Self-Care during the Silly Season is so valuable.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Time for family and friends. A season full of parties and events. The festivities have us rushing and bustling about. Added to this is the commercialism of Christmas. During this hectic time, we are subject to huge dose of stress Emotional burnout is high. Sleep patterns are disrupted, healthy eating vanishes. We all have that one annoying family member. The celebration is a stressful time instead a joyful time.
Christmas is time for giving. Why not give yourself first this year?
Take care of yourself first! You are emotionally, physically and mentally strong to give to others. This way the hectic times can be fun and joyful.
Here are 5 Self Care tips during the most wonderful time of the year:
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Let Go Expectations
This is a big one. We have this picture in our minds of how Christmas should be. How the people around us will treat us. This idealist version of Christmas viewed in movies raise our expectation of how Christmas plays out. In the movies, it seems so magical and how it can be so perfect. We dream of the same magical and perfect holidays. The perfect family with the perfect tree while hosting the perfect parties with the perfect gifts. But most likely it does not work out like the movies.
We get highly disappointed. Depression and anxiety are elevated during the holidays. The best way to take care of yourself during emotionally trying times is to let go your unrealistic expectations. You will be liberated and experience the joy in the real moment.
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Follow the Middle Path
We get swayed by the silly season and do silly things like over-eat, over-spend, overindulge in many things. Get carried away by the notion of giving. Excessive behaviour is so common during the holidays. Common sense gets tossed out the window. As the Buddhist say: Follow the middle the path. Do things in moderation. Great way to take care of yourself and keep your common sense.
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Hustle and Bustle of the Holidays
Holiday frenzy can drive one nuts. Plan ahead for the holidays to avoid stress and anxiety. Give time frames for the shopping and events you will attend. Plan to shop online or during the quieter times like first thing in the morning. Keep in mind shopping does not have to be rushed. Take your time and enjoy the process. Listen to soothing music while navigating busy malls. This way to shut out the frenzy and rushed energy.
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Allow Self-Care
Allow yourself to do whatever you want during the festive season. If you want to say “no” to over-spending or “no” to attending a certain function or “no” to hosting an event, give yourself permission to do what is best for you. Putting yourself first is the beginning of self-care journey. Asking yourself, what you want during the holidays – is valuing yourself and catering for your needs important? This is act of self-love and self-care.
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Own your own stuff
Family gatherings can trigger us. We experience tension and conflict. Emotional guilt is rife during our interaction. Take a step back. Own what is your stuff. Be honest with yourself and only apologise if you must. Forgive yourself and the other person to set yourself free. Your heart can relax, and you can enjoy the holidays.
“Wherever you are in your life this year, take care of yourself first. Practice self-love abundantly. This truly is the only way to experience the true meaning of Christmas.”
