Self-Care for the Holidays
Ah, it's that time of year again. You may have started your holiday planning and shopping, RSVPing to various events, and/or getting ready to host. For most of us, the holidays are a mix of excitement, gift giving and receiving, and spending time with the ones we love.
On the flip side, it may also involve running harried, stretching ourselves too thin, dealing with competing demands, and family drama. Relationships may become (more) strained. Whereas some level of increased stress is to be expected, the holidays can also bring out additional difficult feelings, such as grief and loneliness.
The need for self-care and boundaries is higher than ever at this time of year, although ironically we likely have less time to do so. Here are some things to consider:
- Be kind and gentle with yourself. When multiple demands compete for our energy and attention, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay in the present and enjoy the moment.
- Identify now how you want to take care of yourself. For some, this means scheduling time with a dear friend. For others, it could be unwinding with hot tea or cocoa at night and sticking to an exercise routine.
- Notice when you become reactive. When you notice having a shorter fuse, for example, take a long and gentle moment to reflect on what is really causing it. What may initially feel like annoyance with slow moving lines or traffic, might really be about pressure to keep up, or feeling taken advantage of, or having familiar buttons pushed by a family member.
- Holiday stress may get acted out in relationships. This may create a wish to withdraw from others or engage in various escape fantasies. Be careful not to entirely give in - spending meaningful quality time with others usually leaves us feeling better.
- Be aware how you respond to interpersonal conflict. Do you pursue or withdraw? These patterns may get exacerbated with holiday stress. Just being aware can help you modify your responses to others.
- Be a clear communicator. Let others know what you're willing and able to contribute, and also communicate what you are not able to do. Read this post about assertiveness skills.
- If you are spending the holidays alone, plan quality time for yourself as well as some time to be around others. Joining a community that has meaning to you, religious or secular, is good for mental health. Volunteering and giving back during the holidays can be immensely rewarding. Shifting focus from inward to outward can help put difficult feelings in perspective. Plan your participation early as volunteer opportunities on holidays fill up quickly.
- Take note of what you are grateful for. It helps put things in perspective.
Happy holidays to you and yours!
