189 Crimbo Limbo Depression

Explicit content warning

12/28/23 • 28 min

On today's episode, we are going to be talking about Crimbo Limbo. The time between Christmas & New Year's that sometimes feels ... gross.

I've struggled with this phenomenon throughout my life, and I suspect I'm not alone. This episode delves into the unique challenges neurodivergent individuals face during this time. The mix of high energy celebrations, overindulgence, and socializing followed by a sudden return to routine can leave us feeling disoriented and, at times, depressed.

I opted not to take an extensive break over Christmas intentionally, as I've found a balance and routine that keeps me energized. In this episode, I want to share how I've structured my life to navigate Crimbo Limbo successfully and help you do the same.

Even if you're familiar with the term, I believe there's value in discussing the shared experience and exploring strategies to cope with it. The holiday season, with its cultural peculiarities, affects us all, and understanding its impact can be a game-changer.

I'll share personal insights from my recent experiences, like a Christmas getaway to Sun Peaks, where I observed the familiar highs and lows of the season. The letdown after Christmas day, the sudden drop in stimulation, and the ensuing emotional roller coaster, especially for neurodivergent individuals, can be profound.

We'll explore the concept of "resetting" your nervous system during these moments. Whether it's through a high-intensity workout or a coaching session, finding a way to interrupt the stress cycle is crucial. I'll also address common challenges, such as difficulty switching mental gears from high to low energy.

Recognizing the truth of the situation is pivotal—acknowledging that these feelings are a natural response to the holiday season's dynamics. Instead of judging ourselves for not immediately embracing relaxation, we'll focus on providing self-support during this transitional period.

I'll offer practical tips, including leveraging your senses for comfort, engaging in movement to move emotions through the body, and incorporating small adventures into your routine. Remember, it's about adding supportive elements, not subtracting, during Crimbo Limbo.

As we approach the new year, I'm excited to share more insights and strategies to help you navigate the challenges life throws our way. If you resonate with today's episode or need personalized guidance, consider booking a strategy session on my website.

Thank you for being part of this community, and I look forward to reconnecting in 2024. If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review and share it with others. Your support helps this podcast grow and reaches more women who can benefit from these discussions.

Don't forget to follow and download the episodes to stay connected. And if you need help in navigating stress and anxiety, reach out for a free strategy session. Visit amandahess.ca/book-a-call to schedule a call and let's work together to create positive changes in your life. Until then, have a fantastic week, and I'll catch you in the new year. Bye for now!

Interested in working with Amanda? Sign up for a discovery call: https://amandahess.ca

Want to join the Love Yourself No Matter What Membership For Free? Join here: https://amanda-hess.mykajabi.com/loveyourself?preview_theme_id=2160502340

Come find me on TT and IG: @theamandahess

On today's episode, we are going to be talking about Crimbo Limbo. The time between Christmas & New Year's that sometimes feels ... gross.

Interested in working with Amanda? Sign up for a discovery call: https://amandahess.ca

Want to join the Love Yourself No Matter What Membership For Free? Join here: https://amanda-hess.mykajabi.com/loveyourself?preview_theme_id=2160502340

Come find me on TT and IG: @theamandahess

Previous Episode

188. Stop Racing Through Your Life

Hello, and welcome to the podcast! As I record this on December 20th, 2023, the holiday season is in full swing. I've observed a unique vibe this year in my community, and it seems like many others are feeling it too. It's been an unusual year, marked by a lack of snow, turning our Christmas landscape into what I can only describe as a "not-so-brown Christmas."

In today's episode, I reflect on the hustle and bustle leading up to Christmas, the pressure, the added tasks, and the societal expectations that come with the holiday season. Even though my kids are still in school, the anticipation of the upcoming break adds an extra layer to the usual routine. It feels like we're all racing towards Christmas Day, pushing ourselves to the limit.

I've been contemplating the purpose behind this rush. Why do we strive for perfection and try to fit everything in? It all boils down to chasing a feeling—the desire to feel better. In the midst of the holiday chaos, our brains tend to be led by stress, anxiety, and panic, making it essential to be intentional about our thoughts and emotions.

As I navigate this season, I encourage you to consider what it would be like not to be in a rush, not to be in a hurry. The cultural pressure surrounding Christmas can be overwhelming, but what if we took a step back and questioned the purpose of it all? In this episode, I explore the concept of being the boss of our brains, intentional in our actions, and how it can significantly impact our overall well-being.

As we approach the Christmas break and beyond, I share a powerful resource, the "neurodivergent nervous system regulation triad." This triad focuses on pleasure, intense exercise, and connecting with nature, offering a practical approach to regulating our nervous systems and finding calm amidst the chaos.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, the lessons in this episode are relevant to various life events where we often find ourselves caught in a race towards an elusive happiness. Join me in unraveling the holiday hustle and embracing a more intentional, fulfilling way of living.

If you resonate with these insights and feel the need for personalized guidance, consider booking a strategy session with me at amandahess.ca. Remember, your life is built on the experience of every single day—choose to make each day amazing.

Thank you for tuning in, and I wish you a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, whichever you celebrate. Stay tuned for more episodes during the unique period of "Crimbo Limbo" to provide support and encouragement. Until then, take care, and let's boss our brains together!

Get the Neurodivergent Nervous System Triad worksheet by clicking here

Interested in working with Amanda? Sign up for a discovery call: https://amandahess.ca

Want to join the Love Yourself No Matter What Membership For Free? Join here: https://amanda-hess.mykajabi.com/loveyourself?preview_theme_id=2160502340

Come find me on TT and IG: @theamandahess

Next Episode

190. The Anti-Resolution

Welcome to the first podcast episode of 2024! As we dive into this new year, I am beyond excited and filled with clarity about what I have in store for you. This year, my goal is to bring you my absolute best, sharing insights that will truly blow your mind.

In today's episode, titled "The Anti-Resolution," I address the common practice of setting New Year's resolutions, something I've grown to dislike – not just for myself but for you too. Why? Because resolutions often focus solely on taking action without considering the underlying intentions, thoughts, beliefs, and emotions.

I share a recent coaching experience where we explored the power of feeling emotions in the body, emphasizing the importance of understanding our emotions rather than suppressing them. The key is to move beyond mere willpower, recognizing that true change requires a deep dive into our thoughts and beliefs.

As we navigate through the episode, I challenge the conventional approach to resolutions, especially those centered around weight loss, fitness, or eliminating habits. Instead, I encourage you to question why you desire these changes and whether the underlying beliefs align with your true desires.

I open up about my own journey, recounting a time when I believed clearing my acne would bring happiness, only to realize that self-acceptance and approval were the true goals. This serves as a reminder that external changes don't guarantee internal fulfillment.

The core message of the episode revolves around the concept of an "anti-resolution." I'm not against creating new results in your life; however, I am against mindless action and setting resolutions without understanding why you want them. I urge you to ponder the question: Why do I want this result? And go beyond the superficial answers.

I introduce a crucial aspect of the anti-resolution approach – focusing on emotions. What negative emotions are you experiencing, and what positive emotions are you longing for? By identifying and understanding these feelings, you can begin the journey of creating a life you truly desire.

To assist you on this journey, I offer a simple exercise: write down the specific negative emotions you want to overcome and explore the corresponding positive emotions you wish to cultivate. This is the starting point for building emotional resilience and creating sustainable change.

As a preview to an upcoming masterclass, I invite you to join me on January 16th to delve deeper into the anti-resolution concept. The masterclass will provide a step-by-step guide on how to implement this approach and transform your life in 2024. Visit joinamanda.ca to sign up and mark your calendar for this empowering session.

Thank you for tuning in, and remember to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. If you're ready to explore personal coaching and develop a customized plan to manage stress and anxiety, book a free consultation at amandahess.ca/bookacall.

Happy New Year, and I can't wait to share more insights with you in the coming weeks. Until next time, take care and be kind to yourself. Bye for now!

Interested in working with Amanda? Sign up for a discovery call: https://amandahess.ca

Want to join the Love Yourself No Matter What Membership For Free? Join here: https://amanda-hess.mykajabi.com/loveyourself?preview_theme_id=2160502340

Come find me on TT and IG: @theamandahess