13/ Our Core Things: Holding space for the new

🎙 10 ways to move into alignment 🧠 What to do to balance your hormones

Hey there, welcome to Issue #13

I’ve been deliberating this for a while - and have decided to update the name of my newsletter to Claudia Lee Studio, aligning my photography platform with the newsletter.

To me, a studio can stand for many things: a space for creativity, to connect with our bodies, to connect with ourselves and connect with art. Next week onwards, expect newsletters from ‘Claudia Lee Studio’ - hope you’ll continue to follow my journey despite the name change.

Source: Parametric Architecture

Overview:

• Podcast + Video: 10 Ways to Moving into Alignment

• Wellness: What to do to balance your hormones

• Product: Tony’s Chocolonely

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Podcast + Video: 10 ways to move into alignment | Claudia Lee

I’ll be filming more videos on lessons I’ve learnt through personal experience over the past few years. The past three years have been full of pivots and unexpected circumstances, but they’ve shaped me into a wiser, more resilient person.

This one is about 10 ways I move back into alignment when things feel ‘off’:
1️⃣ Journalling
2️⃣ Time in nature

Watch the Youtube video here to find out the rest! You can also listen on Spotify by clicking on the link below:

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Wellness: What to do to balance your hormones - advice from a hormone health expert

👁 Read time: 4 mins

Hormones regulate many bodily functions and are important messengers that deliver signals to our organs.  Having our hormones in balance is crucial for overall women’s wellbeing. 

Source: vogue.com

What are hormones? 

Hormones are produced by the endocrine glands, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and ovaries. Some of the primary hormones affecting women’s health include:

Source: protgold.com

1. Estrogen: Essential for reproductive and sexual health, bone density, and cardiovascular function.

2. Progesterone: Works with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy

3. Testosterone: Although often considered a male hormone, testosterone is also present in women. The hormone plays a role in muscle mass, libido, and mood regulation. 

4. Thyroid Hormones: Regulate metabolism, energy levels, and overall growth and development.

5. Cortisol: Known as the stress hormone, it helps the body respond to stress but can cause problems when levels are too high or too low.

6. Insulin: Manages blood sugar levels and energy storage.

Signs of hormonal imbalances 

Symptoms of a hormone imbalance can vary depending on the birth gender, and what gland is affected. In women, symptoms can include: 

• Infertility 

• Irregular periods

• Mood Swings 

• Constipation or diarrhea 

• Low libido 

• Insomnia

• Acne

Hormone imbalances can happen when our endocrine glands are not functioning properly. It can also be triggered by other factors, such as chronic stress, poor diet / nutrition, birth control medications, exposure to toxins, pollutants and endocrine disrupting chemicals. Women will experience periods of natural hormonal imbalance at multiple stages of their lives, including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause (including perimenopause / postmenopause). 

What can we do to improve hormone health? 

Hormone health may not be the first thing that comes to mind amidst a packed daily schedule. Holistic hormone coach Kate Ashton shares the top three things busy women can do to balance their hormones: 

Source: Livestrong.com

1. Get outside or open the window first thing to experience some early morning light.  Light exposure on the ‘suprachiasmatic nucleus’ behind the eye switches on the endocrine system. 

2. Always have breakfast and ensure it is rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats.  This will balance your blood sugar and prevent cortisol spikes.  If you drink coffee make sure you drink it after breakfast.  

3. Manage stress.  If the body is creating stress hormones it will not be producing adequate sex hormones.  Stress can include over exercising, under eating, life stress, unstable blood sugars, extreme temperatures, work stress, environmental stress.  Learn to recognise your triggers and put management strategies in place to  alleviate stress (deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, journalling, reducing cardio, spend time in nature, spend time with loved ones, set boundaries).

In summary:
Hormone health is an essential factor of overall health, due to the part hormones play in the regulation of our bodily systems and our mood.Treatment for a hormonal imbalance depends on what is causing it. Treatment may involve injections or medication; however, there are also natural ways to maintain hormone health. It is best to approach a medical practitioner if you observe symptoms of hormonal imbalance. 

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Product: Tony’s Chocolonely

This chocolate brand is what first drew my attention to the problems in cocoa supply chains. Corruption, extremely low wages and child labour are still common in cocoa supply chains. Tony’s Chocolonely’s mission is to make ‘100% slave free’ the norm in chocolate. To remind consumers of the inequality in cocoa supply chains, the founders even cut the bar unevenly - their slogan is “crazy about chocolate, serious about people.”

Source: tonyschocolonely.com

The Favourite: Dark Milk 42% - Full, creamy milk chocolate with the bite and punch of dark chocolate. 42% cocoa

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