Written by: Sarah Kneebone, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
While the holiday season often brings a lot of fun, it can also cause some serious chaos: Dramas at dinner parties. Running yourself down from running around. Multi-tasking mayhem and splashing too much cash. The pressure is high and many of us end up feeling pretty low by the end of it.
From the perspective of someone who has learned to honor her needs through living with a chronic health condition, here are 5 ways to manage your energy during the festive period.
1. Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries
This is your permission slip to start saying “no” to social events that you don’t want to attend or being the person who does ALL the baking (and beyond!). It’s time to ditch the dread and overwhelm. Of course, if you love Christmas shopping or you’re energized by hosting parties, then great, go ahead. But if not, get clear on your priorities and start acting accordingly - minus the guilt.
It’s also critical that you state your boundaries with family members on important topics, for example:
“Please don’t talk about what’s on my plate. I’m really happy with what I’m eating.”
“Please don’t comment on my parenting choices. This is the way our family chooses to do things.”
“Please don’t tease me about my relationship status. I’d rather not talk about it even though I know you mean well. I’d love to tell you about XYZ instead though.”
This way, you won’t be filled with anxiety by the thought of conversing with Opinionated Uncle Oscar or Nosey Cousin Nancy.
Protect. Your. Energy.
2. Get back to basics
Remember (or even write down!) the fundamental healthy habits that keep you feeling good - and ramp them up.
This might mean getting to bed by a certain time, exercising in the fresh air daily, taking extra Vitamin D through the winter, eating nourishing and warming foods or making time for activities that soothe your nervous system.
Of course, that’s not to say you shouldn’t ever stay up late for a party or indulge in some Christmas pudding and mulled wine, just try to keep some sort of balance that allows your body (especially your liver!) time to recover. Even though the word is yucky, it really is all about balance.
3. Slow down with the seasons
If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, then you’re heading into winter now, and that means slowing down along with the rhythms of nature. While you may not want to go to the extremes of hibernating in a bear cave, it is important to honor your natural desire to wind things down.
When the weather gets cold and the nights are long, it’s normal to feel like you’re struggling to keep up with your fast-paced life, but don’t beat yourself up. You aren’t lazy, you’re just human.
Create space in your day, ask for support, take breaks when necessary and stop putting so much pressure on yourself to “perform”.
4. Remember what really matters
During the pandemic, we all quickly realized that quality time with loved ones is the most meaningful aspect of life - and we craved it above anything else. Don’t get sucked into the materialism of the holiday season just to feel like you’re “doing enough”. It’s always the thought that counts.
Another important thing to consider is that the festive period is a very emotionally challenging time for many people (sending love if that’s you too!). Be compassionate. Keep your heart open. Choose connection over conflict and offer a listening ear when you can.
5. Don’t dread January
Most of us have experienced the “January blues” to some extent: You’re feeling sluggish after all that heavy Christmas food and New Year’s booze. Your bank account is shouting at you and payday seems far away. It’s still freezing cold, but now there’s no festive magic in the air. Your New Year’s resolutions are looming over you (and so are your PT’s missed calls!).
But it doesn’t have to be like this.
If you can, reflect on what might make your January more joyful. This could mean:
A calmer, more balanced Christmas where you don’t end up burnt-out or broke
Scheduled self-care events that give you something rejuvenating to look forward to
Meaningful and attainable New Year’s goals that are based on genuine desires rather than “shoulds”
Seeking support (professional or personal) to bring sources of stress in your life back into balance
The world is an extra noisy place during this time of year. Take time to get quiet, go within and really think about what drains you and what lights you up. Make conscious choices with your energy. Follow the joy.
The holidays can be an especially tiring and tricky time for those of us with chronic conditions and autoimmune diseases. If you would like 5 quick tips on making socializing with a health condition less draining and more FUN, then download my free Social Situations Cheatsheet now (before all the chaos kicks off!). You could even pass the link to a friend who would love to know you’re thinking of them.
I would be honored to connect with you and support you in reclaiming your energy and zest for life. Find out more about me and my health coaching services on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and the “More Mojo” podcast, or via my website.
Sarah Kneebone, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Sarah Kneebone is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and Breathwork Facilitator. She combines dietary and lifestyle optimization with deep emotional healing practices to help busy, tired women uncover the root cause of their symptoms, reignite their energy, and get their zest for life back. After being hospitalized with sepsis and diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid (Hashimoto's), Sarah realized that her unsustainably fast-paced lifestyle and unprocessed trauma needed to be resolved. She began a transformative healing journey that led to the remission of her condition and a career change from Marketing Manager to Holistic Health Coach. Mojo Health Space was born out of a deep desire to help others get their mojo back, and Sarah now dedicates her life to supporting women through coaching, digital courses, and her podcast: "More Mojo". Her mission: "For all women to feel truly vibrant + thriving."
