Holidays are a time to take stock and identify what you truly need and value. Holidays can also be busy and stressful, however if you can carve out some down-time, it’s also an opportunity for self-reflection. Above all, the holidays are a time to be kind to yourself.
Get some rest
If you have ended the year in a puddle of exhaustion, it’s important to get some rest and give yourself some space to de-compress. Take a day or two to relax, unwind and recharge your batteries. If this means sleeping longer than usual, that’s fine. Or if this means going for a long walk in nature, giving yourself permission to flick through a magazine or read a good book, that’s also a good idea. Whatever works for you to have some time to yourself and care for yourself, will reap rewards for you and your family.
Reach out for connection
If you have been preoccupied with work or social media, or if you have found yourself isolating through the year, the holidays are a great time to re-connect with family and friends. As human beings, we are supposed to be supported by our “tribe”. It’s an ideal time to reach out to friends we haven’t seen for a while and connect back in with people who are important to us. If you don’t have a tribe right now, then why not brainstorm ideas for hobbies that will get you out of the house and connect you with new friends. Set yourself a goal of joining a club, or any activity that you will enjoy and commit to starting this in the New Year.
Set healthy boundaries
If the holidays invoke feelings of dreaded family reunions where old wounds are reactivated, then it’s important to set some boundaries. It’s OK to say ‘no’ to events that will not serve you, or to limit your time in unhealthy situations. Alcohol reduces inhibitions, and at this time of the year, bad behaviour can flourish, so it’s important not to react to the drama. Being the responsible designated driver and being alcohol-free gives you the chance to see things as they are and enable you to leave when you feel uncomfortable.
Reward yourself
Times have been tough since Covid with the cost-of-living crisis, and some people are struggling to make ends meet, let alone find the money for presents and Christmas activities. However, it’s still important to recognise how much you have achieved this year, even though it may have been painful, you got through it. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back for a job well done and acknowledge that you’ve kept going even though it’s been a difficult year. Be sure to reward yourself with some self-praise for what you have accomplished. This is also the one time of the year you can treat yourself without guilt. It doesn’t have to be much, it could be as simple as an ice-cream or an afternoon nap, but dedicate your treat to yourself, knowing it’s your private reward for a job well done. If you have some holiday spending money, consider spending some of it on yourself. It’s not selfish to look after your own needs and to value yourself, rather it’s an important part of self-care and self-compassion.
Set some goals
OK, so most people never keep their New Year’s resolutions, however, even thinking about what’s important to you for the coming year will set you on a constructive and positive pathway forward. Think about what you want for the year to come and consider what the first step might be in making that happen. For example, if you want to lose weight, try to frame this in a positive way in terms of increasing your physical activity. Then commit to starting with a ten-minute walk every day. If your goal is for better work-life balance, think about one thing you can do every week that can become an immovable imperative, such as joining a choir or attending a regular exercise class. It’s really about setting the wheels in motion, rather than focusing on the end-goal.