5 Tips to Survive & Thrive this Holiday Season
The holidays can be a wonderful time of year filled with family, friends, good food, gift exchanges, family traditions and so much more. But sometimes post New Year's we feel out of breath, overwhelmed and completely over it. Whether it's difficulty with family, disappointment or even loneliness we all want to be able to look back and feel good about our holiday season. Here are 5 tips to help you survive and thrive this holiday season.
1. Limit Holiday Activities. Lets face it the holidays are busy! Between Christmas parties, kids programs, gift exchanges and family gatherings we are often tired and exhausted throughout the entire month of December. The first tip is to just pick a few activities that are really important for you or your family and say no to all the rest. I know saying no can be extremely difficult especially during this time of year, but you will feel so much better knowing you are the one who has control over your schedule and a say over your life. Less truly is more, so do your favorites this holiday season and leave out the rest.
2. Be Present. This means putting down your cell phone, closing your computer, not checking email or Facebook and just simply being present with the people and activities who mean the most. I often hear people say how quickly the years fly by and I think the best antidote to feeling like life is going too fast is to be present in even the littlest of moments.
3. Don't let family get under your skin. Families have this strange way of luring us back into patterns and people we don't want to be. This year you too can begin practicing the art separating yourself from any chaos, drama or self sabotage family can often inflict. Times like these we almost have to be a parent to ourselves. Treat yourself kindly and remind yourself to "Just stay calm" or "Don't take it personally," when you find yourself in uncomfortable family situations. Learning to let these things roll off our shoulders and then tell a spouse or close friend about the experience afterwords can really help let it go and not taking it so personally.
4. Make time for yourself. I know this can be a hard one too, but doing a couple minutes of "self care" every week can help you stay present, slow down and remember your values this holiday season. Even 15 minutes of self care can make all the difference whether its reading a book, taking a bath, eating a nice dinner or going for walk. Gift yourself the gift of self care this holiday season and then make it a New Year's resolution.
5. Do it your way. I recently heard this quote, "You do you," meaning if you don't enjoy something or it doesn't bring you life then don't do it. If you love baking cookies then bake cookies. If you don't love baking, but you feel like you "have to," then just don't. Sometimes we get so caught up in traditions or obligations that we completely loose sight of ourselves and who we are in the process. We all have unique gifts and talents and when we operate outside of those we feel awkward. You decorate your tree or your house or bring the gift you want the way that fits you best and let go of expectations.
I hope this holiday season is filled with peace, joy and hope.
Warmly,
Chelsea
Embody Counseling offers online counseling state-wide in Colorado including Denver, Boulder, Ft. Collins, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction.
