The holiday season can invite so much joy, fun, shared tradition, meaning, and celebration. The holidays can also bring up feelings of overwhelm, social anxiety, and grief for many people. No matter where you fall on this spectrum, I see you and am with you.
Whether this is a season of celebration or challenges for you, I encourage you to practice self-care. Tending to our needs through the vehicle of self-care is always important and it becomes even more so during this season.
Here are three practical ways you can take care of yourself during the holidays:
1. Be Present with Your Emotions
I encourage you to create space and time to adequately name and feel your emotions over the holiday season. You may find it helpful to create a mindful ritual that allows you to practice this often.
I invite you also to name the physical sensation that you’re feeling at any given moment. Start by noticing the possible emotional state you’re in. Naming your emotions and how you feel them will help you identify your underlying needs.
We all have needs and your needs matter. You may need belonging, acceptance, autonomy, or connection – these are all examples of basic human needs. Approaching our needs with gentleness and tenderness allow us to get our needs met in nurturing, loving ways.
Additionally, try practicing curiosity and compassion, over judgment and shame, as you are present with your emotions.
2. Set Intentional Boundaries
There are so many wonderful benefits to boundaries. Boundaries keep us safe, reduce burnout and stress, and promote fulfillment. They also help us create meaningful and healthy relationships with ourselves and others.
Being intentional about what you want your holiday season to look like will help inform what boundaries you may need to set. Ask yourself what you’d like to experience during the holidays? How much can you commit to? What are you needing this season?
As you get curious about what you need, you might find that you only have the capacity to commit to two extracurricular activities apart from your professional or personal life in the evenings. You might find that you’re not able to spend as much time with one family member or friend who has said or done harmful things to you.
Whatever your boundaries are, I invite and gently challenge you to honor them.
3. Make Space for Play and Creativity
I encourage you to create time in your schedule for play and creativity. Play and creativity allow us to nurture our nervous system and connect deeper with ourselves and others.
If you don’t know how to approach play and creativity, get curious about how you like to spend your time. What are your hobbies? What fills your cup? What can you engage in that is not performance-related?
Perhaps you bake cookies and decorate them with a loved one. You might enjoy going on a walk and noticing the beautiful aspects of nature. Maybe you enjoy pottery or painting.
Play is designed to feel carefree, without rules or expectations attached. Whatever play and creativity mean for you, I invite you to make space for this self-care activity over the holidays.
Additional Resources
Self-Care is for Everyone:
I appreciate this account so much and wanted to share it with you. I appreciate the short snippets of wisdom offered that you can take with you throughout your day.
Affirmation:
“I honor my needs with tenderness and intention this holiday season.”
Whatever your self-care routines are that help you be the most present with yourself and your loved ones, do those things as often as you can this holiday season.
Becoming Anchored in Hope,
Laura
LPC-MHSP, CEDS-C, ACS, NCC
At Becoming Anchored Co., we are dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward personal growth and well-being. Our mission is to provide tools and insights that foster resilience, connection, and authenticity.
Our evidence-based resources, including our podcast and courses, are designed to empower you. We have also curated a selection of thoughtfully designed products to help you stay anchored – that you can wear on your path to discovery and growth.
We believe in the importance of creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every story is valued and honored. Join us in our commitment to thriving and flourishing together.
