How to Survive the Polar Plunge

We all love the holidays, right? They’re said to be “the most wonderful time of the year,” but many couldn’t disagree more. Everywhere you go is packed, with lots of people in a grumpy mood..or just plain rude, and don’t get me started on the road ragers (Not sponsored, but seriously, y’all, get a dash cam).

On top of everything else, those of us who already struggle with chronic illnesses find ourselves suddenly thrown into a freezing polar plunge, where even small tasks feel more daunting. (Did anyone else have a flashback to your Club Penguin Polar Plunge Days? Puffles were my faveee!).

It feels like our daily lives come with a series of unpredictable challenges that complicate even the simplest tasks. So when you add the busy, hectic holiday season to the mix, it is easy to go into overload. We have to face additional layers of struggles, battling the relentless symptoms that can make things feel like they’re impossible. 

So How Do I Get Through it?

I am one of those people that will work themselves to the ground on chores, errands, and todo list tasks, then wonder why I have no energy the next day. It happens much more especially during the holidays, with all of the added festivities, gifts, and get togethers.

By the time holidays are over I’m more burnt out than anything. It’s a bad habit that Ive been working on fixing, and I feel good to say I’ve made significant progress. Here are a couple changes I’ve adopted to help me get through the holiday season.

Know your limits

We all go through things differently, and an extensive holiday occasion isn’t for everyone. The craziness of the holidays affects some more than others, so gift yourself with the support you would give a friend. Take a pause, listen to your body, and give yourself what it needs.

Whether it’s time to rest and re-energize, do breathing exercises, or even get something to snack on, focus on what you need in that moment. Using your coping skills and providing self-care will help relieve stress and make you feel better, which will help ease the stress of the chaos of everything around you.

Set healthy boundaries

One of the things I struggle with the most during the holidays is the dinners. No matter where I go or who I’m with, something is always brought up about looks, weight, or food consciousness. For those who have eating disorders, food (and/or the discussion of) can be very toxic. I understand that it’s not from a place of hurt or negativity, but that doesn’t mean it has a positive impact, especially on young impressionable ears.

I’m not a child anymore, but hearing those sentiments definitely left some long-term damage. I was never one to stand up for myself as a kid, it’s still hard for me an adulthood. Now I feel the responsibility to set these boundaries and help correct these comments. While they are not intentionally causing harm, it’s important to understand the implications and consequences those may have.

These conversations are not easy, but the impact they can have is more important to me. I do not want my little cousins and nephews to experience the same things that I went through. I never want them to have to feel that way about themselves, or be afraid of who they are.

Know It’s OK to be the black sheep

For a long time, I was so self-conscious and uncomfortable with myself, I would go out of my way to hide myself. Always making myself as small as possible, and trying to stay out of the way. When I did eat, it was too much or the wrong things, when I didn’t “what are you starving yourself?”. I covered myself up too much and I should’ve worn more colors and more feminine clothes, but I’m too voluptuous and need to be put away.

No matter what I did, it never felt right. Even being surrounded by loved ones during the holidays, everything I did felt embarrassing, and I just wanted to be as small as possible and out of the way. I struggled to relate to many of my cousins and family members and always felt awkward.

Until I realized I had no reason to feel uncomfortable around them. Once I started practicing fake it until you make it with my confidence, I eventually actually started believing those things.

I recognized that just because I didn’t dress or act the way they wanted, play sports or go to a university, my family still loved me just as much. That we all went through struggles growing up, even though we weren’t as close to talk about them.

These past few holidays, I’ve actually been able to have conversations with them and not feel awkward or uncomfortable with myself. I haven’t been hiding in the corner, as much, and have pushed myself to try enjoying holidays. So take your time when you need it to rest and use your coping skills. Set healthy boundaries to hold yourself and others accountable to. Most importantly know it’s more than OK to be yourself, even if it means being the black sheep!