‘Tis the season to be…..stressed?
I think many of us can agree that as much as we’d like the holiday season to be “jolly,” it can also bring about a great deal of stress, emotional triggers, grief, anxiety, and depression. There’s a never ending checklist of things to do, presents to buy, family to visit, parties to attend, and expectations to meet.
Self-care is not only necessary throughout the entire year, but especially important during the holidays.
Whether you love this season or dread it, self-care is a way to keep you thriving instead of just surviving this season.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care is an intentional activity you do to take care of your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Think of it as refueling your limited tank of energy. You cannot pour from an empty cup, so it’s important to take time to care for yourself in order to give back to others.
Self-Care Activities
I like to put it into three categories: Body, Mind, & Soul
Body: Eat, Sleep, Hydrate, Exercise
Yes, the holidays certainly make it more difficult to do even these basic tasks. With hunger, dehydration, and lack of sleep comes irritability, frustration, difficulty focusing, and decreased self-control.
Make sure you’re doing your best to eat a well-balanced diet, drink water throughout the day, sleep at least 7 hours, and exercise a few times a week.
When we take care of our physical self, it provides many benefits such as more energy and recovery your body needs to keep going.
Mind: Journal, Relax, Say No, & Intentional Gratitude
Our minds can keep us stuck in the past or caught up in the “what ifs” of the future. The best way to combat this is to be more present with yourself and those you love.
Journaling can be a healthy way to get perspective on what’s coming up for you, what’s important to you, and developing better self-insight. Clear your mind by getting out those pent-up emotions in a healthy way.
Find or continue doing relaxing activities that you enjoy like a walk in the park, a good book, a hot bath, or a hot cup of tea which may be just what you need.
Learn when to say “no.” We often feel obligated to attend one too many parties, visit family who may be toxic for us, overindulge, overspend, and overextend. One of my favorite authors, Brene Brown, says “choose discomfort over resentment” and that has stuck with me. You are allowed to keep your boundaries despite the holiday pressure.
Gratitude is an intentional practice and doesn’t come naturally to us. When we make a habit of taking note for what we are grateful for, it reframes our perspective over time. There’s something we can all be grateful for, even if it’s just the breath in our lungs.
Soul: Meditate/Pray, Play, Love, & Unplug
Mediation and/or prayer can bring about an attunement to ourselves and even something greater than ourselves. Stop, breathe deeply in and out a few times, and take notice of your senses. What do you see, feel, hear, smell, and taste? This can help us center and balance, which in turn helps us to feel relaxed and more present.
Adults need to play and laugh as much as children do. Drawing, coloring, painting, dancing, and singing all help remind us that life can be fun! *It’s okay to laugh at yourself, too.*
Spending time with those you love is replenishing to our soul. Getting support, a hug, laughing, and sharing memories all help remind us what’s really important.
Unplug from all those social media outlets and commercials that make you feel inadequate and inferior to the “ideal” holiday experience. Comparing ourselves to others only creates a greater sense of dissatisfaction. Take some time to remember that you are good enough and doing the best you can with what you have.
Connect with Support
The holidays may be a reminder of those we’ve lost and therefore a lonely time of year. If you have little to no social support, getting through the end of the year might feel impossible. If you find it difficult to care for yourself or feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to reach out for help. Know that you are important and not forgotten. Therapy can provide a support for you to be seen, heard, and understood.
If you’re interested in learning more about therapy or schedule a session, contact our office today! I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist in Georgetown, Texas who provides counseling to individuals strugging with life’s stressors. Your care matters to me and I’m here to help.
Megan Ibanez, LMFT is a talented therapist and self-care guru at Georgetown Child & Family Counseling. She helps teens, adults and families build healthy relationships with themselves and others so that they can thrive and reconnect with what’s important.
