Hi Subscriber First Name

I’m face-down on the physio bed, head poking through the blue tissue hole.

“I think it’s 50/50,” the young, handsome physio said after I’d tried to explain what my body has been through since a triplet pregnancy.

“What do you mean?”

“Well 50% of the problem is from lifting but 50% is just stress.”

Turns out that when you’re in a high-stress environment (my fight or flight is triggered many times a day by shouting/crying/fighting/kamikaze triplets), your brain sends a stress hormone to initiate a process that leads your traps and shoulders to hike up and your back to round. As if you were bracing for impact.

It made so much sense.

My brain is getting so much stimuli that is telling it I’m in trouble that it’s trying to do what it can to protect me. I’m sure anyone who’s looked after toddlers can relate.

We stayed in a lovely hotel in Broadstairs with a sea view. We ran along the beach, I had a long, uninterrupted bath, then put my sparkles on and danced to a Christmas music channel on the dated hotel TV whilst James waited for me in the bar. Full of Christmas cheer, we went to a cosy pub, pulled crackers and had a festive meal. God, it was bliss. It was a slice of Christmas just for us.

One thing that surprised me, was my resting heart rate actually dropped to pre-triplet levels. I think it's because all the background stress and fight-or-flight actually stopped. I 100% recommend everyone to start a Christmas tradition just for you.

Reminder: I’ve popped the replay of Have Yourself A Mum-Guilt-Free Christmas up on the Facebook group and would love to hear which of the ELF steps resonate with you.

Keep calm this Christmas

Much love 🙏🏽

Leila (and the triplets) xxx