In honour of Endometriosis Awareness Month, HELLO! caught up with nutritionist Hannah Alderson, who suffered so badly with endometriosis that she was unable to leave the house due to the pain.
Hannah now works to be a positive force in women’s lives, providing them with the knowledge and tools to navigate hormonal health and happiness - and get a handle on endometriosis symptoms.
Here, Hannah shares the one way she makes time for herself, and how it helps to balance her hormones and manage her endometriosis.
"Having dealt with hormonal dysfunction personally (PCOS and endometriosis), I have had to make time for myself a priority. Positive action, such as taking time for yourself, forms an important part of my lifestyle. It's an area that I get my clients to work on as it's crucial for balancing your hormones.
"Balancing your hormones goes far beyond just the food you eat – working with your nervous system is key. We can do this by reminding the body that it is safe. When we remind the body that it is safe, we can reduce elevated cortisol, to help us feel less stressed."
"I do this by treating myself to little pockets of happiness, things that spark joy and calm my body. An evening bath is my absolute go-to. I add a full mug of Epsom salt bath into a warm bath, and if I want some bubbles I use Tropic’s Monoi and Orange Flower Bath Foam or an Espa bath oil.
© Photo: Getty ImagesBaths help Hannah Alderson wind down
WEpsom salts are a fabulous hit of pure magnesium to the body, a mineral that is a relaxant. Your body absorbs this best through the skin, so it's wonderful to boost your levels in a bath.
"Low lighting is a must as this can aid sleep later in the evening because it supports the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
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"A couple of flickering candles and lights off does the trick. I usually use a facemask, something vitamin C serum based. I also make sure that I don't have my phone. As attractive as it is to take it into the bath for a scroll, the blue light exposure and stimulating nature of scrolling aren't ideal when you are looking to wind down. Plus, you’re not really switching off if you have your phone on.
"Music will often accompany a bath. I’m a big music fan. My playlist ranges from Dusty Springfield to Diana Ross to Disco to Classical to Motown and all the way to Roy Orbison and Ray Lamontagne – it all depends on what mood I am in.
"As well as easing my endometriosis, my bath is uninterrupted time for myself. I get a big endorphin rush from the relaxing warm water and it's a little ritual that seems to stop time for a bit. It allows me time to think and to pamper myself with a little self-care. It's rest.
"The stillness is what I love. I have young children, so stillness is not a common thing in the Alderson household. And I enjoy the lovely smells from my Chanel soap and Neom candle. I don’t get the chance to go to spas, so I bring the spa to me.
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