Are you so tired of all this insomnia? Get better sleep starting tonight
Plus! THE best list of easy, nostalgic Halloween costumes for us GALs!
BeWell | The Midst beauty, style & wellness newsletter
Exclusive for subscribers to The Midst Substack
Lowering your stress today means better sleep tonight
BY ANNE HOLUB
Sometimes a GAL just needs an uninterrupted night of snoozing — is that too much to ask for? But so many things can weigh on our minds and keep us in that trap of not getting enough rest, freaking out about how tired we are, and then being a real B to everyone in our lives. How do you get yourself out of the feedback loop of perimenopausal stress, insomnia, and irritability? Here are some tips:
“Without enough sleep, we all become tall 2-year-olds.” — JoJo Jensen
Block that blue light
You’ve heard a million times that screens before bed are a bad idea, but do you really listen? It’s not just good for your eyes to lower the amount of blue light from computers, phones, and even TVs — it’s also good for your brain. Bright lights of all types can interrupt your body’s natural production of melatonin, the important hormone that helps us get sleepy.
Make your bedroom an oasis (for sleep)
Don’t forget that your bed should be where you sleep – not work! Don’t be tempted to bring that laptop to bed with you. Try to keep your room just for sleeping (and, ahem, other nightly pursuits) – just avoid adding your daytime stressors to what should be a place to relax. Try splurging on cooling sheets, pajamas, and even wearables that can keep hot flashes from interrupting your sleep.
Start winding down early
You need to wind down so your brain can get used to the idea of bedtime. Experts note that you should start your going-to-bed routine 30–60 minutes before you want to be lights-out. That can mean doing a little self-care like a long shower, some skin treatments, or changing into some breathable pajamas with plenty of time to spare before you want to snooze.
Don’t cheat with naps
While it can be tempting to make up lost sleep at night with a little nap on the couch, it actually can upset your body’s regular sleep routine. Instead, try to power through those especially rough days with exercise or other activities that will energize your afternoons instead of prolonging bedtime.
With some dedication to your well-being at night, your days can start to feel brighter, too — even with perimenopause.
Halloween costume ideas for midlife GALs
In our 40s, we may not have the interest in going out to an all-night rager, but for holidays like Halloween, we might make an exception. If you love getting dressed up but aren’t full of inspiration, try one of these ideas on for size.
The My So-Called Life Costume
You loved the saga of “will they or won’t they” of the too-brief television show, “My So-Called Life,” so tap into that Claire Danes energy with a comfy costume.
(Temporary) Red Hair Dye
A comfy flannel shirt around the waist
Baggy jeans
A wistful shrug whenever the boy of your dreams walks by
The Singles Costume
Pick your favorite female co-star from Cameron Crowe’s Seattle love story, Singles.
Debbie Hunt, who tried (and failed?) at video dating:
Some fabulous earrings (that everyone hates, but she loves)
Powersuit with shoulder pads and some cleavage
A sassy attitude
Linda Powell, who got duped by a fake foreign date:
Extra garage door openers
Greenpeace T-shirt (for her dream job)
Jeans perfect for “always” going out dancing to local grunge bands
Janet Livermore, who is crushing hard on loser musicians:
Black short-brim hat
Jean shorts and tights (she makes it work)
Doc Martens boots
T-shirt professing her love for her fella’s band, “Citizen Dick”
Press rewind — to '80s Halloween costumes!
Back in the days of our Gen X youth, Halloween had a certain mainstream fangirl quality that just screamed, “I love this TV show and my parents got me this costume!” Let’s tap into those vibes with some Saturday morning cartoon favorites.
Jem — glamour and glitter, fashion and fame:
Go for a two-tone ‘80s hair (pink for Jem, and blond for her unassuming alter-ego, Jerrica)
Short, pink, ‘80s-style dress with lots of sparkle.
Big earrings you can use to become your rockstar self in a flash!
Strawberry Shortcake — more than just great-smelling hair:
Try for a cute strawberry-themed ensemble, like a red dress with a white apron on top.
Bring lots of strawberry-themed treats to the party!
Keep saying, “They’re berry, berry good!” whenever you give one out.
Rainbow Brite — never underestimate the power of a cartoon created by a greeting card company:
(It’s actually coming back to TV soon!)
If you don’t have a horse with a rainbow-colored mane and tail, go for a white “hobby horse” instead. (It’s a thing.)
Silver “moon boots” from your raving days and a blue fit-and-flair dress make this outfit great for dancing.
Add some rainbow arm-warmers!
Pump up a big, blond ponytail and some French-bob bangs to complete the look.
Get all your buds to dress in monochromatic outfits of their choice and build your color crew to fight for … protecting Rainbowland, I guess?
OMG! F#ck Middle Age was a BLAST!
Stay tuned for our fabulous recaps! In the meantime, be sure to check out The Midst on Instagram for stories upon stories of our glorious conference!
Thank you for reading the BeWell newsletter!
X, Lauria, Head of Editorial & Content at The Midst
The Midst is a woman-owned business on a mission to empower women in midlife.