Self Care for Christmas Holiday

Christmas is around the corner and there is a level of anticipation in the air. Trying to figure how much is too much to what responsibilities we need to outsource, self care is a must. Self care is daily care but during the holiday season, we need to increase it. Some of the things that we need to combat are Seasonal Depression, holiday overload, and holiday guilt.

Seasonal Depression

This is not a new term. The depression that many experience as soon as we experience Daylight savings in November.  Our bodies have a way of feeling that pinch as soon as daylight decreased. From thinking its later than it is, bitter cold temperatures, etc. our moods shifted. Although there are some things you can do to aid in your mental recovery, self care will always be a go to.

Holiday Overload

Trying to fit in everything in a short amount of time is overwhelming. Remember and this is something that we can apply to more than just the holiday, everything in due season. You don’t have to be all of the things to everyone. You are not expected to walk in perfection or have it all done on your on own. Instead of cooking the entre meal this season, delegate other sides or options to others. Opt for catering if possible or cut the guest list down if possible. Saying NO to every invitation isn’t necessary either. Sometimes staying home and relaxing is a form of self care too.

Holiday Guilt

Every year we try to buy for everyone and do for everyone and its an impossibility. We need to honor ourselves and our budget. So cut back.  Instead of individual gifts for others how about a movie pack for a family or gift an experience. We have to learn that our super power is learning to be present without feeling to give presents all the time when it’s not feasible. So cut back. Do less. Make memories that aren’t associated with price tags. We aren’t going into debt emotionally or physically behind anyone this season.

Mental Health During the Holidays

Do what is best for you. Easier said than done but we need to put our needs first. This doesn’t mean that you don’t love others. You do. It is from loving yourself that the love you have for others becomes stronger. So be kind to your mind this season. Be honest of where you are. Don’t take on more than you can to save face for others. If it’s a party of one this holiday like so many, are you able to connect in other meaningful ways this year?

Support

Finding support for what you need is hard. However reach out to at least one person this season. I have a lot of friends but I have only the one that I talk exclusively about mental health. We do check-ins and share the highs and lows of mental health. We do our best to cover one another. Unlike my other friends we have built a trust exclusively on being able to be open. Here is why it works over my other friends. I have several groups of friends who put us in a group. Sharing with one means most likely in some way I am sharing with all. I am not a fan of that. So for my mental health check in I like to speak to my other friend because I can trust our deep conversations stays with her alone. You can’t always share that vulnerability to everyone.

Retreat-Holiday Style

It’s okay to dedicate a few days to others and keep some tine for your immediate family. We dedicate when appropriate to family or friends. We also enjoy our private family time.  The feeling of not having to get up and be anywhere is priceless to us. So we also don’t mind the quiet family moments. Don’t let anyone guilt trip you into thinking that having that time is worthless. Most of the time anyone doing that is more upset that they can control you than what you are doing with your time.

Let’s talk. What are some ways we can help one another get through the holiday season? Do you have a suggestion to someone struggling to put their mental health as their top priority? So many of us are trying to keep it together this season and could use that extra support.