3 Tips To Surviving Holidays With A Thyroid Condition

How are you doing in the midst of Easter prep? Holidays with a thyroid condition can be tricky… I know for me Easter, Xmas and all sorts of festivities used to send me down the heightened anxiety spiral. I think it’s rooted in my childhood but definitely exacerbated by my thyroid autoimmune condition.

Will I have enough energy to cook and clean and get everything ready?

What about my healing protocol, is it just going to go out the window and I’ll have to start from scratch again?

I don’t want to stress about food, just want to be like everyone else and eat ALL THE FOOD.

What am I going to say when people ask me about why I’m tired, comment on my weight (or insert anything else to do with physical appearance) or start giving tonnes of not so welcome, but well meaning advice?

So I figured this post should be about my top tips on how to survive Easter, or any other holidays, with a thyroid condition.

3 Things To Do

1. It’s challenging to stick to the plan when chaos and all sorts of food amazingness unfolds around us.

Work out non negotiables you are going to stick to no matter what. Make it simple. For instance you can commit to 2l of water per day/ a longer walk outside and staying gluten free. Same with your routines – can you still do a quick regulating breathing exercise and think about three things you’re grateful for? It only takes a few minutes but I guarantee you will feel more grounded, in control and ready to tackle whatever Easter throws at you.

And here’s a little script if someone asks you about your ways of eating:

Why are you not eating gluten/ dairy/ drinking? Just have one, it’s fine!

I’ll pass, thank you so much for thinking about me though.

Again this in itself is enough but you might want to add something like…

I am really excited to follow my healing protocol it makes me feel amazing and would hate to undo all the progress. I would really love your support here!

2. Herbal teas are your friend after a heavy meal

Make yourself a nice fennel tea after meals. I also like mint and marshmallow root for some amazing tummy benefits. You can also try some digestive enzymes and peppermint oil capsules if you overeat.

3. Prioritise rest and self care, put away all expectations, the “should be’s” and “should do’s”.

This time is for being here and now in your body and not in your head. Listen to your body and it will tell you what it needs (this also applies to sensing fullness signals and stopping when we’re full!)

Do less and ask for help if that is what you need. Be mindful of your energy expenditure, I mentioned before how with a chronic condition this energy management can look a little different with a limited number of energy units (spoons) available.

2 Ways To Protect Your Boundaries

Remember boundaries are here to protect you. It’s not rude or selfish to set and hold them. It’s an ultimate act of self care. It’s not about changing or controlling other people, but rather communicating what is triggering/ hurtful to us.

1. Saying no to doing too much and actually asking for support.

Here’s an example:

We’re going to meet with so and so for lunch. You cannot miss it!

“Thank you so much for the invite but I would rather just stay in and chill this time. Hope you have an amazing time!

It’s ok to just say NO THANKS and leave it at that. Saying ‘no’ to things, to protect your energy levels is an act of self care and means you’ll be able to commit fully to the activities that matter to you.

2. Rehearsing in your head how you will respond in a triggering situation (comments and questions about your condition, energy levels, body, etc etc).

Here’s an example:

Aww… You’re tired again? Why don’t you try exercising more, it’s great for energy levels!

“Thank you so much for your concern. I actually have a condition that impacts my energy levels. Talking about it makes me feel worse so let’s talk about something else, shall we?”

You don’t need to explain things in great detail. Just set the boundary and change the subject. If they ignore your very polite requests it’s important to re-state them more firmly and eventually consider walking away from the conversation.

And one more:

You have lost weight/ gained weight or any other body related comment.

I know it wasn’t your intention but discussing my body and my weight makes me really uncomfortable. Let’s chat about something else. How’s that new job going?

Let’s normalise stating firmly that your body and weight shouldn’t be a subject of conversation at any time, no exceptions. Set the boundary and change the subject. Rinse and repeat until they get it. Doesn’t work? Walk away.

1 Reminder

Be kind to yourself. You don’t need to be perfect. It’s ok to enjoy food. It’s ok to skip your regular workout. It’s ok not to have everything under control. You are doing so well.

Have the most wonderful Easter break! Until next time!

PS. I may have some spaces left for my 121 programme, if you’re ready to start your thyroid healing journey soon!