The holidays may or may not be the "most wonderful time of the year"...
Yes, the holidays can be a wonderful, beautiful time, and it's okay if it's not
There is endless rhetoric saying you "should" be feeling "merry and bright" amid some of our busiest work, deadlines, and full social and family calendars. On top of that, there's decreased sunlight, additional financial pressure, grief and loss might feel extra heavy, and family dynamics can be really challenging.
It's okay if you're feeling the weight of those things.
So I'm going to share with you the 3 tools that you NEED to bring to your holiday gatherings to maintain mental well-being AND be present with the FULLNESS that the holidays bring.
1️⃣ Awareness
Take a moment to reflect on your true feelings about the holidays, family, and food. Identify your expectations and gauge your stress levels.
2️⃣ Acceptance
Don't "should" on yourself 💩. There is no way you "should" feel or a holiday "should" be. How you feel right now is okay, so don't resist it. Acknowledge that all humans feel this way sometimes.
It's also important to extend this acceptance to the people around you and the situations you find yourself in.
3️⃣ Compassion in Action
What would make you feel supported during this time? Consider what support you need during this time and be kind to yourself by honoring those needs. Develop a plan for self-care before, during, and after the holidays, managing expectations along the way.
Don't forget to extend compassion to others as well.
The more you take care of yourself, the better able you will be to move through all that the holidays hold. Episode 81 of How the Wise One Grows podcast provides valuable insights from listeners about their holiday experiences, offering practical tips on managing expectations, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. From managing expectations, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care to gracefully navigating stress during this period-- this episode is your essential go-to guide for the holidays.
