November 05, 2025

Dealing with social obligations while chronically ill: Holiday Edition!

26 minutes

For more info and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com

In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, hosts Jacie and Barbara discuss the unique challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses during the holiday season. They delve into the importance of setting boundaries, managing expectations, and prioritizing health to make social events more manageable. The discussion includes practical tips for communicating with family and friends, handling dietary and alcohol restrictions, and developing self-care strategies before and after social gatherings. They also highlight the value of therapy and supportive relationships in navigating this difficult time. Tune in for a compassionate and informative session aimed at making your holidays more enjoyable and stress-free.

For more info and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro and disclaimer

00:50 Therapy to help support you during the season

02:18 Challenges of an invisible illness during the holidays

04:16 Why the holidays and chronic illness are a tough combo

07:10 Set expectations and boundaries

09:03 Practical tips for dietary restrictions

09:54 Tips for leaving early, or declining invitations

12:00 Eat before you go

13:26 Offering alternatives

14:21 Partner and spouse dynamics

16:56 Creating health-supportive traditions

19:15 Coping mechanisms for social anxiety, avoiding drinking

24:33 The Importance of Boundaries

26:23 Community Support

Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs

The CIRS Group:

Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/

Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:

Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet! https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory

Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/

Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching:

Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara

Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

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