Surviving the Holidays even if you're not Feeling Festive
Overwhelmed when thinking about the holidays? Check out the article below for a few tips on how to survive the holiday season.
Yes it's that time of year again. Whether you love it or you dread it, the holidays have arrived. For some this may mean a time of stress. Perhaps you're scrambling to finish finals, or maybe you don't know what to buy for your medical assistant or nurse. Or you could even be in the middle of big life changes, and awaiting what the near year and new decade brings.
For others the holidays mean a time of sadness in addition to the stress that comes with the season. Perhaps you've lost a loved one and are grieving their absence. Or maybe you're alone over the holidays, wishing you had a family. Whatever season in life you are in, whether it's a season of stress or sadness, give yourself the self-care you need and deserve to make it through the holidays.
Below are some ideas on how to successfully survive the holidays and enter the new year on a good note, even if you're not feeling in the merry spirit.
Don't over commit. If you've been invited to numerous holiday parties or gatherings, it's ok to not attend each one. Go to the events that you feel called to, and forget the rest. If you over commit you won't have the energy to take care of yourself, especially now when you really need it.
Rest. Now is a time of rest before the new year begins. Take a few days off of work, nap, or just practice mindfulness. Resting will help to rejuvenate you and you'll be able to enter the new year feeling better.
Indulge in self-care. I speak on self-care a lot within my membership and January's theme is actually on this subject. My advice is to indulge in self-care and to treat yourself. Remember self-care is not selfish, it's the best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones. This may mean a massage, or weekend getaway, or dinner with a loved one. Whatever self-care looks like to you, do it!
Prepare for the new year. The holidays will be over in the next two weeks and it's important to remind yourself that this too shall pass. One way to bypass unwanted holiday stress is to focus on all the amazing possibilities that the new year will bring. Write down your goals and aspirations for the upcoming year and visualize them coming true. This will definitely help pull you out of a holiday funk!
Reach out. If you're feeling down, reach out to a loved one. Sometimes just talking through your feelings will help lift them.
Wishing you all a safe and merry holiday season!