A Holistic Girlie's Guide to Navigating the Holiday Season
For some, the holidays are a joyful time spent enjoying food, beverages, and time with family and friends. For others, the holidays can bring to the surface some very painful feelings; mourning the loss of a loved one, navigating a conflict with a parent, or indulging in toxic behaviors. The holiday season is meant to be a time when we practice gratitude for all of the people who are present in our lives, but for some of us we walk away from the holidays feeling awful. I created this little guide for both groups of girlies, because even a joyful holiday season can leave us feeling tired + worn out. These are some of my favorite rituals that support me in easing painful holiday emotions and showing up as my favorite version of myself.
Practicing Gratitude
A gratitude practice is the number one tool I always keep in my toolbelt for managing painful emotions. It helps me to switch my thoughts away from the shit I cannot control to that which I am so grateful for. I practice gratitude every morning by writing in my journal three things that I am grateful for. If you don’t already have a regular gratitude practice, this is the perfect time of the year to begin.
Meditation
Meditation is a practice that has greatly supported me in welcoming more presence into my life. I am someone whose mind often drifts away from the present moment and meditation has allowed me to remain more in the moment with both myself and others. I especially recommend practicing meditation prior to a holiday gathering. That is often the time in which our minds go into ‘worst-case-scenario mode’ or when we begin to experience the uncomfortable feeling of dread. If you are seeking a guided meditation practice, I currently use Insight Timer + The Happier App.
Create Space for YOU
It's a wild thought, right? – Carving out time for yourself during the holiday season. This is absolutely vital for maintaining a positive rapport with both yourself and others (especially for the parents out there). I am not saying you need to take a whole weekend away from your kids or call out of work. Even an hour to yourself without distraction (yes your phone included) can create all of the difference. Take yourself for a walk, read a book at your favorite coffee shop, or close the blinds and take a nap in the middle of the day. You cannot offer your best self to others if you are burnt out.
Balance with Nutrition
One of my biggest struggles each holiday season is over indulging. And look, it's not like we are over indulging in proteins, vegetables, and water. No. We're consuming heavy starches, pastries, cookies, and wine. While I am all about a life of balance, I tend to lose touch with that balance every November and December. Prioritizing your physical well-being during this time can significantly improve your emotional well-being (because the mind and body are connected, right?) I am not saying you can’t indulge. Please try all of the things, but cookies for dinner three nights in a row does not equal balance.
Movement
I am a forever advocate for movement as a method to managing stress, anxiety, and depression – three uncomfortable emotions that increase during the holiday season. I have spent over a decade navigating all three and the only practice that has remained consistent in my life is movement. Now my movement has changed drastically from age 20 to age 33, however I still notice the positive impact it has on my emotional health. Your movement can look like walking, pilates, yoga, weight training, or cycling. At this moment in my life, I have been consistent with two mile walks outside each day and it has been significantly decreasing my stress.
Leave at Your Time
I feel like there is this preconceived belief that we need to spend 8+ hours at holiday gatherings. It is important to note here that there is no right or wrong to the length of time we spent at these events. When it is time for you to go (i.e. when your body is signaling that you need to leave) say your goodbyes and go. If you know people will try to make you feel bad so you will stay, kindly ask them to respect your decision – and if that doesn’t work, I am always a fan of an Irish exit.
Prioritize your Peace
Throughout the next several weeks, make your overall peace your number one priority. I say this because many people attend holiday gatherings or intentionally spend time with certain people out of guilt; even if these certain events or people fail to spare us the same kindness in return. If all else fails – prioritize your peace. If you know certain people are going to make you feel like shit or a holiday gathering is going to encourage toxic behaviors, there is nothing wrong with just staying home.
If you celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you have the most intentionally peaceful holiday filled with love, kindness, and very tasty food. The holiday season can bring some very uncomfortable feelings to the surface, but it doesn’t have to. By catering to your mind, body, and spirit you can move through these next several weeks with ease. If you believe this guide could support someone who you love, please feel free to send it over to them. Thank you for sharing this space with me.
xx
