6 Tips to Navigate the Holidays
Moving into the holiday season can be overwhelming. It’s a time that’s supposed to be about joy and merriment and connection, but it can often feel anything but that.
Here are 6 tips for grabbing the most goodness from your upcoming moments:
First, and always, honor what you need.
You may not know what that is, but when you feel yourself getting irritated, angry, tense, sick to your stomach, or going toward an escape mechanism (alcohol, food, shopping, scrolling, etc), this is a sign that what is going on is not okay with you. Allow yourself to walk out of the room politely, look at nature or something pleasant, and take 3 deep, long, slow breaths.
Give yourself permission not to do all the things.
You are allowed to say no. You are allowed to do things differently. And you are allowed to choose.
Allow yourself to be a part of your life.
All of my clients are amazing givers and fixers, who dedicate most of their lives to thinking and caring for and about others, but that means there is very little of them in their lives. Consider one thing that you really enjoy in the holidays, something that fills your soul, and allow yourself to make it a priority.
Pause and breathe in the little moments.
Try focusing in on the details you often overlook or try closing your eyes to “see more”. Notice the physical sensations, emotions, sounds and smells. Allow yourself to BE in the moment before you move on.
Give yourself permission for things to not be perfect.
Humans are imperfect and life often brings challenges. The beauty is that our imperfections and challenges are where we grow and the places where we are most able to truly connect to others. When something does not go as planned, remember it’s not because you didn’t do it right or you’re not dedicated enough or you’re not organized enough, it’s because you’re human. So unless you are a robot, things will not be perfect.
Remember what you love about the people in your life.
Interactions this holiday season may have some extra challenges thrown in. If you find yourself in one of these situations, remember that people are multifaceted and that, historically, there have been parts of this person that you really appreciate. If you want to have the big conversations, go for it, but if you want an alternative try an activity that you enjoy doing together: cooking, playing a game, listening to music, dancing, going outside, playing with little kids, crafting, or whatever your version of connection looks like.
Sending love and light for your holidays,
Jen
