Keep calm and Christmas on. How to avoid festive burnout
The holiday season – as magical as it is – can be emotionally exhausting. It is almost like a pressure cooker for relationships and expectations and if one is not careful (hello, talking to myself here) it can lead to serious burnout. The combination of lack of sleep, overindulgence, family stress and generally doing more than you should, can really take a toll on mental and physical wellbeing. Taking care of yourself is especially important towards the end of the year, which is why I’ve put together some tips to help avoid festive burnout and keep your Christmas spirits high. From saying “no” and taking me-time to prioritising R&R and nutrition, here are the rules I swear by:
Honestly, one of the best things I’ve done for myself is to start taking regular supplements. As we transition through the seasons and darker months, we often see this coincide with an increase in bugs and viruses and generally feeling a little under the weather. Not only that, but our energy levels also suffer – there is a reason it’s called “a spring in your step”, instead of “a winter in your step” after all.
My go-to, Wild Nutrition, offers supplements for both immunity and energy which is especially important during the colder months when our immune systems are at an all-time low. I came across Wild nutrition because of the Endo Complex. As far as I’m aware this Is the only supplement specifically made to support the effects of Endometriosis. This is due to their founder, Henrietta, a registered nutritional therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience, having Endo herself and therefore understanding it. The difference has been remarkable. I sleep better, I’m less bloated, my skin is the best it has ever been, the psoriasis on my scalp has improved and I have more energy.
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I can’t give Endo Complex all the credit for these changes as it isn’t the only supplement I take. I had a free consultation with one of their specialists and they suggested what to take based on my needs. I’m going to list what I take below but remember, everyone is different, so I highly suggest having one of their brilliant, completely FREE 15-minute tailored consultations.
These are the supplements I take and an explanation from the specialists at Wild Nutrition on what each one does:
This is known to help energy and fatigue recovery. I’ve stopped getting that mid-afternoon slump since taking these, making me much more productive throughout the day.
Wild Nutrition says:
An essential pick me up vitamin, this gentle formula helps your body to re-energise, supercharge the immune system and supports healthy skin and teeth.
The benefits include:
Supports recovery after exercise
Works to re-energise, promote recovery and strengthen the immune system after intense physical exercise.
Optimises energy and recovery from fatigue
Optimises energy levels and supports the adrenal glands and iron absorption to reduce stress and fatigue.
Supercharges the immune system
Works to clean up the body from modern pollutants that can overload the immune system, such as alcohol and pollution, strengthening immunity and protecting the body from infection.
Promotes healthy skin & teeth
Supports collagen formation, healing and repair for healthy skin and gums.
The main difference I (and Theo) have noticed, is that I have less mood swings. This is such a big part of life when you have a hormonal imbalance. Also, my bloating has been soooo much better.
Wild Nutrition says:
Our Endo Complex was formulated specifically to address the physical and mental needs of those with Endometriosis, such as hormone balance, liver support, mood and energy and inflammatory regulation. It supports hormone balance, liver support, mood and energy and inflammatory regulation. Formulated by our founder, a registered nutritional therapist with over 20 years of experience working with Endometriosis and a fellow Endo warrior.
Wild Nutrition offer free Endometriosis specific calls with their expert all-female nutritional therapist team, with a cumulative 50+ years of working with Endometriosis, where they offer a holistic approach to managing symptoms.
Click to book your appointment
The benefits include:
Optimising hormone balance
Endometriosis is a condition fuelled by oestrogen, so we have included Vitamin B6 and natural Indole-3-Carbinol to promote oestrogen metabolism, a healthy menstrual cycle and hormone balance.
Supporting liver function and detoxification
It's key to prevent the build up of unwanted hormones to manage this condition. Our formula contains Choline and Milk Thistle to support liver detoxification to promote hormone stability.
Optimising energy and mood
Fatigue and low mood, are common symptoms that women with Endometriosis report so we included Iron and Magnesium to support energy and a healthy mood.
Supporting immunity to help manage inflammation
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition which is why we have included Zinc and Vitamin E to optimise a healthy immune system.
We always hear about how good Turmeric is for you. I think this antioxidant support has definitely helped with my skin and with inflammation.
Wild Nutrition says:
Turmeric supports modern living. It provides antioxidant support to lessen the impact of modern pollutants such as poor air quality, smoking and drinking alcohol.
I have felt like I’ve been on route to getting run down over the past few weeks, but by following everything in this post, and by taking Vitamin D, I’ve been able to avoid getting sick and I truly believe it’s down to following my own words in this post.
Wild Nutrition says:
Vitamin D is crucial for a healthy immune system, and it is recommended that everyone in the UK supplements it from October through to April. It plays a key role in resilience to infection and our Vitamin D is always the active D3 form making it even easier for the body to utilise.
I mainly started taking Omega 3 for peace of mind as heart disease runs in my family and that’s unfortunately how we lost our dad. For me, doing whatever I can for my heart and blood pressure is key.
Wild Nutrition says:
The typical western diet is low in good quality Omega 3 which is essential for healthy hormone balance as well as skin hydration. Our formula supports the following:
Healthy heart & hormone balance
Contains Omega 3 EPA & DHA for a healthy heart and blood pressure. It’s also an important essential fat to maintain hormone equilibrium.
Fuel your brain and lift your mood
60% of your brain is made of fat, so it needs a constant supply of Omega 3 to keep your cognition function running smoothly, aiding focus, memory and concentration.
Exercise
I talk a lot about the relation between exercise and energy for me. It really does help. Particularly at this time of year as it makes you feel less sluggish. Whether it be going for a walk, a full-on workout or yoga flow, exercise endorphins work absolute wonders.
Bath
You know I’m a huge advocate of a good bath, be it five minutes or 50 minutes - it’s a great time to chill. How you spend your bath time is up to you, whether you close your eyes the whole time or watch a film on your phone with a G&T in hand. Warm water really relaxes you and helps with any aches and pains.
Read a book
This is a great way to take yourself away from the craziness of life. Immerse yourself in someone else’s story and switch off completely. There is nothing better than a bit of escapism to calm my frantic mind.
Have a happy playlist
I have multiple playlists on my phone for different moods. My go-to is my chill list. It’s full of songs that just make me feel comforted, relaxed and content. Music has been scientifically proven to influence your mood, positively affect mental health and reduce stress levels.
PJ day
Don’t feel guilty about having a duvet day. There’s nothing better to reset you than a day in your pj’s in front of the TV watching a wonderfully rubbish film. Switch off your phone notifications and doze the day away, popcorn mandatory not optional.
Say no
Yes, really. You don’t have to and can’t do everything. If there is an office Christmas party or family gathering you are dreading, it’s perfectly okay to Just. Say. No. People generally take less offense than you think they will. Save your energy for the events you really want to enjoy. Boundaries are your friend.
Be mindful with your food
I’m not a nutritionist by any stretch of the imagination but I do like to eat healthy. It’s so easy to overindulge with food and drink over this period. We all do it. For me, balance is key. If I have, let’s say a big meal out with copious margs, I’ll make sure that I eat super healthy the following couple of days. It really is that simple.
Shop smart
If the idea of high street shopping in December overwhelms you, don’t do it. Sure, the atmosphere is lovely and Christmassy but the reality is sometimes different to the Instagram pics. If you can’t find what you want online – which, let’s face it, would be a rare occasion – check out your local shops.
Let go of expectations
Don’t break your back trying to make sure everything is “just right”. I am a perfectionist myself and I do love hosting and making sure everyone has the best time possible, however, sometimes I have to remind myself that life happens, and you need to roll with the punches.
And finally…
Check in with yourself
I think it’s important to remember that Christmas isn’t all Hallmark films and crispy roast potatoes. It can be a painful reminder of loss or even a time when sadness gets magnified. If you are struggling, speak to someone. I know this sounds like a cliché, but you truly aren’t alone. There are people who really can help:
Cruse Bereavement Support
https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-support/
Their helpline is 0808 808 1677
Samaritans
You can call 116 123 (free from any phone) or email jo@samaritans.org
Shout
If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258.
CALM
You can call the CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) if you are struggling and need to talk. They also have a webchat service.
That’s my two cents (or rather ten quid!) on keeping calm and Christmassing on. Be kind to yourself, prioritize your mental wellbeing, listen to your body and avoid anything that doesn’t truly make you happy.
Happy hols frens!
Love, Lisa xx
The Wild Nutrition code is affiliated as part of an ongoing partnership.