It's reported that a lot of people are expected to get sick this holiday season. Maybe lots more than usual during these winter days given a recent NBC Today Show report labeling it as the year of the "tripledemic" of COVID, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is "straining the U.S. health system, causing lengthy emergency department wait times and medication shortages," they report. Even under normal circumstances, the holiday season can be a stressful time of year. But this year might be even more so for a lot of folks who feel energy drained and stressed about holiday planning and meeting expectations. They may feel "more fatigued than festive," says Business Insider reporter Nandini Maharaj. When a person's expectations don't align with reality, it can cause a negative reaction. For some, even taking on simple tasks might start to feel overwhelming.

"If you find yourself hitting a wall in the middle of the afternoon, relying on caffeine to make it through your workday, or feeling tired more often than not during the winter, you are not alone," says Sherri Gordon, a certified professional life coach and journalist who covers health and wellness for health.com. "As the days get shorter and the temperatures get colder, it is not uncommon to experience a drop in your energy levels — especially if you live in the northern part of the U.S. During the winter, the shorter days and lack of sunlight impacts your circadian rhythm and causes your body to naturally slow down" at a time when maybe more is being asked of it.

"In addition to physical symptoms, prepping for the holidays can lead to emotional exhaustion," adds New York City-based psychotherapist Daryl Appleton in a Business Insider report. "You might feel more irritable waiting in traffic or find yourself snapping at loved ones." When you're constantly rushed, "it can be challenging to enjoy holiday activities and events that you used to look forward to," says Appleton. "Having to prioritize other people's needs can overshadow your self-care routines like exercising and getting enough sleep."

Gordon explains that sometimes, dips in your energy can be explained by a condition known as seasonal affective disorder, but there are "several physiological processes that occur in the winter that could be contributing to your dip in energy levels. While many are related to the change in seasons, some are related to choices you may make in winter," she says. Among them, following poor nutrition habits that can bring on fatigue.

According to Healthline, studies show that people tend to eat fatty comfort foods when they are stressed and that "these foods may make the effects of stress worse ... In fact, eating too few calories or foods that are not nutritionally dense can leave you feeling drained. It also can create hormonal imbalances and slow down your metabolism."

Says author Robert Iafelice, "it's stress that drives our desire for fatty foods in the first place. ... Stress triggers the release of high amounts of cortisol, often called the 'stress hormone.' High cortisol is linked to an increased appetite for calorie-dense foods, e.g., fatty foods, refined grains, and processed foods with added sugar."

If there remains any doubt that we are one tired and stressed nation with loads of people who are not eating right, add to that not getting enough exercise. Health.com reports that nearly "half of the people in the U.S. report putting off exercising or going to the gym in the winter because of the weather ... not getting enough physical activity can have a direct impact on your mood and energy levels."

It might also cause some people to withdraw and try to avoid personal contact. This can make matters worse. As mental health counselor Melissa Miller explains to health.com, with social withdrawal and isolation can come increased feelings of depression and loneliness. Staying connected to loved ones can provide a protective base and "being around other people, whether one-on-one or in a large group can have a significant impact on your energy levels."

While volunteering some time to a cause may seem like an added strain to your schedule, know that "when you help other people, it activates the reward center in your brain and releases serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins — all of which can boost your energy levels," says Gordon. "Research suggests that your body gets the same chemical benefits from volunteering that you would get from a good physical workout. It also can give you a sense of fulfillment and purpose as well as decrease your risk of depression."

I pass this suggestion along with a note for you to remember to not spread yourself too thin. Benjamin Laker is a leadership professor at Henley Business School, University of Reading. Writing for Forbes, he reminds readers that self-care should not be neglected during the holiday season, stressing the importance of carving out time for activities that help you unwind and recharge. "Disrupting your regular schedule can lead to additional stress," says Laker. "This includes sticking to your exercise regimen, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring you get enough rest. ... Maintaining healthy boundaries during the winter holiday season is essential for preserving our mental and physical well-being amidst the hustle and bustle."

According to Laker, "the picture-perfect holiday scene often depicted in media and advertising is rarely a reflection of reality. Trying to recreate these idealistic scenes can lead to disappointment and unnecessary stress. ... It's important to remember the true essence of the holiday season. It's a time for gratitude, reflection and connection. Instead of getting caught up in the materialistic and commercial aspects, focus on creating meaningful experiences and cherishing the time spent with loved ones. This could mean volunteering, participating in community events, or simply having heartfelt conversations with friends and family." And to remember, "the holiday season is not just about giving to others, but also about taking care of yourself."

On behalf of my wife Gena and I, we wish you love, peace and joy this holiday season.

Follow Chuck Norris through his official social media sites, on Twitter @chucknorris and Facebook's "Official Chuck Norris Page." He blogs at http://chucknorrisnews.blogspot.com. To find out more about Chuck Norris and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.

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