The Daily Grind: an uphill battle

Ah, the life of a working woman: balancing deadlines, back-to-back meetings, overflowing inboxes, and the occasional coffee break that barely scratches the surface. We used to thrive on the buzz of it all!

But let’s be honest—these days, even the simplest tasks can feel like climbing Mount Everest. The things we once breezed through now demand Herculean effort. It’s baffling how everything that felt so manageable pre-perimenopause has morphed into monumental challenges, soaked in brain fog and clouded thoughts.

Brain fog and festive frenzy

And just when you think you’re getting a handle on it, in rolls the Christmas season—bringing with it a sleigh-load of added pressure.

Suddenly, you’re coordinating office parties, fielding Secret Santa chaos, managing family plans, and sorting out freezer space for festive food. The seasonal cheer? Supposed to be joyful. But let’s be real—it often feels like a never-ending to-do list that ratchets up your anxiety.

Ever find your attention drifting mid-meeting, hijacked by mental reminders to buy crackers, schedule the kids’ playdates, or figure out when you’re supposed to pick up the tree? You’re physically present, but mentally you’re planning logistics while clinging to your coffee like a life raft.

You feel out of sync—like you're watching your life unfold from the sidelines, biscuit in hand, just muddling through.

My friends, you are not alone

We all know menopause is natural—but what we don’t talk about enough is how deeply it impacts women at work. Mood swings, brain fog, disrupted sleep, hot flashes... and don’t get us started on the random pins and needles in your feet. These symptoms aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re career-disrupting.

The shift we never saw coming

We were all in our mid-30s (some of you still are!)—thriving at work, loving the pace, confident in our roles. Never imagining the biggest obstacle to doing our jobs would one day be... ourselves.

Then came perimenopause.

Brain fog, exhaustion, and mood swings showed up uninvited, turning the parts of work we once loved—organising events, leading meetings, even post-work drinks—into uphill battles. In heels.

These days? We’d rather hide in a quiet room with a chocolate bar and pretend Outlook isn’t real. And don’t even mention those never-ending email threads. Outlook has become the new WhatsApp: 30-minute message chains that could’ve been wrapped up in a five-minute phone call.

Sound familiar?

Layering the mental load

Keeping up with everyday life is already exhausting—home chores, bills, school runs (if you’ve got kids), and making sure there’s something vaguely edible in the fridge. But in the run-up to Christmas, the mental load skyrockets.

You’re suddenly juggling Christmas tree timing, freezer logistics, fairy lights, and that wreath-making party you said yes to when you still had energy. You still have to show up for work, show up for your family, and somehow not lose yourself in the process.

And then there's the Christmas party outfit dilemma—trying to find something that hides the muffin top and the concave stomach (yes, it’s a thing), because your body doesn’t fit clothes the way it used to. And no, it’s not the mince pies.

Your shape is changing—because you’re changing.

All those squats, walks, and extra movement you squeeze in to keep your dopamine levels up? They're reshaping you—building muscle, resilience, and a body that’s working hard for you. This isn’t something to hide. It’s something to own. You’re stronger. You’re adapting. You’re evolving.

And then... the family schedule lands

Just when you think you're managing it all, in comes the family’ schedule. Sports, school performances, festive playdates, birthday parties, and gift lists. And don’t forget your own social life—your friends are busy in the group chat sharing updates about how they’ve “already done everything” and oh yes, they’ve booked their summer 2026 flights.

Honestly? You don’t need that energy.

What you need is to move at your own pace. Stick to your schedule. Write everything down in your planner or journal so brain fog doesn’t trip you up (again). You’re not behind—you’re doing things your way: calm, considered, and in control.

You can’t do it all—and you don’t have to

As a working woman, wife, and mother, let me tell you the truth: you cannot do it all—not without help.

And you shouldn’t have to.

Festive events and holidays don’t need to send you into burnout. You can protect your energy, prioritise your well-being, and still show up with flair. You deserve that.

Whether you’re planning a work event, searching for a venue that’s not a repeat of last year, or organising a home party from scratch—we’ve got your back.

Need trusted suppliers for hampers? A marquee? A caterer? A florist? A molecular cocktail mixologist (because, why not)? A magician, musician, or entertainer for the kids? We can help.

Our free concierge service is here again this Christmas to make your life easier. No strings. No pressure. Just tried-and-tested, unsolicited recommendations from our trusted network. You send us an email via Contact Us. We send you the supplier contact details. You exhale.

And the best part? While we take care of the suppliers, you take back the time. To go for a walk. To get your hair done. To read that book you keep moving from one pile to another. Or to just be.

We created Menonet for women like us

To every amazing woman balancing work, home, hormones, and the holidays: take a breath. You’re doing enough.

We created Menonet because we needed it—space, support, sanity. And now we’re sharing it with you. All the tools, resources, and real talk that can make this season not just bearable, but meaningful.

With the right mindset, the right support, and maybe a great herbal tea (or a well-deserved glass of wine), you can absolutely get through this season—and maybe even enjoy it.

Because we are women. We are resourceful, resilient, and powerful.
And menopausal or not—we can still do anything we set our minds to.