mean, and don’t mean. And I know what markers I’d want to keep an eye on years from now.

It’s information, not pressure. And honestly, in a world where women’s health is so often treated reactively rather than preventatively, that feels like a small revolution.

Words by Saskia Gregson-Williams

The post What I Learned From Taking A Hormone Test In My Late-Twenties appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

At Hip & Healthy, we believe deeply in opening up conversations that are too often held in silence. Fertility struggles affect 1 in 6 couples, yet the emotional reality of facing them during the holidays rarely gets the compassion it deserves. 

Our Partnership Director, Louise, generously opened up about her own experience of trying to conceive, sharing the unseen weight the holidays can carry:

“During my four years of fertility treatments, Christmas became one of the hardest times of the year. I’ve always adored the season, family is everything to me but longing to be a mum during a holiday so centred around children felt unbearably heavy. Everywhere I turned, it felt like a reminder of what I didn’t yet have. My Instagram feed would fill with friends posting photos of their little ones in Christmas jumpers, writing letters to Santa, experiencing the magic that only children can bring, and although I was genuinely happy for them, it was incredibly triggering. I often had to step away from social media altogether. Instead, I tried to ground myself in the present and focus on the family I did have around me, even when my heart was quietly breaking. Christmas should have felt joyful, but in those years, it was a reminder of everything I was desperately hoping for yet still waiting to hold. I tried to believe that things could change, that my story wasn’t finished yet. And eventually, against all the odds, it did change. I got my little miracle. Now, Christmas looks completely different: the magic, the wonder, the joy I once watched from a distance is finally part of my own world. Those painful years are still a part of me, but they make the present feel even more precious. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most beautiful seasons are the ones we had to wait the longest for.”

Her words capture what so many feel but rarely articulate: that Christmas can be both beautiful and unbearably hard. It’s possible to hold love and grief at the same time. It’s possible to be happy for others and hurting for yourself. And it’s more than okay to acknowledge that.

You’re Not Alone in Feeling This Way

The pressure to “be merry” can make the emotional load even heavier. You might find yourself navigating triggering questions from relatives, endless celebrations centered around children, or the constant reminder that another year has passed, still without the baby you hoped for.

Dr Helen O’Neill, Founder and CEO of Hertility, emphasises that this emotional weight is not something anyone should have to carry in silence: “The holidays can amplify the quiet grief that so many experience when navigating fertility struggles. While everyone else seems to be celebrating new beginnings, it can feel like you’re standing still. But at Hertility, we believe that one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself this Christmas is information. Understanding your hormones and your reproductive health can replace months, even years, of anxiety with clarity. It’s about taking back a sense of control, at a time when so much feels uncertain. Knowledge doesn’t take away the pain, but it replaces fear with understanding, and that can be the greatest comfort of all.”

Normalising the Hard Bits

If you’re navigating fertility challenges this season, here is what we want you to know:

You’re not “negative” for feeling sad.
You’re human. Christmas intensifies everything; joy, love, longing, and grief.

You don’t have to go to every event you’re invited to.
Protect your peace. If a children’s party or family gathering feels too raw, prioritise your emotional wellbeing.

It’s okay to step away from social media.
Comparison is painful and curating your emotional landscape is powerful self-protection.

You can create your own version of Christmas.
One that feels gentle, spacious, and comforting rather than overwhelming.

You don’t have to explain your feelings to anyone.
Your experience is valid even when others don’t fully understand it.

Finding Hope, Even If You’re Not Feeling Hopeful

For some, like Louise, Christmas eventually becomes the joyful celebration they had long imagined. For others, the path looks different. Whichever story becomes yours, your feelings today are real, understandable and deserving of compassion.

This Christmas, we hope you give yourself permission to feel what you feel, seek the support you need, and know – truly know – that you are not walking this road alone.

If you’re looking for clarity, reassurance or expert guidance during the holidays, Hertility’s clinical team remains available throughout December, offering both emotional support and practical insight; “Fertility worries don’t pause for Christmas, and neither do we.” Fertility’s CEO comments.

Your story isn’t finished yet. And however this season looks for you, you deserve gentleness, care, and hope.

The post Normalising How Hard Christmas Can Feel When You’re Navigating Fertility Struggles appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

This theme of excellent practitioners is actually what makes Goodwood Health Spa stand out from the rest. I was then handed over to Elaine Williams who is a Chinese Acupuncture and Cranial Osteopathy guru. Having practised for over 30 years, Elaine seriously knows her stuff – her intuitive, hands-on treatments are renowned for unravelling years of built-up tension. Working with precision and empathy, she helped to restore my misalignment, release muscular stress and encourage my body’s innate capacity to heal itself. The whole thing was so relaxing I felt like I was in a trance. It was so gentle yet so effective – I immediately sent my mother to her the following week.

For those seeking deeper immersion, the Goodwood Health Summit is a highlight of the estate’s calendar. Bringing together leading voices in health, science and sustainable living, the summit embodies Goodwood’s commitment to pioneering conversation and community connection. It’s a space where guests, practitioners and thought-leaders unite to explore what true wellbeing means today, from longevity and lifestyle medicine to the future of regenerative farming. The one just in October of this year included an impressive line up of thought leaders and wellness industry changers such as Dr Chris van Tulleken, Dr Federica Amati, and Patrick Holden CBE.

No stay is complete without dining at Farmer, Butcher, Chef, Goodwood’s flagship restaurant and a true celebration of the estate’s farm-to-fork ethos. With produce reared entirely on Goodwood’s own Home Farm and ingredients sourced from trusted local suppliers, each dish tells a story of seasonality and sustainability. The restaurant’s unique concept, where the farmer, butcher and chef meet weekly to shape the menu based on what the land provides, ensures nothing is wasted and everything is savoured. The result is food that’s honest, nourishing and deeply satisfying, from hearty Sunday roasts to delicate, slow-cooked cuts that melt in the mouth.

Goodwood’s Health Retreats are perhaps the jewel in Goodwoods health spa offerings. Pulled together by Stephanie Moore and Her Grace, The Duchess of Richmond (who owns the entire Goodwood Estate) – the retreats are built around the importance of gut health and stress resilience.  “There has never been a more important time to care for our emotional and mental wellbeing and we now understand that this must begin in the gut. The science is clear, the connection between what we eat and how we feel is profound. At Goodwood, we offer a holistic approach to health, rooted in nature, supported by science and guided by centuries of thoughtful living.” says Her Grace, The Duchess of Richmond & Gordon. With an array of different focuses from menopause to contrast therapy in their Fire + Ice Retreat, Goodwood never lose sight of making sure that each guest on the retreats feel totally cared and catered for, nourished and ultimately return home a better version of themselves.

With its intelligent blend of clinical care, country serenity and culinary excellence, Goodwood redefines what a health retreat can be. This is not about deprivation, but reconnection, to body, to nature, and to the quiet luxury of feeling truly well. It’s – without doubt – worth the trip.

For more information visit:

https://www.goodwood.com/visit-eat-stay/health-wellbeing/wellness-retreats/

OR

https://www.goodwood.com/visit-eat-stay/health-wellbeing/health-summit/

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