Family gatherings, for me, are energy guzzlers. Your time with your friend was joyous and good, but stress does not favor good or bad events. I do not think your helping carry the lamp did you in. Before I go to an event, I will nap to store up energy. If I go to a big event, I might rest for 2-3 days and a day after the event.
As you go forward in your life, if this will be part of your life, you will learn or can learn what your limits are. For me it is a feeling. When the feeling hits, I know that I have to take a break. If I happen to push past my limit, it may take me 2-3 days just to fully recover. I think that it makes that limit a weighted decision, that is, is pushing past my limit worth it? Sometimes it is, but I know that I will have to pay for it!
