As someone who has spent so much timestruggling with anxiety and depressionI have learned some tipsover the yearsto not only cope during the holidaysbut to actually Thrive During the Holidays.
I am back once again this year with myTips for Self Care During the Holidays I have been doing various versions of thesefor several years nowStarting off the holidays withparameters and intentions have been so very beneficial to me.I thought I'd share my favorite herein case anybody else can use a bit of encouragementat this time of year.
So many years as an adultI have been navigating the search for the joys of Christmas amidst losssince my sister died December 12th 36 years ago.That year I don't think we even had Christmasbut I remember thinking that I would never miss the joy of Christmas againas long as I was able.I haven't.
So I know all too well how many timesthe holidays can shine such a light on just where we are at the time.
What losses we've hadchanges that are in process.In the ten years I've been doing this blogI have endured many.
But I have learned to acknowledge themwhile still making room for the joys that have always still come with the season.
I have made peace with giving roomto both joy and griefand the more I dothe joy seems to be able to grow.Maybe it is with a heart honed by grief and lossthat we are more able to see and experience the moments of true joy and bliss during the holidays!
So here are my top Holiday Heart Tipsto Thrive During the Holidays
Don't Compare
Let Go Of Comparisonit is always the thief of joy
Right off you might think I mean comparing your holidays to other peopleswhich is destructive enough for obvious reasons.
But there is another Holiday comparisonthat can be equally joy stealing.Comparing this holiday right nowto ones gone by in the past.
I have found as hard as it is sometimesin life and
especially during the holidaysit is so important to focus on the good that is here right now.My practice of Daily Gratitudehas made this so much easier.
Not to hold this year up for comparison and judgementsof years gone bybut instead to focus on all the Joy and Beauty to be found today.
We only truly have todayright nowthis year.I can hold a place in my heartfor those I've lostwhile keeping it wide opento absorb this years wonder.I have grown a Flexible HeartAnd for that I Am Grateful.
Let Go Of Expectations Of Perfection
This one I have definitely been working on for yearsand I can say I have gotten pretty good at letting go.Keeping expectations in checkis probably one of the most important tips forThriving During the Holidays!
Now I know to do my bestand then let it go.
As much as I like things to look goodI now know to focus on the moments.For me these daysit is also important to let go of expectations of others.We all come to the holidaysstepping into themwhere we are in our souls this year.None of us are perfect.and all of us are doing the best we can with what we have and knowat this time.Bringing Grace to the holidays
Make A List Of Holiday Objectives
For meI show love by beautifying spaces.Whether it be a beautiful room, space, table or beautifully wrapped present.
These objectivesmight seem obvious enoughbut for me to have the conversation with myselfmeant I could keep my focus on what is importantandnot to go off the rails getting annoyed with the less important aspects.
I always ask myself'What is my objective'I want to achieve.Sometimes it connections with others on a soulful level.Sometimes it's to have an opportunityto sit quietly aloneand reflect on the beauty and magic of the season.
These days it's usually to have beautiful, loving momentsthat I can treasure.And it's usually collecting tiny unexpected momentsthat I can tuck in my heart forever.
I also don't try to do too many events during the holidays.For me fewer is better.I don't like to feel I'm worn out and done.It's always a joy killer for me.
I also keep tight present buying lists.It's all too easy to be out shoppingandbe swept away in the momentthinking that perfect gift can buy someone happiness.It doesn't.
Remember self respect of time and money.
Respect Yourself
Speaking of Respecting Yourself
I think self respect is always importantbut like many of these ideaseven more so during the holidays.
We need to respect how much we can give.Whether it be time, money or heart.Over giving leads to resentment.Know your boundaries.Trying to do too muchandfor too manyis an easy way to loose Holiday Joy
Take Care Of Yourself Inside and Out
I know it's a busy time of yearbut taking the time to make good nutritiona prioritymeans you will have more energy for the holidays.
I'm not saying to get crazy about what you eatjust remember to get some good stuff in!
I also make sure to keep my work outs on track.I keep my own health and fitness on my daily listsbut I also give myself graceif I choose to miss one.For me it's all about balanceespecially during the holidays.
Holiday Wardrobe
I'm not talking about just fancy fashion here.I'm talking about taking the time before the festivities beginto line up outfitsthat you will feel your best in.Outfits that make your heart happy to wear.A great holiday outfit can make even doing errands more joyful!I am still enjoying my red J Crew suitI invested in last yearand I know I will love this classic suit for years to come!
Being with family and friendsduring the holidays means you want to feel your bestin order to bring your best.For me clothes help.
Just like packing for a tripI like to think through the events of the seasonand plan outfits that I know I feel comfortable inand joyful wearing!
In my younger yearsI missed this simple conceptonly to find self scrambling beforeevery event to pull something together to wear.Trust methis was not emotionally prettyfor meor the ripple effect that ensued.
My wardrobe advice is always toPlan what you want to wearahead of the need.
Cherish The Small Moments
For meto be able to fully do this is what Self Care During The Holidaysis all about.
Self Care which leaves you whole and groundedso you can be truly present in the small moments that are really can be the big spectacularjoyful momentswe really are searching for during the holidays.
And I'm old enough now to know sometimeslife is savored in the quiet moments when you least expect it.
Taking good care of ourselvesmeanswe can love on others so much betterand be present when sacred heart moments do occur.
My wish for you this holiday seasonis good self careso you can show up with grace in your heartand an ability tocherish the sacred momentsthat can be mixed in all of the hustle and bustle of the season.
Those are my suggestions for Thriving During the HolidaysThank you so much for stopping by.I'd love to hear any Mental Health Tips for the Holidaysyou'd like to share!
As always my friends
I wish you love and joy
as you style your life
