Or not. These past couple of years, the holidays have become less and less a time of joy and more and more a source of anxiety, frustration and honesty… depression.
Don’t get me wrong. There are moments I still treasure. They just seem to be more difficult to achieve and it involve more drama to get to.
I found a good article recently that had some advice I thought I’d share, just in case it can help someone.
Make a flexible plan: Make plans and then communicate them clearly with your family. Don’t overbook. Build time in, so you don’t have to rush, and leave time for yourself.
Set realistic expectations: You can’t do everything, so focus on what matters. Where do you want to put your energy? The holidays have a lot of “shoulds.” Don’t be afraid to say no.
Be open to new traditions: “But we always …” is not a reason to do something you don’t enjoy. If a tradition doesn’t work for you, make a new one.
Be aware of what you need: Get outside in the sunlight when possible. Get some physical exercise. Make sure you get the proper amount of sleep.
Stop it before it starts: Pay attention and self-diagnose. Are you experiencing a change in your eating or sleep patterns? Do you find yourself declining invitations you would normally accept because it seems like too much effort to go? Don’t ignore self-care and be mindful about how you are navigating the holidays.