Call in your energy
As the colder weather ushers in, the days become shorter, and my plate somehow fuller (of obligations and food) I feel like I struggle to retain my energy. I do recognize the pace I set for myself and what is expected of the average person today is just unnatural – especially in a season suited to “slow bleakness”; getting cozy, hibernating, and inward introspection.
But alas, reality strikes. I need the energy to keep on, find extra time with family around the holidays, and create space for self-care that is unnegotiable.
You can not do it all, and you can not be all things to everyone. Boundaries need to be set, priorities fixed, and needs to be communicated. This is my mantra for the winter holiday season. This is also the time for re-evaluation; things that are dragging me down must go.
Here is what I am doing to call my energy back this season:
FINANCES
The money you earn is your energy, it is currency for your energy spent. We are bombarded with advertisements this holiday season, there is just no escaping if you are plugged in at all. Instead of companies sexily telling me what I need, I beat them to the punch and create a list of wants/needs – that includes stocking up on the necessities, healthcare, and things that will truly make my life easier.
I will forgo the holiday clutter and the quick excitement. Now that is easier said than done with an almost 2-year-old. I remind myself, we can create fun together, and get creative – the whole world at this point is so exciting to her. Instead of the countless plastic landfill toys, I am going for a handmade shopping basket to fill with vegetables at the grocery store, blue-light-blocking glasses, and warm fuzzy PJs to keep her warm through the winter.
Note to self: the more I buy the more I must care for = energy suck.
ALCOHOL
Oh, I love my wine. As the holidays ramp up, this can quickly turn into 1-2 glasses a night. Alcohol drives inflammation, makes it harder for your body to do basic maintenance, impacts hormones negatively, brain fog, and the worst part – impedes sleep. Tired, sluggish, dehydrated, unmotivated, cranky, and self-care goes out the window just about sums it up.
Note to self: delicious herbal mocktails with nervines & adaptogens suited to my needs.
LIMITING SUGAR
This is a hard one around the holidays and when the cool weather promotes feelings of warm squishy cinnamon buns, or something of the sort. Sugar drives inflammation, makes all other health issues feel all the worse, increases anxiety, decreases immunity, impedes hormones, and hello acne. I want to look good for those holiday cards, without that big ol’ blemish, *sigh* I’ll put down the cinnamon bun.
Note to self: recipes for warm baked gluten-free cinnamon, cardamon, and rose scones with a little drizzled honey and dipped in my healthy hot chocolate. Satisfied. *ah*
NO
I am saying no “No I can’t” – which is the truth, I can not do it all and take care of myself so I can best show up for my loved ones and clients. If I do not want to do it, and it’s not necessary for my self-family-preservation – I’ll kindly pass.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Enough of the endless scrolling with no parameters, another unproductive time-suck and disconnect from reality. I am also not going to compare my holiday festiveness to others. What I feel is good for me is enough, I am setting the expectations.
Note to self: instead, what skill do I want to learn, or is there a class I want to take? Check out HW’s Winter Virtual Event Winter Blues & Mindful Herbals.
NOURISHMENT
The weather is dry, it's cold, and with the fast-paced holiday in full swing, it's easy to forget about nourishment. But I need that nourishment if I am going to keep my energy up! Including keeping my immunity up, I don't want to get sick (the ultimate energy zapper)!
I am making every effort to get in at least 20-40 grams of protein per meal with batch-roasted veggies drizzled with ample anti-inflammatory fats like good quality olive oil.
Note to self: the body needs fuel to run on high octane. Up the effort with warm long-infused teas rich with minerals using herbs such as nettle, red clover, and seaweeds.
MODULATE STRESS
I’m offloading, asking for help, and delegating tasks. Repeat: I can not do it all, and there are other more enjoyable things I want to do. I need downtime if I am going to be productive. I will carve out time for pleasure (*oh yes, I’ll pencil it right into my daily agenda book). This is also a great time to incorporate stress-modulating herbs, or adaptogens into daily herbal routine.
SLEEP ALREADY
A focus is made to build my winter den (no sleep = no energy). I am reminding myself:
Take in the morning sun for at least 20 minutes to set my circadian rhythm and promote the production of melatonin (the sleep hormone/antioxidant)
No caffeine after noon
Limiting blue light as the sun sets and avoiding it all together 1-2 hours before bed
Stop eating 2-3 hours before bed
Creating a den that is cool, dark and distraction-free
Allowing myself 8-10 hours of sleep
Note to self: keep my carefully curated herbal remedies for sleep bedside so I don’t need to get out of bed to reach for support upon waking.
Sending love, energy, and holiday cheer,
XO Ash
***This article is not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article is for educational purposes only***
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