“The Holidays” are supposed to be a wonderful, cheerful and happy time of year. But so often all those warm and fuzzy feelings get lost among the craziness and hullabaloo of everything we have going on. The result? Stress! No one is immune to this holiday stress, but individuals with MS can feel the repercussions of stress in a much more intense way.
So what can we do about the stress of the Holidays without becoming a total recluse and hiding until January 2nd? I think there are plenty of ideas! Some that are obvious, and some that are not so obvious. Let’s dig in, shall we?
I know, I know. This is one you’ve heard many times before. But, it’s for good reason! You’ve heard that phrase, “failing to plan, is planning to fail”? Yeah, I hate it too. But it’s right on the money. Planning out your holidays, and everything about the holidays, makes them so much easier. Making a to do list is one of my favorite things to do, for real. (I’ve even been known to put things on my to-do list so I can just cross them off!) This helps me to not feel so overwhelmed because I have all of my thoughts down on paper, and not still in my head. Also when I write things down, I am able to see where things can be grouped together. Similar tasks and things can be picked up or done in one trip.
This is also a great opportunity to ASK OTHERS FOR HELP. This has historically been really hard for me, especially if the help has to do with emotional things. However, this is a great way to break through that barrier and start practicing asking for help. Also, often times my closest family and friends feel helpless when I tell them about my symptoms and what I go through on a daily basis. When they look at me and ask what they can do, I usually go palms up. However, just having another hand in getting chores done, or knocking things off the to-do list, is plenty. You’re getting things done, they feel like they are helping you, it’s a win-win!
My third note about planning is to plan time for yourself as well. Self care is one of the biggest things we can do in terms of stress reduction, and one of the top reasons I hear as to why people don’t do it is that ‘I don’t have time!!”. While you’re planning your social calendar and all of your trips to the store, plan in some relaxation time for you as well. That will look different for everyone, but make sure it’s in there. Whether it is some alone time with a book or movie, or getting a mani-pedi with friends, just make sure it gets in there. Please? My self care is going to be watching movies with my cats and husband. Sounds purrfect to me! #sorrynotsorry
When we already feel fatigued 365 days a year, ‘The Holidays’ just are insult to injury. Just the fact that the two words ‘hustle and bustle’ are associated with this time of year, can just make them that much worse for so many of us. Sleep is so often a number one priority, but it unfortunately gets tossed by the wayside for parties, cooking and spending time with family. Not to say that any of those things are bad, but when they come before sleep, many things in our bodies can start to unravel.
Maintaining our sleep schedule is going to take some boundaries. Letting people know that we will have to leave on the earlier side, just popping in for an hour or so, or even declining some invites all together, is usually the way I go. It feels like it’s unfair, but I’d rather go to 3 events for an hour, than 1 event for 3 hours. Naps are also a great way to go! There has been more and more scientific evidence stating that naps are helpful for us. Quick naps during the day can restore energy quickly. I’m always down for that!
We all need to eat obviously. But what we eat around ‘The Holidays’ can look very different from what we normally eat. This can lead to a lot of digestive issues, which many of us with MS usually deal with anyway. Regardless of your way of eating, whether it is AIP, Wahls or otherwise, there are some key things to keep in mind. Make sure to be drinking plenty of water, this will give your digestive organs (and every other organ) a boost and help to function at optimal levels. Make sure that fruits and veggies are present on your plates on a daily basis. Some quick options would be a salad with tons of veggies or a smoothie.
I can hear the objections now. You already on the move! I get it. You’re running here and there, so why on earth am I asking you to move more? Because I am asking you to move in a way that YOU want to. Remember how I told you to plan in some time for you? That’s a great time to go for a walk, go to yoga or take a tai chi class. Anything that moves you to move, I’m for it.
One last reminder. In all the stress of ‘The Holidays’ don’t forget about the reason for the season. Take a timeout for some gratitude and be gentle with yourself. Even if this year hasn’t been the best health wise or life wiese, say thanks to your body. It has brought you this far and it’s doing the best that it can. I often would struggle with this and see my body as “other”, but it’s right there with you, every step of the way.
‘The Holidays’ are truly meant to celebrate everything that is special to us. We don’t have to let the stress and their fast paced nature take away their magic. I urge you to find something new to celebrate this year. Even if it’s something small.
Does this resonate with you? Leave me a note in the comments below!
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I’d love to support you over the 8 weeks together!!
Imagine how good you could feel by Thanksgiving.
Comment HEALING to join the waitlist
I’d love to support you over the 8 weeks together!!
Imagine how good you could feel by Thanksgiving.
Comment HEALING to join the waitlist
My reality has changed a whole bunch over the years.
I started out with only a few symptoms. But I could get through the day.
Until all of a sudden I couldn’t.
All within a few years I went from “fine” to:
Having horrible symptoms, had 3 relapses and found myself with “aggressive MS”
This was not ok with me.
Eventually, I took my life into my own hands and rethought how I did most things.
I realized I had to make some changes, or else idk what else was gonna happen to me.
So I did.
I changed my diet.
I changed how I worked out.
I changed my job in the name of stress management.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
If you want this transformation for you too (I know it’s possible) I’m launching my signature course: Holistically Healing MS in a few weeks.
This is the course you need to get started on this path for yourself.
Only the waitlist is gonna get the pre sale price…
Comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you to it!!
My reality has changed a whole bunch over the years.
I started out with only a few symptoms. But I could get through the day.
Until all of a sudden I couldn’t.
All within a few years I went from “fine” to:
Having horrible symptoms, had 3 relapses and found myself with “aggressive MS”
This was not ok with me.
Eventually, I took my life into my own hands and rethought how I did most things.
I realized I had to make some changes, or else idk what else was gonna happen to me.
So I did.
I changed my diet.
I changed how I worked out.
I changed my job in the name of stress management.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
If you want this transformation for you too (I know it’s possible) I’m launching my signature course: Holistically Healing MS in a few weeks.
This is the course you need to get started on this path for yourself.
Only the waitlist is gonna get the pre sale price…
Comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you to it!!
This is the reality I lived, I want you to experience it too.
No, this is not a quick fix.
No, these results wont happen overnight.
No, this won’t cure you.
BUT-
Yes, you can have your life back.
Yes, you can feel better than you do right now.
Yes, your current reality doesn’t have to be a forever reality.
My success years ago was all thanks to the diet changes and the work I put in to know exactly how to eat to support MY body and MS at the same time.
Yes it took a few months, but what it gave me back was my life- and that’s priceless.
I’m spilling all the beans on what this process looks like and how to do it in my upcoming Masterclass:
5 Secrets To Creating Your Own MS Diet.
Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
This is the reality I lived, I want you to experience it too.
No, this is not a quick fix.
No, these results wont happen overnight.
No, this won’t cure you.
BUT-
Yes, you can have your life back.
Yes, you can feel better than you do right now.
Yes, your current reality doesn’t have to be a forever reality.
My success years ago was all thanks to the diet changes and the work I put in to know exactly how to eat to support MY body and MS at the same time.
Yes it took a few months, but what it gave me back was my life- and that’s priceless.
I’m spilling all the beans on what this process looks like and how to do it in my upcoming Masterclass:
5 Secrets To Creating Your Own MS Diet.
Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
This is my vision for the masterclass I’m hosting next Monday.
I want this to be an interactive experience where you learn how to best take care of yourself and MS symptoms through the food you’re eating.
Instead of:
- feeling hesitation and confusion around what foods are best for MS
- not making changes because you’re afraid you’ll do it wrong
- saying no again to going out to eat with friends
Find the freedom and confidence you’ve been looking for.
Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
This is my vision for the masterclass I’m hosting next Monday.
I want this to be an interactive experience where you learn how to best take care of yourself and MS symptoms through the food you’re eating.
Instead of:
- feeling hesitation and confusion around what foods are best for MS
- not making changes because you’re afraid you’ll do it wrong
- saying no again to going out to eat with friends
Find the freedom and confidence you’ve been looking for.
Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
Do any of those hit home?
If yes… comment MASTERCLASS below.. I got you
I get asked this question about different foods at least once a week.
Are potatoes with olive oil ok?
Are tomatoes ok even though Tom Brady doesn’t eat them?
What about grains?
It’s all gonna get the same answer from me….
Sure there are foods with nutrient profiles that match the needs of MS, ✨BUT✨if you don’t tolerate them or feel good eating them, they’re not for you.
I’m hosting a Masterclass next week all about this.
⭐️5 Steps to Creating Your Own MS Diet⭐️
You’ll walk away with:
✨Confidence you’re moving in the right direction regarding changing your diet. You’ll know where to start, how to troubleshoot when you “fall off the wagon” and how to find what works for you.
No more feeling like:
- you have to start AGAIN on Monday..
- you can’t go out to eat with your friends..
- you’re at the mercy of the few foods you tolerate..
Come join me to learn the balanced way out of all or nothing food land.
Comment MASTERCLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
I get asked this question about different foods at least once a week.
Are potatoes with olive oil ok?
Are tomatoes ok even though Tom Brady doesn’t eat them?
What about grains?
It’s all gonna get the same answer from me….
Sure there are foods with nutrient profiles that match the needs of MS, ✨BUT✨if you don’t tolerate them or feel good eating them, they’re not for you.
I’m hosting a Masterclass next week all about this.
⭐️5 Steps to Creating Your Own MS Diet⭐️
You’ll walk away with:
✨Confidence you’re moving in the right direction regarding changing your diet. You’ll know where to start, how to troubleshoot when you “fall off the wagon” and how to find what works for you.
No more feeling like:
- you have to start AGAIN on Monday..
- you can’t go out to eat with your friends..
- you’re at the mercy of the few foods you tolerate..
Come join me to learn the balanced way out of all or nothing food land.
Comment MASTERCLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
My mom will confirm, this was me HARD as a kid.
I used to hate all forms of vegetables, just cause they were vegetables. Whether or not I had tried them was irrelevant, I hated them all the same.
Now, I’m not saying this to blame myself for anything, I’m more saying this as a message of solidarity and that it’s never too late to change.
But I also understand that process is hard!!
Sometimes getting support can help you move forward.
If you:
- are wanting to change your diet to help MS symptoms but aren’t sure where and how to start
- feel frustrated when you do make changes because you can’t stick to them
- have already been eating super strict and can’t seem to add more foods back to your diet
My Masterclass the 5 Secrets to Creating your Own MS Diet is for you!!
Comment MASTERCLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
My mom will confirm, this was me HARD as a kid.
I used to hate all forms of vegetables, just cause they were vegetables. Whether or not I had tried them was irrelevant, I hated them all the same.
Now, I’m not saying this to blame myself for anything, I’m more saying this as a message of solidarity and that it’s never too late to change.
But I also understand that process is hard!!
Sometimes getting support can help you move forward.
If you:
- are wanting to change your diet to help MS symptoms but aren’t sure where and how to start
- feel frustrated when you do make changes because you can’t stick to them
- have already been eating super strict and can’t seem to add more foods back to your diet
My Masterclass the 5 Secrets to Creating your Own MS Diet is for you!!
Comment MASTERCLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
It’s been a week for me… maybe you too?
Use this short video for a moment of peace and regulation.
What do you notice in your body and about your emotions when you exhale and drop your shoulders?
Or when you hear bird songs?
Notice what makes you feel more calm, relaxed and at peace.
Do more of that..
It’s been a week for me… maybe you too?
Use this short video for a moment of peace and regulation.
What do you notice in your body and about your emotions when you exhale and drop your shoulders?
Or when you hear bird songs?
Notice what makes you feel more calm, relaxed and at peace.
Do more of that..
I get it… I was once in paralysis by analysis for years!!
I’m creating a Masterclass/Workshop experience in August to cover this exact topic: what and how to eat for MS.
BUT!! I need your help to narrow down what we’ll be talking about.
Which of these options sounds most helpful?
Comment the number below!!
Workshop ideas:
1. Simple Nutrition for MS: what you need to know about eating for healing
2. Create Your Own MS Diet: How to know what is best for YOU, while also helping MS symptoms
3. Education into Action: How to put the knowledge you have into action steps that make progress
4. Blend of it All: Education, steps to finding your own MS diet and how to get started
Want something else?? Tell me 👇🏼👇🏼
I get it… I was once in paralysis by analysis for years!!
I’m creating a Masterclass/Workshop experience in August to cover this exact topic: what and how to eat for MS.
BUT!! I need your help to narrow down what we’ll be talking about.
Which of these options sounds most helpful?
Comment the number below!!
Workshop ideas:
1. Simple Nutrition for MS: what you need to know about eating for healing
2. Create Your Own MS Diet: How to know what is best for YOU, while also helping MS symptoms
3. Education into Action: How to put the knowledge you have into action steps that make progress
4. Blend of it All: Education, steps to finding your own MS diet and how to get started
Want something else?? Tell me 👇🏼👇🏼
FYI- This process took several YEARS for me . So please stop beating yourself up if you’re not here yet.
Tbh- I needed to go through the scared, intimidated, rebellious no way before I got to the heck yes.
It took me being at rock bottom, symptoms out of control and knowing I needed something else.
So I didn’t really “do anything” to be ready.
I just was when I was.
If you’re feeling ready to make diet changes to help your MS symptoms, I created an Eating for MS guide just for you!
Your guide includes:
- The best foods to be eating when you have MS
- Several ways to get started
- Fast and easy meal ideas
- And so much more!!
Comment GUIDE below and I’ll send you the link to download!
FYI- This process took several YEARS for me . So please stop beating yourself up if you’re not here yet.
Tbh- I needed to go through the scared, intimidated, rebellious no way before I got to the heck yes.
It took me being at rock bottom, symptoms out of control and knowing I needed something else.
So I didn’t really “do anything” to be ready.
I just was when I was.
If you’re feeling ready to make diet changes to help your MS symptoms, I created an Eating for MS guide just for you!
Your guide includes:
- The best foods to be eating when you have MS
- Several ways to get started
- Fast and easy meal ideas
- And so much more!!
Comment GUIDE below and I’ll send you the link to download!
I get it- it’s really easy to shame yourself into changing something, especially your diet/the foods you eat. And especially when we feel there are other things we “should be doing” because we know “it’s better for us”.
But that is NOT my wish for you.
Hi 👋🏼 my name is Alissa and we do things differently around here.
My goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your dietary choices, tailored to your unique MS needs and preferences.
This is why I wrote my Eating for MS Guide the way I did.
I did not give you foods to fear or messages of ONLY EAT THIS FOOD FOREVER OR ELSE.
I’m giving you the tools to be confident in the choices you’re making, because you know it works for YOU. Not because you “should” do it this or that way.
If you’ve been wanting:
- to eat in a way that supports your body with MS, but are confused about all the different messages online
- to feel empowered about your choices, not shamed
- to do it all in a gentle, slow way, not a crash diet..
My guide is for you!!
Comment GUIDE below and I’ll send you the link to download!!
I get it- it’s really easy to shame yourself into changing something, especially your diet/the foods you eat. And especially when we feel there are other things we “should be doing” because we know “it’s better for us”.
But that is NOT my wish for you.
Hi 👋🏼 my name is Alissa and we do things differently around here.
My goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your dietary choices, tailored to your unique MS needs and preferences.
This is why I wrote my Eating for MS Guide the way I did.
I did not give you foods to fear or messages of ONLY EAT THIS FOOD FOREVER OR ELSE.
I’m giving you the tools to be confident in the choices you’re making, because you know it works for YOU. Not because you “should” do it this or that way.
If you’ve been wanting:
- to eat in a way that supports your body with MS, but are confused about all the different messages online
- to feel empowered about your choices, not shamed
- to do it all in a gentle, slow way, not a crash diet..
My guide is for you!!
Comment GUIDE below and I’ll send you the link to download!!
Or for when you’re trying to talk yourself out of being sick.. 🙋🏻♀️🙋🏻♀️😂😂
Even if you feel fine, try saying a few of these out loud. Feel what happens to your body when you do.
Do you feel an expansion or lightness in your chest?
Does breathing get a little easier?
Just notice the shifts in your body.
I’m not saying we can talk ourselves out of it (illness, flares etc) … but… our body and cells respond to our thoughts.
So how we think about ourselves is definitely in the conversation of how we can take care of ourselves overall.
🧡🧡🧡
Or for when you’re trying to talk yourself out of being sick.. 🙋🏻♀️🙋🏻♀️😂😂
Even if you feel fine, try saying a few of these out loud. Feel what happens to your body when you do.
Do you feel an expansion or lightness in your chest?
Does breathing get a little easier?
Just notice the shifts in your body.
I’m not saying we can talk ourselves out of it (illness, flares etc) … but… our body and cells respond to our thoughts.
So how we think about ourselves is definitely in the conversation of how we can take care of ourselves overall.
🧡🧡🧡
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