SOCIAL MEDIA

Wellness Reset in Your 40s: What Works and What Fails

January 02, 2026


If your go-to wellness habits from your 30s suddenly feel ineffective, you are not imagining things. Your 40s represent a distinct physiological and psychological shift. Hormonal changes, slower metabolism, higher stress loads, and cumulative lifestyle wear and tear all converge during this decade.

The good news is that a wellness reset in your 40s can be more powerful than any detox, cleanse, or extreme program. The key is discernment. This stage of life rewards sustainability, consistency, and evidence-based habits over quick fixes.

This guide breaks down what actually works for midlife wellness and what quietly undermines long-term health, using both expert insight and practical, real-life context.

What a “Wellness Reset” Really Means in Your 40s

A true wellness reset is not about starting over. It is about recalibration.

In your 40s, wellness shifts from performance to preservation. The goals evolve from aesthetics and output to energy, mobility, disease prevention, and mental clarity.

The Core Pillars of a Midlife Reset

A sustainable reset focuses on five interconnected pillars:
  • Hormonal balance
  • Metabolic health
  • Muscle and bone preservation
  • Stress regulation
  • Sleep quality

Ignoring any one of these often leads to frustration, burnout, or health plateaus.

What Actually Works for Wellness in Your 40s

Strength Training Is No Longer Optional

After 40, adults lose muscle mass at a faster rate, a process known as sarcopenia. This directly affects metabolism, insulin sensitivity, posture, and joint health.

Strength training two to four times a week improves:
  • Blood sugar control
  • Bone density
  • Balance and fall prevention
  • Long-term weight maintenance

In the Philippine context, this does not require a premium gym membership. Resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, and even functional movements like squats, step-ups, and carrying groceries all contribute meaningfully.

Prioritizing Protein Intake

Many adults in their 40s unknowingly under-consume protein, especially women. Protein supports muscle repair, satiety, immune health, and stable energy levels.

Traditional Filipino meals can be protein-forward with small adjustments:
  • Add eggs or fish to breakfast
  • Choose grilled or stewed viands over fried
  • Balance rice portions with vegetables and protein

The goal is not restriction but adequacy.

Managing Stress as a Health Strategy

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which directly impacts belly fat, blood pressure, sleep quality, and inflammation.

In midlife, stress management becomes preventative care.

Effective strategies include:
  • Daily walking, especially outdoors
  • Breathwork or prayer-based reflection
  • Reducing digital overload
  • Setting firmer boundaries around work hours

Stress resilience often matters more than stress elimination.

Sleep as a Non-Negotiable

Sleep disruptions increase during the 40s due to hormonal shifts and heightened mental load. Poor sleep worsens insulin resistance, mood, and cognitive performance.

Improving sleep hygiene delivers outsized benefits:
  • Consistent sleep and wake times
  • Reducing caffeine after mid-afternoon
  • Lowering screen exposure at night
  • Creating a cooler, darker sleep environment

Sleep is not a luxury. It is a biological requirement.

What Doesn’t Work Anymore and Why

Extreme Dieting and Cleanses

Juice cleanses, ultra-low-calorie plans, and carb elimination may produce short-term weight loss but often backfire in midlife.

These approaches:
  • Disrupt hormones
  • Slow metabolism
  • Increase muscle loss
  • Trigger rebound weight gain

In your 40s, sustainability beats severity.

Overtraining Without Recovery

More exercise is not always better. High-intensity workouts without adequate recovery elevate injury risk and chronic fatigue.

Recovery practices like mobility work, rest days, and adequate nutrition are no longer optional. They are integral to progress.

Chasing Every Wellness Trend

Cold plunges, supplements, and biohacking tools may look appealing, but they often distract from foundational habits.

If sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress are not addressed first, advanced wellness tools offer diminishing returns.

A Smarter Wellness Reset Framework

Focus on Consistency Over Intensity

The most effective wellness routines in your 40s are boring in the best way. They are repeatable, flexible, and realistic.

Small actions compounded over time outperform dramatic changes that cannot be sustained.

Personalize Your Approach

Midlife health is not one-size-fits-all. Menopause, perimenopause, chronic conditions, and genetic factors all influence what works.

Consulting with a physician or registered nutrition professional helps tailor interventions and rule out underlying issues such as insulin resistance or thyroid imbalance.

Redefine Success

Wellness in your 40s is not just about weight. It is about:
  • Stable energy throughout the day
  • Fewer aches and pains
  • Better focus and mood
  • Confidence in your body’s resilience

Progress often shows up in how you feel before it shows up on the scale.

The Bottom Line: The Best Reset Is the One You Can Maintain

A wellness reset in your 40s is less about reinvention and more about refinement. This decade rewards wisdom, patience, and self-awareness.

By focusing on strength, nourishment, rest, and stress regulation, you build a foundation that supports not just your 40s but the decades beyond.

Wellness at midlife is not about doing more. It is about doing what matters most, consistently.
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How to Build a Self-Care Routine That Actually Works for Real Life

December 28, 2025


Self-care is one of those concepts that sounds simple in theory but feels surprisingly hard to practice consistently. We save posts about morning routines, buy planners with wellness trackers, and promise ourselves that “next week” we will finally slow down. Then real life happens. Work deadlines pile up, family responsibilities take over, traffic eats into your day, and rest becomes negotiable.

If you have ever felt like self-care routines work for everyone else but not for you, you are not alone. The truth is that effective self-care is not about copying someone else’s habits. It is about building a routine that fits your lifestyle, values, and energy levels, especially in the context of everyday life.

This guide breaks down how to create a self-care routine that is realistic, sustainable, and actually supportive, not another item on your to-do list.

What Self-Care Really Means Beyond Aesthetics

Before building a routine, it helps to reset expectations.

Self-care is not limited to spa days, expensive retreats, or perfectly curated mornings. At its core, self-care is the intentional practice of maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional well-being so you can function better in your daily life.

For adults, self-care often needs to coexist with strong family ties, work demands, and social obligations. That means it should feel grounding and practical, not indulgent or guilt-inducing.

True self-care supports you in three key ways:
  1. It helps you manage stress and prevent burnout
  2. It improves your physical and mental health over time
  3. It allows you to show up better for work, family, and yourself

Start With Self-Awareness, Not a Checklist

Identify What Drains and Restores You

The most effective self-care routines begin with awareness, not action. Instead of asking, “What should I be doing?” ask, “What do I actually need?”

Take note of:
  • Activities that consistently drain your energy
  • Situations that trigger stress or overwhelm
  • Moments when you feel calm, focused, or recharged

For example, long commutes, constant notifications, or skipping meals may be draining you more than you realize. On the other hand, quiet mornings, short walks, journaling, or even cooking can be surprisingly restorative.

This reflection helps ensure your routine addresses real needs, not trends.

Understand Your Current Season of Life

Your self-care routine should evolve with your circumstances. A college student, a working professional, and a parent will all require different approaches.

Ask yourself:
  • How much time and energy do I realistically have?
  • What responsibilities are non-negotiable right now?
  • What support systems do I already have?

Designing a routine that fits your current season makes it more likely to stick.

Build Your Routine Around Small, Consistent Habits

One of the biggest reasons self-care routines fail is that they are too ambitious. A routine that requires waking up at 5 a.m., preparing multiple meals, and completing a full workout is hard to maintain when life gets busy.

Instead, focus on small habits that are easy to repeat.

Examples include:
  • Drinking a full glass of water after waking up
  • Taking five deep breaths before opening your phone
  • Stretching for five minutes before bed
  • Writing one sentence in a journal at night

These small actions compound over time and create a sense of stability.

Anchor Habits to Existing Routines

Habit stacking makes self-care feel natural rather than forced. Attach new habits to things you already do.

For instance:
  • Practice gratitude while brushing your teeth
  • Stretch while waiting for your coffee to brew
  • Do breathing exercises during your commute or before logging in to work

This approach reduces friction and increases consistency.

Address the Core Areas of Self-Care

Physical Self-Care

Physical self-care does not require a gym membership. It starts with basics that are often overlooked.

Focus on:
  • Sleep quality and consistent rest schedules
  • Balanced meals, even simple home-cooked ones
  • Daily movement like walking, cleaning, or stretching

Even short walks around the neighborhood or dancing at home can count as movement. The goal is regularity, not intensity.

Mental and Emotional Self-Care

Mental self-care involves managing your inner world, especially in a culture where emotional labor and resilience are often expected.

Helpful practices include:
  • Setting boundaries around work hours
  • Limiting social media consumption
  • Journaling to process thoughts and emotions
  • Talking to trusted friends or seeking professional help when needed

Normalizing emotional check-ins helps prevent stress from silently building up.

Social and Relational Self-Care

While connections are a source of strength, they can also become draining if boundaries are unclear.

Self-care can look like:
  • Saying no without over-explaining
  • Prioritizing relationships that feel supportive
  • Allowing yourself quiet time, even if you are usually expected to be available

Protecting your energy allows you to show up more authentically for others.

Make Your Routine Flexible, Not Rigid

A routine that only works when everything goes well will fail during stressful weeks.

Create a “minimum version” of your self-care routine. On low-energy days, self-care might simply be:
  • Taking a proper lunch break
  • Stepping outside for fresh air
  • Going to bed earlier

This mindset removes the pressure to be perfect and keeps self-care accessible.

Review and Adjust Regularly

Your needs will change over time. Revisit your routine every few weeks and ask:
  • Which habits feel supportive?
  • Which ones feel forced or unnecessary?
  • What needs to change?

Self-care is a living practice, not a fixed formula.

Let Go of Guilt and Comparison

One of the most important aspects of sustainable self-care is mindset.

Avoid comparing your routine to influencers or productivity gurus. What works for them may not work for you. Self-care is not a competition or a performance.

Remember:
  • Rest is productive
  • Doing less can sometimes mean caring more
  • Your worth is not tied to how much you accomplish in a day

Choosing yourself consistently is an act of responsibility, not selfishness.

Why Self-Care Is a Long-Term Investment

When practiced intentionally, self-care improves focus, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life. Over time, it can help prevent burnout, support better relationships, and improve health outcomes.

For adults juggling multiple roles, self-care is not about escape. It is about sustainability. It allows you to live fully, not just function.

Building a self-care routine that actually works requires honesty, patience, and compassion for yourself. Start small, stay flexible, and focus on what genuinely supports your well-being.

Self-care is not something you earn after exhaustion. It is something you practice so exhaustion does not take over.


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Feeling Burnt Out After the Holidays? Why “Bed Rotting” Might Be the Reset You Actually Need

December 23, 2025


The holidays are supposed to feel joyful, but let’s be honest. By the time Christmas week wraps up, many Filipinos are already running on empty. Between braving crowded malls, hopping from one reunion to another, cooking for Noche Buena, waking up early for Simbang Gabi, and trying to keep up with work and family obligations, exhaustion is almost guaranteed.

So if all you want to do is crawl into bed and stay there for a while, you are not alone. Enter the Gen Z-approved self-care trend called bed rotting, and according to mental health experts, there is a healthy way to do it.

What Is Bed Rotting, Really?

Despite the slightly dramatic name, bed rotting is simply about giving yourself permission to rest without guilt. It means spending intentional time in bed doing things that help you decompress. That could be sleeping in, watching your favorite K-drama, scrolling through social media, snacking, or even doing absolutely nothing at all.

“It’s natural to want to step away from constant busyness and just breathe,” shares Dr. Anna Marie Lantano, a psychiatrist from Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). In a world that glorifies being productive 24/7, choosing to pause can feel almost rebellious.

While the term gained popularity on TikTok, the idea itself is far from new. Other cultures have practiced similar concepts for years. In the Netherlands, niksen encourages embracing idleness. In Italy, dolce far niente celebrates the joy of doing nothing. Bed rotting is simply the modern, digital-age version of rest.

Why Bed Rotting Feels So Appealing to Filipinos

Filipino culture is deeply rooted in family, hospitality, and showing up for others. During the holidays, that often means putting everyone else first. You host, cook, travel, and attend events, even when you are already tired.

That’s why bed rotting resonates. It offers a rare chance to turn the focus inward.

“Bed rotting isn’t about being lazy when done intentionally,” explains Dr. Lantano. “It’s about allowing yourself to take a break from the world.”

When practiced correctly, it can help reset your mental and emotional state before you return to your usual responsibilities.

The Fine Line Between Self-Care and Self-Sabotage

As comforting as bed rotting sounds, mental health experts warn that boundaries matter. Rest should restore you, not isolate you from real life indefinitely.

Set a Time Limit

Dr. Lantano advises scheduling your bed rotting session on a free day or weekend when you truly have time off. One day is often enough to feel refreshed. Letting it stretch on too long can make it harder to re-engage with work, family, and daily routines.

Check Your Motivation

Ask yourself why you want to stay in bed. If it is to rest and recharge, that’s healthy. If it becomes a way to avoid difficult emotions, responsibilities, or certain people, it may be time to pause and reassess.

How to Do Bed Rotting the Right Way

There is no strict rulebook for bed rotting, but there are smarter ways to make it beneficial rather than draining.

Keep Work Out of Bed

Turning your bed into a workspace defeats the purpose of resting. Avoid checking emails, replying to your boss, or finishing presentations while you are supposed to be on a mental health break.

“Resist the urge to be productive,” Dr. Lantano says. Instead, give yourself permission to watch shows, relax, or simply rest without distractions.

Mix Digital and Offline Activities

Scrolling can be soothing, but balance is key. Try reading an actual book instead of endlessly refreshing Facebook. Call a friend instead of sending a quick message.

“Bed rotting doesn’t mean cutting yourself off from the world,” Dr. Lantano clarifies. “It can also be a chance to reconnect with loved ones through voice or video calls.”

Nap Smart, Not Long

Sleep is naturally part of bed rotting, but long daytime naps may disrupt your nighttime sleep.

A short nap after lunch is usually enough to recharge without throwing off your sleep schedule later in the evening.

Move Every Few Hours

Even during rest days, your body still needs movement. Dr. Lantano recommends getting out of bed every two to three hours to stretch or walk around.

This simple habit helps improve circulation and reduces the risk of stiffness and blood clots, especially if you have been lying down for long periods.

Let Go of the Guilt

Perhaps the most important rule of bed rotting is this: do not feel guilty about resting.

“Guilt has no place in a mental health day,” says Dr. Lantano. Think of bed rotting as a reward for everything you have done for others throughout the year. When you return to your routine feeling more rested, everyone benefits.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the urge to stay in bed lasts for weeks or comes with persistent sadness, loss of motivation, or withdrawal from loved ones, it may be a sign of something deeper than burnout. In those cases, consulting a mental health professional is an important step.

Makati Medical Center continues to advocate for accessible mental health care and encourages Filipinos to prioritize emotional well-being just as much as physical health.
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Crosswalk Tower by Vista Residences Honored as Best New Launch Condominium Development at DOT Property Southeast Asia Awards 2025

December 17, 2025


Vista Residences, the condominium arm of Vista Land, the Philippines’ leading integrated property developer, received top recognition at the DOT Property Southeast Asia Awards 2025 as Best New Launch Condominium Development for Crosswalk Tower. The program is regarded as one of the most esteemed in real estate, gathering developers, projects, and industry leaders across the region to honor excellence in design, innovation, sustainability, and community impact.


The DOT Property Southeast Asia Awards 2025 was a benchmark for outstanding performance in the built environment. Recipients were selected through an evaluation process, naming organizations that demonstrate strength in planning, construction, market leadership, and long-term wealth creation. Accepting the award were Vista Land Chief Operating Officer Mary Lee S. Sadiasa and Vista Residences Group Head Engr. Michael R. Palisoc. 


In a separate interview, Palisoc stated, “This distinction not only celebrates our condominiums that champion the spirit of living above it all, but also empowers our residents in stepping confidently through every successful stage in life. We share this honor with our investors and business partners whose trust in our vision continues to raise us higher.”

This recognition affirms Vista Residences’ strong position in the condominium sector, supported by its portfolio of business-centric, transit-connected, and university-clustered properties built to meet the evolving needs of students, professionals, and starting families. Crosswalk Tower continues the commitment to creating high-quality high-rise residences that balance convenience, security, and long-term investment potential.

Take a step in the right direction


Inspired by the concept of a crosswalk—a marked track that allows people to safely traverse streets and reach their destinations—Vista Residences refines this idea through a condominium property that symbolizes the journey toward achieving aspirations. Offering a supportive environment where residents can pursue their ambitions, Crosswalk Tower creates pathways for them to advance in their personal and professional lives.

About 30 minutes from Cubao, Ortigas Center, Makati, and Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the 46-storey high-rise will be served by a road network more expansive than any other city in the national capital. Its proximity to retail destinations such as Shangri-La Plaza and Estancia Mall provides access to a range of lifestyle and entertainment options.


Designed to accommodate varied lifestyles, Crosswalk offers stylish studios to spacious three-bedroom units. Its low-density layout has been crafted to meet contemporary needs, ensuring every living space remains practical and purposeful. Beyond its strategic location, the high-rise development delivers amenities including a gym, cinema suite, infinity pool with Jacuzzi, and a roof deck. Crosswalk represents choice and change—inviting residents to make meaningful decisions and walk with confidence towards what comes next.

For information on Vista Residences, visit www.vistaresidences.com.ph, follow @VistaResidencesOfficial, or contact (0999) 886 4262 and (0917) 582 5167.

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Why Your Liver Needs Love This Holiday Season: Essentiale Forte P and Ogie Alcasid Share a Timely Reminder

December 08, 2025


The holidays are officially in full swing and with reunion dinners, back-to-back parties, and endless servings of lechon, bibingka, queso de bola, and cocktails, one part of your body will be working overtime: your liver.

We tend to pay attention to our heart when it aches, our stomach when it feels full, or our skin when it breaks out. But the liver? It quietly works in the background, keeping your body functioning smoothly even when you’ve had one too many holiday indulgences. This season, Essentiale Forte P, the country’s No. 1 liver care supplement, wants to put the spotlight on this hardworking organ  with none other than OPM legend Ogie Alcasid helping spread the message.

Your Liver: The Holiday MVP You Often Forget


At 58, Ogie Alcasid knows the importance of taking care of his health, especially during the busiest season of the year. Just like how forte in music means strong and powerful, he gives that same level of strength to his liver with Phospholipids (Essentiale Forte P).

And the reminder couldn’t come at a better time.

Unlike other organs, the liver rarely sends out early warning signs when it’s struggling. Many experts say, “You don’t feel liver disease, you discover it.” That’s why prevention and early care matter, especially when you’re eating richer meals and drinking more than usual.

Why Holiday Habits Push Your Liver to Its Limits

Your liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, processing nutrients, regulating metabolism, and breaking down fat, a workload that dramatically increases during the holidays.

According to Dr. Dex Macalintal, a healthy liver supports everything from hormones to energy levels to your immune system. But when it’s overworked or stressed, toxins accumulate, inflammation rises, and problems like fatigue, dull skin, and even mood dips can show up.

Many people only think about liver health when lab tests reveal elevated results or when subtle symptoms appear. But why wait until then?

How Essentiale Forte P Helps Support Your Liver

Made with natural soya-derived phospholipids, Phospholipids (Essentiale Forte P) helps strengthen, rebuild, and protect liver cells giving the organ added support during heavy eating and drinking months.

Its highly absorbable formula helps the body use it efficiently, and according to ASEA Zone Brand Lead Midha Mulyaningrum, combining the supplement with healthier habits can help reduce liver fat 2.5 times more effectively than lifestyle changes alone.

Ogie himself incorporates it into his daily routine, along with proper sleep, movement, balanced meals, and spiritual grounding. “Praying and worshiping keep us balanced and grounded,” he shares a reminder that wellness is holistic, not just physical.

Tips for Liver-Friendly Holiday Celebrations

Moderation remains one of the most effective ways to protect your liver. Dr. Macalintal suggests:
  • Eat slowly and mindfully
  • Drink water between alcoholic beverages
  • Give yourself “nutritional recovery days” with fruits and vegetables
  • Get enough sleep, as the liver detoxifies more actively at night
  • Schedule a baseline liver function test at least once a year

Small steps can go a long way, especially for an organ that rarely asks for attention.

Championing Liver Health for Filipinos

Beyond offering liver support, Essentiale Forte P is pushing for stronger awareness, especially since over 18 million Filipinos are affected by or at risk of fatty liver disease.

To help Filipinos assess their own risk, the brand offers a quick online assessment:

Essentiale Forte P is also partnering with experts to educate the public on simple, everyday choices that support long-term liver wellness.

Holiday Deals That Make Wellness More Accessible

Good news for those looking to start their liver care routine this season! Essentiale Forte P is offering special holiday promos:
  • ₱20 off on the 10s pack at Mercury Drug
  • Discounts at Watsons and Southstar Drug
  • Online deals via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop

Taking care of your liver doesn’t have to be expensive — and these seasonal promos make it even easier.

Final Reminder: Celebrate the Season, But Care for Your Liver Too

As Ogie puts it, “At my age, it’s important to set limits so you have energy for the days ahead.”

Your liver works silently, tirelessly, and faithfully  especially during the holidays. With mindful habits and the added support of Essentiale Forte P, you can enjoy the festivities without sacrificing your long-term health.
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Winter Travel Health Tips

December 01, 2025


Filipinos love a good winter escape. Maybe it’s because we live in a tropical country where 30°C days are normal, or maybe it’s our K-drama dreams of snow-covered streets and cozy scarves. Whatever the reason, spending Christmas and New Year in chilly destinations has become a trend among Filipino travelers. But before you fly off to Japan, Korea or Hong Kong for a cold-weather adventure, it’s important to know how to stay healthy while enjoying those icy views.

More Pinoys Are Celebrating the Holidays Abroad

According to a 2024 Department of Tourism report, more than 655,000 Filipinos chose to spend the holidays abroad. And the top winter favorites were nearby countries with cool December climates:
  • Hong Kong at around 14°C
  • Japan, which can drop to 2°C
  • South Korea, where temperatures may reach -1°C

These temperatures are refreshing for us, but cold and dry air can also trigger illnesses, especially in crowded tourist spots.

Cold Weather Can Affect Your Health

Dr. Sheryll M. Cornejo, General Practitioner at Makati Medical Center, explains that chilly weather can make you more prone to respiratory infections. Common conditions include:
  • Colds
  • Flu
  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia
  • COVID-19

Cold weather may also make chronic issues feel worse, such as asthma, arthritis and COPD.

For those planning outdoor activities like skiing or sightseeing in snowy streets, there are additional risks like frostbite, hypothermia and chilblains. But don’t worry. Proper preparation can help keep your vacation safe.

Prepare for Your Winter Getaway

1.Check the Weather Before You Go

Dr. Cornejo recommends reviewing the weather patterns of your chosen destination. Aside from temperature, look out for snowfall, icy winds, sleet and possible blizzards. These details guide you in packing the right clothing and planning safe itineraries.

2. Update Your Travel Health Kit

Before your trip, consider getting your flu and pneumonia vaccines to reduce the chances of catching respiratory illnesses. Pack maintenance medications and basic remedies for fever, cough, sore throat and allergies.

Winter air can be harsh on Filipino skin, so bring:
  • Moisturizer
  • Lotion
  • Lip balm

Some countries also sell handy body warmers that you can slip into your pocket or attach to clothing for extra warmth.

3. Dress in Layers for Warmth

Packing for winter is different from our usual pambahay-and-sandals routine. 

Layering is key:
  • Base layer: Thermal tops and leggings made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabric
  • Middle layer: Fleece, wool or cashmere for insulation
  • Outer layer: A thick coat or insulated jacket for maximum protection

Don’t forget accessories that protect you from the bitter cold:
  • Beanie
  • Scarf
  • Waterproof gloves or mittens
  • Thick socks
  • Waterproof boots with good traction

4. Listen to Your Body

If you still feel unusually cold or sick despite being bundled up, notify your travel companions and seek medical help right away. Early attention helps prevent serious complications.

Healthy Habits Start Before the Trip

Dr. Cornejo reminds travelers that preparation begins at home. Eating well, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep strengthen your body for winter weather. Being in good shape gives you more energy to enjoy your vacation and reduces your risk of illness.

A winter holiday is on many Filipinos’ bucket lists, and with the right precautions, you can enjoy every moment without worrying about health issues. Prepare early, dress smart and stay alert to your body’s needs so you can focus on taking snowy photos, sipping hot drinks and experiencing the magic of a cold Christmas abroad.
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Surviving the Terrible Twos: Tips Every First-Time Mom Needs

November 21, 2025


If you’re a first-time mom, the “Terrible Twos” might sound like an urban legend until your toddler throws their first full-blown tantrum in the middle of a mall. From sudden screaming fits to defiant “no’s” at every turn, this developmental phase can leave even the calmest parent frazzled. The good news? Pediatricians at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) reassure moms that these meltdowns are completely normal and manageable.

Understanding the Terrible Twos

According to Dr. Bernadette C. Benitez, a pediatrician at MakatiMed, the Terrible Twos typically affect children between 18 to 30 months old. At this stage, toddlers are learning to walk, climb, and speak in short sentences. More importantly, they’re beginning to recognize emotions, test limits, and assert independence.

“Your child’s nervous system is still developing,” explains Dr. Benitez. “This means they struggle to regulate their big emotions, so a meltdown is just their way of communicating frustration.”

Staying Calm During a Tantrum

The first step for any mom facing a toddler outburst? Breathe and stay calm. Dr. Benitez emphasizes that tantrums are not a reflection of bad parenting, they’re simply age-appropriate behavior.

If your toddler flips out in a public place, gently move them to a quieter spot. Getting down to their eye level, speaking softly but firmly, and offering physical comfort like holding their hand or letting them sit on your lap can help soothe them.

Handling Meltdowns at Home

Different situations call for different strategies:

After a “No”: Ignore the tantrum without giving in. This teaches your toddler that outbursts don’t get results and encourages self-regulation.

Refusing tasks: Instead of yes-or-no questions, give choices: “Do you want to brush your teeth first or put on pajamas first?” Guiding toddlers to make decisions helps them express their wants constructively.

Aggressive behavior: If your toddler hits or kicks, calmly separate them from the other child, comfort the hurt child, and explain that hurting others has consequences.

Repeated tantrums: Time-outs can help toddlers regain control of their emotions while reinforcing the boundaries.

Moms Can Have Tantrums Too

Dr. Benitez reminds moms that losing your temper occasionally is natural. What matters is how you recover. Apologizing to your child and modeling accountability teaches them emotional regulation as well.

Navigating the Terrible Twos is challenging, but it’s also a phase that passes. Stay patient, keep strategies consistent, and remember that these moments are milestones in your toddler’s growth. For Filipino moms juggling busy lives, having a few go-to coping strategies can make all the difference.
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