Guard your energy at Christmas time

22 July 20253 min read

Christmas. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” so the song goes. It can be, but for many it’s a tough time with too much to do, too many places to be, and an enormous amount of obligation. Obligation is a huge energy drainer at this time of year—attending events you don’t want to, sharing meals with people you don’t like, buying gifts for people because you have to!

Doing Christmas ‘your way’ is the answer. Find the joy in the bits you love and fa-la-la all the way into the New Year. There is a lot to love about Christmas. The upside of Christmas is yummy food, thoughtful gifts, time with people you love, celebrating the past 12 months, family traditions, and glittery decorations. The downside is overeating, wasted money, difficult people, and years of resentment all showing up in one day!

The power of anything is in choosing what you love and leaning into that. The secret is to do more of what you love and less of what grinds your gears!

We get energy when we do things we enjoy. When we hang out with people we love, when we visit places we enjoy. Christmas is an excellent time to be honest. You know it’s coming up, and you can choose how you respond and participate.

Write down all the things that happen at Christmas in your world. Write next to each one what you love and hate about each activity or responsibility. Each of the things on your list will have an energy. Some will be a hell yes. Some will be laced with dread! Take notice of how you feel.

Now make some decisions. What do you want to do? What do you need to do? What can you outsource? You can outsource just about anything these days. Get your house decorated, have meals prepared, and have your gifts wrapped. Have some conversations about what you do and don’t enjoy about the Christmas season. This doesn’t have to be expensive—swap jobs with people who enjoy different tasks than you! Maybe you cook and someone shops for your gifts! Maybe you clean while someone else decorates your house.

Having a plan will energise you! Getting organised will make you feel good. There is so much that can be done ahead of time. Make lists of things that can be done in October and November so December has more space.

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year to celebrate. You can celebrate yourself, the people who have supported and loved you, the people you support and love. It’s a time for generosity. A time to give—giving of ourselves creates more energy. Who could you give your time, your money, or your energy to this Christmas?

Get Energy: Plan something that you want to do.
Create something special for you and a loved one.

Guard your energy by: Get clear and honest about what you want.
Decide what you will and won’t do.

Give: MAKE AN EFFORT .Do significant things for significant people!
Be kind and generous doing things you do enjoy.

Maybe this is the year to do Christmas your way. To honour your energy and celebrate how you want to!

Skincare Through Perimenopause and Beyond

By Samara Searle, Registered Nurse Wrinkles aren’t the only skin change women may notice as they move through perimenopause and menopause. As oestrogen levels decline, changes to collagen production, hydration and the skin barrier can leave skin feeling drier, thinner, more sensitive and less elastic. Some women may also notice slower wound healing, increased facial hair or the return of adult acne as hormone levels shift. The good news is there are ways to adapt your skincare routine and treatments to support your skin through these changes – and it doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with the foundations For women approaching or going through menopause, healthy skin should come before chasing individual lines, pigmentation or other concerns. My background in intensive care and plastic surgery nursing has shaped the way I approach treatment planning. Rather than jumping straight to intensive treatments, I start by looking at overall skin health and how the skin is functioning day to day. For many women, that means rebuilding hydration and supporting the skin barrier before introducing treatments designed to improve thickness, texture or elasticity. Choose ingredients that work harder You don’t need a bathroom cabinet overflowing with products. Instead, look for ingredients that address the changes happening within the skin. Retinoids: Among the most well-evidenced topical ingredients for supporting collagen production and cell turnover. They can be irritating, however, so should be introduced gradually and appropriately for your skin. Peptides: A gentler option that can help support skin firmness and may suit more reactive skin. Niacinamide: Helps support the skin barrier while improving tone and texture. Hyaluronic acid: Helps attract and retain moisture, making it particularly useful as skin becomes drier. Vitamin C and other antioxidants: Help protect against oxidative stress and can support collagen production. Ceramides: Look for ceramide-rich moisturisers to help strengthen a skin barrier that may become drier and more vulnerable. SPF: This remains non-negotiable. UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown and pigmentation, making daily sun protection particularly important. Be careful not to over-treat More isn’t necessarily better. Menopausal skin can become more reactive, so continually adding strong active ingredients, peels or intensive treatments can sometimes do more harm than good. A philosophy I live by is that if something doesn’t genuinely support skin health or barrier function, I won’t recommend it, regardless of how well it is marketed. If you are considering in-clinic treatments, options such as micro-needling can be used for collagen remodelling, while laser treatments may help address texture and pigmentation. The right treatment, however, will depend on your individual skin, concerns and medical history. Don’t forget what happens outside the bathroom Skincare products are only one part of the picture. Adequate protein intake supports the body’s normal tissue repair processes, while resistance exercise is important for maintaining muscle and bone health as we age. Sleep matters too, with chronic stress and poor sleep potentially affecting skin health and recovery. In other words, the lifestyle side of ageing well deserves just as much attention as what you apply to your face. Think long-term The aim shouldn’t be to wage war on every sign of ageing. Instead, think about building resilient, healthy skin that functions well for the years ahead. And you don’t need to wait until significant changes appear. A simple, tailored routine that supports hydration, the skin barrier and sun protection can be established well before visible hormonal changes begin. The key is to build the right foundations, introduce active ingredients thoughtfully and adjust your routine as your skin changes. After all, good skincare through perimenopause, menopause and beyond isn’t about trying to turn back the clock – it’s about giving your skin what it needs at every stage

Health and Wellness

A Guide to Different Dermalogica Cleansers and Their Uses

A Guide to Different Dermalogica Cleansers and Their Uses Choosing a facial cleanser sounds simple until you start comparing formulas for oily skin, dryness, breakouts, and sensitivity. The right cleanser should remove daily dirt, excess oil, sunscreen, and makeup without leaving your skin feeling uncomfortable. A formula that works well for one person may feel too rich or too drying for another. Understanding Dermalogica cleanser types can help you narrow down the options according to your skin’s needs and your daily routine. Dermalogica offers different cleansing products, including gentle daily cleansers, oil-based formulas, and exfoliating options. Each serves a slightly different purpose, so knowing how they differ can make it easier to choose a suitable starting point. Why Choosing the Right Cleanser Matters Cleansing is the first step in many skincare routines. It helps remove substances that accumulate on the skin throughout the day, including sweat, excess sebum, environmental dirt, and cosmetic products. However, effective cleansing does not require your skin to feel tight or completely stripped afterwards. Over-cleansing or using a formula that does not suit your skin can contribute to dryness and irritation. What to Consider Before Choosing a Cleanser Your skin type, current concerns, and preferred routine can all influence your choice. Oily Skin: You may prefer a cleanser that removes excess oil without leaving a heavy residue. Dry Skin: A gentle formula that cleanses without excessive dryness may be more comfortable. Combination Skin: A balanced cleanser can help manage oilier areas while remaining comfortable on drier cheeks. Sensitive Skin: A simple formula with ingredients your skin tolerates is often a sensible starting point. Makeup and Sunscreen Users: You may benefit from an additional first-cleansing step to help remove persistent products. Skin type can also change with weather, age, medication, and other factors. Review how your skin responds instead of assuming one formula will always meet your needs. Understanding Different Dermalogica Cleanser Types Dermalogica’s cleansing range includes products designed for everyday cleansing, removing makeup, and addressing particular skin concerns. The following examples illustrate some of the differences between its well-known Dermalogica cleanser types. Special Cleansing Gel for Everyday Use Special Cleansing Gel is a soap-free foaming cleanser intended for daily use. It is an option to consider if you prefer a traditional gel texture that rinses away easily. Its role is to cleanse the skin rather than provide intensive exfoliation or replace targeted skincare treatments. Consider it if you prefer a lightweight, foaming cleanser. Use it according to the product directions as part of your regular routine. Monitor your skin for tightness or dryness, particularly if you already use active ingredients. Foaming cleansers are not automatically unsuitable for dry skin, but the overall formulation and your individual tolerance matter. UltraCalming Cleanser for Sensitive Skin UltraCalming Cleanser is formulated for skin that needs a gentle cleansing approach. It may be worth considering if your skin frequently feels uncomfortable or reacts to products. When choosing a cleanser for sensitive skin, pay attention to the full ingredient list rather than relying on the product name alone. Avoid known personal triggers. Cleanse gently without scrubbing. Follow the product’s instructions for application and removal. Stop using it if irritation develops. Persistent redness, burning, or itching may require professional advice rather than repeated cleanser changes. Special Cleansing Options for Makeup Removal Daily sunscreen, long-wear foundation, and waterproof makeup can be difficult to remove with a single wash. Dermalogica’s PreCleanse is an oil-based cleansing product designed to help dissolve oil-based impurities before a second cleanser is used. This approach is commonly known as double cleansing. Apply the first cleanser as directed to help loosen makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Follow the product instructions for adding water and rinsing. Use a suitable second cleanser to complete your routine. Double cleansing is not essential for everyone. If your regular cleanser removes your sunscreen and makeup effectively, an additional step may not be necessary. Choosing a Cleanser for Specific Skin Concerns Beyond basic cleansing, some products are formulated for people who want to address uneven texture, congestion, or excess oil. The important distinction is between a cleanser that supports a particular concern and a treatment designed to manage it directly. Daily Microfoliant and Exfoliating Cleansers Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant is a rice-based exfoliating powder activated with water. It differs from a conventional gel cleanser because it provides exfoliation as part of the cleansing process. Exfoliating products may help improve the appearance of uneven surface texture, but they are not necessary for every skin type. Follow the directions for the recommended amount and application method. Avoid aggressive rubbing, particularly if your skin is sensitive. Be cautious when combining exfoliating products with retinoids or other potentially irritating active ingredients. Reduce use or stop if your skin becomes persistently red, tight, or uncomfortable. Clearing Skin and Managing Excess Oil People with oily or blemish-prone skin may prefer products formulated to cleanse away excess sebum and impurities. Dermalogica offers products within its broader range that address these needs, but the most appropriate choice depends on the specific formula and your skin’s condition. Avoid trying to eliminate all oil from your skin. Excessively harsh cleansing can compromise comfort without necessarily preventing future breakouts. If acne is persistent or severe, a cleanser alone may not provide sufficient treatment. A dermatologist can help you choose appropriate products and treatments. How to Use a Dermalogica Cleanser Correctly Even a suitable cleanser can feel uncomfortable if you use too much, scrub too hard, or combine it with too many active products. For most routines, consistency matters more than the number of products you use. Wet your face or prepare your skin as directed by the specific cleanser. Massage gently using your fingertips rather than abrasive tools. Rinse thoroughly, avoiding water that feels excessively hot. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it vigorously. Follow with a moisturiser suited to your skin and sunscreen during the day. Conclusion Understanding the different Dermalogica cleanser types makes it easier to select a product based on your skin’s needs rather

Health and Wellness

Feeling Off? It Might Be More Connected Than You Think

For many women, health conversations happen in fragments. You visit one practitioner for a sore back, another for fatigue, and another for hormonal shifts that leave you wondering if you’re just “getting older.” But what if all of those threads were actually part of the same story? That’s the philosophy at the heart of The Good Joint, a Gold Coast integrated health clinic where practitioners don’t just work in the same building, they work together. One Clinic, One Conversation .. A Team Built Around You Under the guidance of Founder and Head Chiropractor Luke Veverka, the team at The Good Joint brings together an exceptional group of women’s health specialists, among them Prue their Naturopath, Hollie their Acupuncturist, Victoria their Physiotherapist, alongside Chiropractor Julie (who also specialises in pregnancy care) and Remedial Massage Therapist and Manual Lymphatic Drainage practitioners Mikayla and Michele. Across chiropractic, acupuncture, naturopathy and massage, each practitioner is part of a connected conversation about your care. Women’s Health, From the Inside Out The team is particularly passionate about hormone regulation and nervous system support, two areas that are deeply intertwined and often underestimated in their influence on everything from energy and mood to pain, sleep, and recovery. “When your nervous system is dysregulated, or your hormones are out of sync, it affects your whole life,” the team explains. “Our goal is to look at the full picture, not just treat the symptom.” Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, recovering from pregnancy, managing chronic stress or simply want to feel more like yourself, Good Joint offers a warm, collaborative space to start that conversation. GOOD JOINT™ Stop Getting Passed Around.Everyone’s already here. thegoodjoint.com.au | 07 5651 65942563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Health and Wellness

Beat the Sunday Scaries: 7 Things to Try Before Monday

By Zahra Ciardi, Psychologist and founder of Ascendant Bali Sunday evening can sometimes feel like the weekend has ended before it actually has. Your thoughts shift towards Monday, unfinished tasks start circling and suddenly checking your inbox feels difficult to resist. Often called the ‘Sunday scaries’, this dread can be a form of anticipatory anxiety – anxiety driven by what might happen next. Interestingly, it’s often uncertainty rather than workload that fuels the feeling. A packed but predictable week may feel more manageable than a quiet one with a single unresolved issue. There is an important distinction, though. If you’re dreading Monday because you’re returning to a harmful workplace, manager or team, that anxiety has a known cause. These strategies may help manage the immediate feelings, but they won’t solve the underlying problem. Otherwise, try these seven things in the final hours of Sunday. 1. Clear your open loops Spend five minutes writing down unfinished tasks, questions and anything you’re worried about forgetting. Choose one or two priorities for Monday and leave the rest on the page. Getting those thoughts out of your head can free up valuable mental space. 2. Reality-check Monday Separate what you know will happen from what you’re predicting. Ask yourself what might be difficult but manageable and what support you have available. The aim isn’t to convince yourself everything will be perfect, but to bring your thinking back to what’s actually known. 3. Create a moment of control Make one decision, complete a small task or set a boundary. Even when you can’t control the bigger stressor, a genuine sense of agency can help reduce distress. 4. Leave something unresolved Resist the urge to plan away every unknown. Instead, deliberately leave one manageable thing unresolved until Monday. Learning to tolerate small amounts of uncertainty can gradually reduce the need to control every detail. 5. Check messages once If completely avoiding your inbox makes you more anxious, choose one time to check it. Set a firm limit and decide what genuinely requires action. Constant checking can briefly relieve uncertainty, but quickly becomes a cycle. 6. Set a finishing time Choose a realistic cut-off for work messages and planning, then create a physical transition into the rest of your evening. Take a walk, have a shower or change into comfortable clothes – anything that signals the working week hasn’t started yet. 7. Stop solving Monday in bed If anxiety is keeping you awake, add anything you’re worried about forgetting to your list. If you’re still alert, get up briefly and do something quiet in low light rather than reopening your inbox or returning to planning. The goal isn’t to eliminate every uncomfortable feeling about Monday. It’s to stop treating uncertainty like an emergency – and allow some things to remain unknown until morning.