Ask a Health Coach: How to Stop the Cycle of Overdoing It
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By: Erin Power
Hi folks, in this edition of Ask a Health Coach, Erin helps out her fellow over-doers with strategies for managing the hustle mentality, overthinking calories, and enjoying the holidays guilt free.
Cassie asked:
"I always burn the candle at both ends making sure everyone is happy this time of year, but I can already tell I'm burning myself out. How do I get through the holidays without needing a vacation afterward?
Overdoing it is kind of my specialty. At least it has been in the past, so I totally get where you're coming from. If you're like me, you have a long history of being highly productive - and wearing a huge badge of honor about it. The more hustle, the better. The less rest, the better. Even to the point of total burn out.
You might also be a bit of a people pleaser, which, by definition, suggests that you've got a deep emotional need to please others at the expense of your own needs. For many of my clients, the eagerness to please ties into their self-worth and the need for approval and external validation. And it always gets put to the test around the holidays. By ensuring that everyone's dietary preferences are met at dinner or getting the decorations "just right," they feel more worthy, likeable, and accepted.
Keep in mind that people pleasing isn't the same as being a good host.
To others, it probably just looks like you're being really gracious and accommodating - and I have no doubt in my mind that you are. But being helpful at the expense of your own health and happiness isn't a good trade off if you ask me
