Hey Reader.

December Is Asking a Lot (And It’s Not Just You)

If December already has you tired — and it’s only the 16th — you’re not behind. You’re responding to a month that asks way too much, way too early.

This time of year piles on expectations before we’ve even recovered from the last thing. And if you live with chronic illness, sensory overload, or a limited energy budget, December doesn’t feel festive — it feels expensive.

What I Used to Do (And Why It Didn’t Work)

I used to treat the holidays like a checklist. Show up everywhere. Do everything. Push through because “it’s only once a year.”

And every year, my body collected the bill.

I’d end up wiped out, overstimulated, and wondering why something “fun” felt so awful afterward.

What I’m Doing Instead This Year

Now I plan for the cost, not the ideal version of the day.

That looks like

🗓️ fewer plans,
🤐 quieter choices,
🏃‍♀️ and earlier exits.

Not because I don’t care, but because I do. About my health. About being able to enjoy any of it. That also means intentionally scheduling a rest day before or after big days instead of treating recovery like an afterthought.

How to Have a Rest Day That Actually Helps You Recover

When you live with chronic symptoms, a rest day is damage control before damage hits. Learn how to rest in a way that actually supports your health long term.

Plan Your Rest Day!

A woman enjoys a peaceful rest day on a cabin porch, leaning on the railing with a warm drink in hand, overlooking a quiet forest of bare trees.

The One Thing That Changed Everything

Protecting your energy now is what lets you show up later — in whatever way actually works for you.

That might mean skipping a party. Leaving early. Shopping online instead of braving crowds. Or giving yourself a recovery day on purpose, not as damage control.

That’s accessibility too. Not ramps and checklists — but designing your days so your body doesn’t have to fight you.

If You Try One Thing This Week

Decide your exit time before you go anywhere. Or pick one obligation to quietly drop. No explanations required. If you’ve never tried a planned rest day before, this week is a good place to start.

And if you feel like sharing, I’d genuinely love to know:

What’s one thing you’re choosing not to do this week to protect your energy? Reply and tell me. Because the more strategies we have, the better equipped we are.

💙 Phoenyx