December is a wonderful time of the year! However, for some, it may come with uniquely full schedules, emotional intensity, travel, and disrupted routines.
If you are a high-achieving personality type, you may acknowledge the challenge but push through anyway. I understand this mentality because it’s what I tend to do. Buckle up and push harder. Does that serve me? Well, in all honesty, yes, it has, but it comes with a cost. I get a lot done, but eventually crash. I don’t intend it to be that way, and it starts with excellent intentions, but when I’m in the middle of it, without an option to back out, I realize I’ve bitten off too much, and it impacts my energy far more than I anticipated. Regardless, I tell myself, I will finish my commitment, then I can rest. My rest may turn into several days of being tired, sleeping, and lack of energy. I call this a crash. It’s not healthy for me, and my mentality of “pushing through” ultimately doesn’t serve me.
Do you tend to do this too? I’m continually learning and managing my tendencies with my new normal, even though it’s been 10 years! What I know is that it’s better to let some things go than push through.
This year, when I took out my Christmas décor, I knew it’d only be up for about four weeks. My nativity set and snow village, both of which I love, were nicely tucked away from last year, and I realized I didn’t have to put them up this year. Would it be worth the energy? After weighing the pros and cons against my schedule, I decided not to unpack and put everything out. I only put out the basics, and honestly, it’s enough. Repacking is another challenge, especially given the limited storage space I have. The easier option of leaving it nicely packed away and avoiding the extra “work” won.
This is a small choice and I offer it as an example to encourage you to make small choices to conserve your energy and ultimately increase your joy!
Understanding Holiday Energy Drains (What’s Really Going On?)
During busy seasons, stress hormones like cortisol can spike. Additionally, the hidden toll of sensory overload, late nights, inconsistent meals, and more socializing than usual can add to the load.
Our autoimmune bodies are more reactive to inflammation and fatigue. When your energy is low, it’s not laziness – it’s physiology.
We need to change our mindset to permit ourselves to slow down and not “do it all.” It’s perfectly fine to enjoy rest and margin during the holidays; in fact, it leads to greater enjoyment of the season. Your and my energy matters!
If you’d like specific tips on conserving your energy, you can get my free ebook, 9 Power Tips to Crush Autoimmune Fatigue and Boost Your Energy. Download it here.
You Deserve a Season That Feels Good
Protecting your energy is an act of self-love and stewardship. It’s so easy to get caught up in the commercialization of Christmas. It’s not about the gifts, decorations, parties, and the plethora of holiday happenings. Jesus is the reason for the season! You and I are empowered to choose what matters most!
I encourage you to read the Christmas story in Luke 2: 1-20.
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLT
Above all else, God wants your heart in this season and every season! Living life in relationship with HIM is the best choice!
I wish you and yours a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
In love and health,
Terri
