It’s the Holiday Season.
It’s the Holiday Season. Starbuck has their holiday cups out. Holiday decorations have been up in stores for awhile now. The increase in catalogs in your mail may have increased and your inbox is full of deals. Whatever your social media platform you chose to use is filled with holiday related material. The weather is all over the place here in Texas. Gratitude, joy, family, & friends are just a few of the words associated with this time of year. Everyone has different feelings around the holidays. You may notice changes in your mood, sleep or eating habits. Schedules are different for almost everyone. Your to do list can be longer than normal. Your holiday plans may involve travel by car or plane. A lot of people visit family they may not have seen since last year’s holidays. Increased time with family often equates to laugher and fun. It can also mean feelings being hurt, heated discussions on a wide range of topics or a general sense of tension. This post will identify some of the emotions tied to this time of year and serve as a reminder of what you can do to take care of yourself.
What can you do for yourself during this time of year?
Here are some suggestions:
Acknowledge how you are feeling and be honest about your feelings. In this time of year, messages are about happiness, joy, loved ones and making memories. Remember it’s ok to feel sad, anxious, or depressed. You may be grieving because you have experienced a loss and it’s the first holiday season without your loved one. Losing a loved one isn’t the only loss. It could your first holiday season after your divorce, your move or other significant events. You may be lonely and loneliness seems to intensity during time of year. You may also feel exhausted from the previous ten months of 2024. There is an expectation of how we are supposed to feel this time of year. Remember, acknowledge how you are truly feeling and do things to help yourself.
Set boundaries. Boundaries is the most popular topic of discussion in my therapy office throughout the year. Boundaries take center stage this time of year. Part of setting boundaries involves know what boundaries are important to you. Review your boundaries before you head to that family dinner or holiday work party. Boundaries are not a form of punishment. Boundaries are designed to keep you safe and comfortable. Some families set general boundaries like no talking politics at the table. Questions will be asked about your school or job, your relationship status or some other topic. Be prepared and think how you are going to answer some of these questions. Create a plan to ensure you can take care of yourself. Ideas include driving your own car so you can leave when you want to leave, identify a support person at the gathering, and know you can step outside for some fresh air. Keep in mind you can say “no” during the holidays. It is important to practice self care during this time.
Ask for help when you can. You can try to do everything on your to do list on your own and there may be some consequences to that plan. It’s ok to delegates tasks this time of year. Look at your to do list. Prioritize what is important and identify what other items can be optional. Remember to take time to rest, enjoy alcohol within limits and a limit on the sweets too.
If you have a therapist, it may be helpful to schedule a session or two during this time. Therapists need time off too. Check to see when they are available during this season too.
This week and the next few weeks, take care of yourself. Count your blessings. Recognize what is in your control and more importantly what is out of your control. Be kind. Listen to your gut. Practice deep breathing. 2024 felt like it flew by and here we are in November. Take care of yourself.
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