My Easter Survival Guide: Thriving, Not Just Surviving

Can you believe it? March is gone and we're nearly a week in to April, as Easter approaches, we find ourselves at another seasonal milestone. This time of year often brings excitement, adventure, and, inevitably, changes in our food and alcohol consumption. Especially when you have little people in your life. Unfortunately, Easter can also trigger a cycle of unhealthy eating habits that many of us repeat year after year.

This time of year is particularly tricky, it’s the first major celebration after Christmas and the New Year, and by now, the fresh energy of January has started to fade. Many of us fall back into our stress management defaults, which may not always be serving us well.

Common Stress Management Defaults

The habits we rely on to cope with daily life can either fuel our stamina and resilience or drain our energy reserves. If you find yourself struggling with stress or low energy, it may be time to reassess your habits. Here are some common stress management defaults that might be doing more harm than good:

Relying on coffee for energy - While coffee may give you a temporary boost, it doesn’t provide sustainable energy. Instead, it can lead to energy crashes and poor decision-making.
Using alcohol to unwind - Alcohol might seem like a stress reliever, but there are far healthier ways to relax. Try limiting alcohol and incorporating exercise to release tension.
Sedentary screen time - Sitting for long periods, especially without daily exercise, can contribute to inflammation, anxiety, and low mood. Movement is a powerful antidote.
Accepting poor sleep and low energy as ‘normal’ – Poor sleep and fatigue should not be your status quo. Have a read of my 'Sleep Hygiene' blog to help you with your sleep priorities, especially throughout this period.

Avoid the Easter Blowout

Easter gives us two choices: moderation or overindulgence. With chocolate eggs and hot cross buns in abundance, it’s easy to go overboard. If you struggle with sugar cravings, this time of year can be particularly challenging.

As we age, our bodies become less efficient at processing insulin, making high sugar intake more problematic. When combined with excessive alcohol consumption, the result can be ongoing inflammation, energy swings, and mood instability. Instead of using the Easter break to truly rest and recharge, many people end up exhausted, sluggish, and unmotivated as they head into the next quarter of the year - this is not what we want.

Ways to Enjoy Chocolate & Hot Cross Buns Without the Sugar Spike

You don’t have to completely avoid Easter treats, just be mindful of how you consume them to keep your blood sugar stable:

Choose dark chocolate – Opt for chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content, as it contains less sugar and more antioxidants, it's actually more satisfying too!
Pair with protein & healthy fats – Eating chocolate or hot cross buns alongside nuts or nut butter, or something like cream cheese can help slow the release of sugar into your bloodstream.
Go homemade – Bake your own hot cross buns using wholemeal flour and natural sweeteners like cinnamon to reduce sugar content, and they are undoubtedly better than store bought! I know the Woolies collab with Cinnabon sounds to die for, but we definitely cannot be treating ourselves to those all of the time.
Portion control – Enjoy a small serving rather than overindulging, and eat it after a balanced meal to minimise blood sugar spikes. Freeze hot cross buns once you have made them to avoid over indulging and reduce waste. This way, you can enjoy them at a slower pace.
Stay active – A post-meal walk or some light exercise can help regulate blood sugar levels and support digestion.

Easter Survival Tips

Here’s how you can enjoy the Easter break while keeping your health and energy levels in check:

Schedule true rest days – Take time to recharge that isn’t just about recovering from a big night. Start your day with a gentle walk, enjoy a nourishing breakfast, and take time to read or relax with your legs elevated to support your adrenal glands.
Moderate alcohol intake – Drink water between alcoholic beverages and consider using herbal liver support formulas and probiotics to aid detoxification.
Stay active – Easter is the perfect time for outdoor activities such as bushwalking, paddle boarding, cycling, or playing games at the beach or park. Incidental exercise is a great way to boost energy and mood. Have you ever noticed how beautiful the weather is around Easter? It's my favourite time of year, get out and enjoy it!
Try meditation – Use the break to cultivate a meditation habit, especially if you're spending time in nature. Sitting in stillness for 30 minutes each day can have profound benefits for your stress levels and overall well-being.

Make Easter Work for You

Easter can be more than just a time for indulgence, it can also be a reset point for the rest of the year. While it’s a great time for celebration and connection, consider using it as an opportunity for self-care and rejuvenation.

Happy Easter, and take care of yourself!

Easter Hours in Clinic

Good Friday 18th April - Closed

Easter Saturday 19th April - Closed

Easter Sunday 20th April - Closed

Easter Monday 21st April - Closed

ANZAC Day 25th April - Closed

And...if you did blow out - my next group Fasting Lane 12 week fasting group program kicks off just in front of #naturalmedicineweek2025 - this is the perfect opportunity to reset your entire metabolic system! FIND OUT MORE

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