Taking Care of Yourself during the Holidays

The holiday season can be a stressful time of year - it’s easy to get caught up in all the things that need to be done. That’s why it’s always good to take a few moments each day to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Here are some tips to help you put yourself at the top of your list:

1. Take a break to let yourself feel. Find a private space, breathe deeply, and try to connect with what you’re feeling. Sometimes you’ll find that what you are feeling isn’t what you expected. Maybe you thought you had everything under control, but you realize you’re feeling frazzled. That’s a warning sign to ease up on yourself.

Taking a moment to feel is especially important for people who are experiencing sadness or loss during the holiday season. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one this year, or maybe you’ve never had a family and always feel it very keenly during the holidays. Maybe you’re having economic problems and can’t provide the sort of celebration you wanted this season.

Whatever the cause, taking some time to feel the pain and struggle will lighten the load. Whether you acknowledge the pain or not, it’s going to be there. Save yourself the stress of having to hide it by finding some private moments to let it surface. Letting it surface can feel hugely relieving after struggling to hold it in, even though the pain may run deep.

2. Treat yourself to something fun. Whether it’s your favorite chocolate truffle or a special DVD, let yourself indulge. To enjoy your holidays, you need to make sure you’re doing enjoyable things. Sounds obvious, but it’s amazing how often we forget that. Be sure to include something you love in each day’s plans – read a favorite book, listen to a favorite radio program, wear your favorite holiday clothes. Indulge yourself with a million little treats – and the occasional big one.

3. Good enough is really pretty darn good. Don’t knock yourself out to make everything perfect or to show up for every event. Do as much as you can without driving yourself crazy – or inhibiting yourself from enjoying the season – and then stop, settle in, and enjoy yourself.