If a perimenopausal woman is asked, what is a midlife crisis, she’ll know the answer. It’s the loss of confidence and anxiety of these years, symptoms that are often completely unexpected. We knew about hot flushes, but noone told us our brains would fog over as well.
To help us all, we’re asking some of our favourite midlifers to share what’s in their midlife crisis survival kit. What are the things in their life that keep them feeling at the top of their game?
TV presenter and podcast host Gabby Logan is embracing her midlife years with the help of sleep spray, collagen supplements and a decent pair of yoga pants. We feel better already.
BLOOM & BLOSSOM ALL NIGHT LONG SLEEP SPRAY, £15
Sleep is everything and I am out like a light with this spray. I have had periods in my life where sleep hasn’t come easy to me, but for the last few years it’s been good. It’s falling asleep that I’ve struggled with in the past, rather than actually staying asleep.
I think that little rituals can help, as well as not being on screens late at night. Having some time to wind down is really important for a good night’s sleep too – even if it’s only an hour or so where you do very little before you go to bed.
SOLGAR COLLAGEN TABLETS, £37.25
A loss of elasticity in our skin is inevitable as we get older, but hopefully boosting collagen will help slow down the decline.
I’ve been taking these supplements for about 10 months now, and I do notice a difference from it. It is not just the face where collagen is important, it is also important in all our connective tissues and in our tendons too. So if you do any sport or training at all, I think you need these to be as strong as possible, so that your body is able to live up to your mind’s expectations!
LULULEMON ALIGN HR 28” YOGA PANTS, £88
I’ve tried a million different yoga leggings, but these work the best for me – I can do a tough practice and they still look good all day. I have been doing yoga on and off for about 12 years and I love the way it allows me to fully stretch my body while being dynamic and active at the same time. The hour passes so quickly, which is how I know my brain has been allowed to go somewhere else. I am determined to keep doing the splits until I have grandchildren – it’s the old gymnast in me!
TYG PROBIOTIC SPORTS DRINK, £31.20 for 12
I love this drink as I’m a big believer in gut health and the gut being the key to our overall wellbeing. I’m so much more aware of what I put in my body these days than what I put on it. The gut is the second brain, so feed it well.
My diet has changed a lot over the last 10 years. During the week, I try to avoid meat at home; I might have the odd bit of chicken, but I tend to have vegan meals or fish. I hardly ever buy red meat and when I do, I buy organic and locally sourced where possible. I just feel better for it.
NOBIS DOUBLE BREASTED COAT, £1395
It’s got magnetic buttons and it’s chic and warm for those cold outside broadcasts around the UK. I’ve spent too many years being a slave to fashion in the cold – I want style and substance now. When I was in my mid-30s, I started working with Charlotte Green, who was a friend first, but a wonderful stylist too. We do about two edits a year and one or two big shopping days and I feel so much more confident now about what suits me. I have broad shoulders and I’m not a skinny minny, but I think I know what works for my body. I like clean lines, crisp tailoring, nipped in at the waist coats and jackets. I would rather buy one great thing which lasts, than 10 items I throw out.
Gabby’s new podcast The Midpoint includes conversations with well-known women about their midlife challenges and expectations, and advice from experts including doctors, sleep gurus and nutritionists. You can subscribe here.
