I think what matters during this time of the year, is to pace ourselves, and move at the speed and direction which is right and healthy for each of us. Would you agree? Holiday survival may included a whole bunch of things which can bring peace, avoid drama, ensure well-being, and ultimately serve to carry us through the rest of the year. Not all choices may be acceptable to others, and that's okay too, just as pushing ourselves to be the best we can be by reaching out to someone, spreading kindness, or holiday cheer.
Here is a list which may be helpful ~
• It's good to set boundaries for things which are too much.
• Declining an invite that doesn't feel right, or which will bring additional stress, is ok.
• Stop feeling as if you "are a burden" by sharing your feelings or sadness with caring people, because holding negative emotions inside usually increases feelings of loneliness (I may be busy this time of year, but I'd always make the time to talk to anyone who reaches out).
• Pushing yourself to get out and do things for health and wellness is a wise choice.
• Learn to pace yourself and go at the speed which feels right for YOU.
• Reach out to others who understand and are supportive.
• Celebrate the little things that bring you joy, whether it's splurging on fancy hot chocolate, putting up just a single strand of Christmas lights, or even looking at old photos and remembering the past (sometimes we just need the space and ability to reflect and acknowledge sadness, so we can have a good cry and let it all out).
• Self-preservation isn't selfish, sometimes it's doing what is best.
• Stop feeling guilty for not being in the holiday spirit, because we all process and handle things in different ways, and that is OKAY.
• Volunteer and help bring joy; take a well-trained pet to visit residents in a nursing home, write cards and deliver them to veterans, or check with your local animal shelter to see if you can come help walk dogs there (I find this is a great way to lend a paw and boost my mood!).
• Do something kind for another person who may be down or struggling, because that almost always lifts our own spirits too.
• Tap into creative things which bring you joy, such as sketching, taking winter photos, knitting, etc.
• Get outside and take a walk! Movement and exercise is healthy and generally a great mood booster, and if you aren't physically where you'd like to be, now is a perfect time to begin.
• Go somewhere different to enjoy new experiences such as a museum, a local attraction, holiday event or Christmas concert.
• Write cards or letters to people that matter most to you.
• Acknowledge that not everything about the holidays is joyful, and then pick out the parts which do bring you happiness and focus on them.
Lastly, please know you are not alone in finding your direction during these last days of the year....many of us are working through difficult situations or challenging memories and emotions! If you'd like to connect, look me up on my social channels listed at the end of this blog and send me a message or say hello. 😊 Have a great day!
Thanks for stopping by my blog ~ :)
community first • marketing consultant • advocate for small business • lover
of classic cars • beach girl • believer that "together we accomplish more"
