As we draw closer and closer to the big events that are Christmas and New Years Eve, I wanted to just pop in a short reminder to those of us getting carried away with the “must do’s” during holiday time. Whether you are becoming stressed out by unfinished Christmas shopping, an incomplete to-do list, what to wear on New Years, or even just managing to turn “relaxing” into a task that must be achieved. Catch yourself and try to stop your mind from spiraling down any rabbit holes. Remember that the holidays are also meant for self-care time.
Remember What is Important
Often, there are expectations that come with Christmas time and the holidays around it. Expectations for great gifts, the hope of making the perfect meal, or even just the presumption that you and everyone will have a good time. To top it off, none of this is helped by store displays, adverts and movies all pushing the ideology of the perfect gift or the perfect meal and all in the perfect setting.
But perfection is not realistic. And no matter how much organisation or excellence is achieved, someone in the wrong state of mind will still find fault. So before you start stressing out about the smaller details of the season, remind yourself of what is truly important. Start to look at what you have got. And at what you have achieved. Don’t think about how many presents are under the tree, or what your outfit looks like, or the food tastes like. Remind yourself of how great it is simply to have loved ones around you. Or that they have you around them! Think about who you are sharing these moments with. Even if you are spending Christmas alone, enjoy the moments you have to yourself. And regardless of how you spend your holidays, start each day with some self care and spend a little time reflecting on what is truly important in life.
When we change our perspective the world can become a more beautiful and less stressful place.
Remain Mindful
Remind yourself that being mindful is a way of life and not a chore. So as you let go over the holidays and slip into a different state of mind, try to maintain a conscious approach. As you relax, realise that you are relaxing. As you eat, recognise what you are eating and how you are eating. Even if it is a less healthy option, still make a mental note. You will still be able to unwind and enjoy yourself without completely switching off your mind. And in fact, you may find it all even more fulfilling and rewarding. And find yourself more rested after a mindful holiday period.
Say No
Say no when you need to. There is absolutely nothing wrong with saying no when you feel that a task or event may take more out of you than you have to give. Now obviously this is not an excuse to bail on anything and everything. Potentially causing stress to those around you. So just because you don’t really feel like washing the dishes, doesn’t mean that your mom or grandmother (who has possibly just spent two days cooking a massive Christmas lunch) has to now do all the washing up.
This is for those moments that you really, honestly and truly don’t have the energy for something or someone. And you will know the difference. It’s not when something just feels like a schlep. It’s when your entire body screams against the thought of something. Or you feel like you might cry at the thought.
The same goes for food. In no way shape or form are you hurting anyone else by not consuming something that your body doesn’t want to absorb. Don’t eat that extra piece of cake if you already feel full. Don’t have that drink if you had already decided that you weren’t going to drink. Keep your resolve. Also remember that most of the time people are trying to coerce you out of habit. Half the time they are not even aware that they are pressuring you. This also means that later on, they probably won’t even remember if you said yes or no. Meanwhile, later on, you will remember and feel the effects of your choice. Good or Bad.
Me Time
A very important one to remember. Me time forms a great part of self care during the holidays. It may feel like the holidays just fly past. And then at the start of the new year many people comment that they still feel tired. So be aware of not turning the holidays into a different kind of work. Try not to over schedule your days, or over task yourself. Give yourself time for just you. Allow yourself unplanned days where you can potentially wake up and spend the day doing nothing. Or even not wake up! Sometimes the body genuinely just needs to sleep for what seems like a stupid amount of hours. This may take some planning for those that have dependents, but that is no reason to not do it. If anything, it has the added bonus of being a wonderful way to teach them the importance of self care.
Conclusion
Have you ever heard anyone say “I need a holiday from my holiday”? Well, this is what we are trying to avoid. Don’t stress about what is not important, be mindful, learn to give away your energy wisely and above all, remember how important you are. And maybe we can start learning to really climb out of the hamster wheel and truly give the mind and body the break it deserves.