Episode 17 – Navigating the Festive Season with Fatigue

Shownotes The festive season can be a challenging time for so many reasons; more triggers, complex family dynamics, more commitments, late nights and increased food and drink. If you feel overwhelmed about the upcoming festivities this episode is for you. I cover four of the most important things to consider as you support your body through this time and navigate the festive season alongside your healing journey.  Useful links: Website: https://annamarsh.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_marsh_nutrition/ Work with me: https://annamarsh.co.uk/work-together/ Fatigue Recovery Quiz: https://app.annamarsh.co.uk/quiz How to Navigate the Festive Season While Managing Chronic Fatigue and Burnout The festive season is a time that many people look forward to, but for others, it can be a time of added stress and overwhelm. Many factors can make this time of year challenging, from the physical triggers of different foods and drinks to the emotional triggers of complex family dynamics and social obligations.  It’s common to feel out of control during this time, whether with your food choices or schedule. It can be challenging if you’re dealing with a chronic illness or other health condition that impacts your daily life. But there are ways to navigate the festive season more efficiently and support your body through this time.  There are four key areas to consider as you prepare for the holiday season. These areas include practical strategies for setting intentions, nervous system care, managing your food and drink intake and setting healthy boundaries. 1. Set Intentions Setting intentions that act as a guide or reference point to navigate this time effectively is essential. Intention setting involves asking yourself what’s important to you during the next four to six weeks and focusing on it. For example, it could be a time to slow down, focus on health, rest, or prioritize connecting with friends and family. It’s crucial to make clear boundaries and manage outcomes to achieve these intentions. It’s also important to remember that everything we do is for a feeling. As human beings, we tend to move away from pain and towards pleasure. Therefore, it’s essential to consider what you want to feel during this time and how you want the experience to unfold. You can think, sit quietly, and journal your thoughts or answers to this question. It’s possible to have both, meaning you can prioritize your health while maintaining supportive relationships with friends and family. Having a clear framework or north star helps to stay connected to what matters during this season, and intention setting provides a guide to navigate through it effectively. By being intentional about how you use your time, what you say yes or no to, and staying connected to what matters, you can manage outcomes and make the most of this winter season. 2. Nervous System Care It is essential to prioritize our self-care, particularly regarding...