It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Parties, glitter, food, drink, friends, family, music, and did I mention FOOD? Yes, Christmas time has come around again in a hurry. There’s no escaping it- from September the shops are full of gifts, cards, wrapping, ‘limited edition’ food choices, and the same old Christmas songs are playing. Drawing ever closer to the dawning of another New Year, it’s time to get excited, right? For some, Christmas can be a challenging holiday, with the expectation to be happy and joyous around family, who might have toxic influences on your life. The winter holiday is also a time for unwinding and looking back over the achievements of the year. It is a time to relax and make time for some self-care, too. Here are some holiday-specific self-care tips for you to make the best of a challenging season.
Feel free to say ‘No’
Families can be tough, and sadly, often toxic. The holiday season brings added pressures with it to spend time with people who share your DNA, even if you don’t feel comfortable being around them. Spending time alone while others are gathered isn’t always paired with a side of ‘FoMo’. It can be one of the simplest, cheapest ways of practicing self-care.
Think cozying up with all of the blankets, lighting candles, eating what you want (it is Christmas after all!) watching all of the Christmas specials without having to agree with the others. Sounds AWESOME! As well as preventing you from having to seek out therapy for anxiety, it is also probably the most adult thing you can do at Christmas time. Alone doesn’t have to mean ‘lonely’.
Do something different as holiday self-care
Christmas can be the same thing all the time, which when pressures to perform for the year come to play, can add to the Holiday Anxiety. This year, why not try something different? There are so many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, go spend some time with elders in their care homes. You never know how much it will make a difference to people- as well as for you, too.
Review the year behind you and set goals
It’s easy to become so bogged down with anxiety that you don’t live to enjoy the moments and celebrate your yearly achievements. Make the holiday a time for celebrating and reflecting upon all of the things that have happened. The good, the bad, the places you’ve been and the people you’ve met. The small things, or the big things, make sure you see each of these moments as added equipment for the year ahead. Get set for your 2020 vision.
Fear of the holidays doesn’t have to win during Christmas time. Make the most of who and what you have and be thankful for it all. Remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup, so use this time to reflect, relax, unwind, and refuel. You are worth it.
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