5 Ways to Nurture Your Wellbeing During the Holiday Season

For many people, the holidays are a really hard time – from extra responsibilities, money pressures, missing the loved ones we’ve lost, or can’t be with, and more, it’s often the most stressful set of days we survive through. But it’s important to maintain our self-care, our boundaries and our way of coping. So with a little forward planning, here’s some tips and tricks that might help you with some of the holiday pressure points:

• Be Kind to Yourself: There might be days when things don’t go as planned, or when you feel overwhelmed. Instead of criticizing yourself, practice self-compassion. Acknowledge your feelings without judgment, and remind yourself that it’s okay not to be perfect. Just like you would offer comfort to a friend, extend that same kindness to yourself.
  
• Set Realistic Expectations: Those picture-perfect holiday moments you see everywhere? They’re often just a snapshot, not the full story. Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, focus on what truly matters to you. Maybe it’s spending quality time with a few close people, or simply having a quiet evening to yourself. Letting go of the pressure to do everything and be everyone can be incredibly freeing.
• Protect Your Boundaries: The holidays often come with a flurry of invitations and requests. It’s perfectly okay to say “no” without feeling guilty. Consider what you genuinely have the energy and capacity for, and politely decline anything that feels overwhelming. Remember, saying “no” to others is saying “yes” to your own well-being.
• Prioritize Moments of Calm: Even amidst the hustle and bustle, carve out small pockets of time for yourself. This could be as simple as enjoying a quiet cup of tea, taking a short walk in nature, or spending 10 minutes in mindful breathing. These little moments of stillness can act as anchors, helping you to feel more grounded and less reactive to stress.
• Stay Connected in Meaningful Ways: While social gatherings can be draining for some, feeling isolated can be equally challenging. Reach out to people who bring you comfort and joy, even if it’s just a quick phone call or message. If you’re missing someone, consider creating a new tradition to honor their memory. Meaningful connection, in whatever form feels right for you, can be a powerful source of support.

The holidays can be a magical time, but it’s important to remember that they don’t need to be perfect, you don’t need to do everything and sometimes, small is better.

Do you have any tips to share?
Comment and we’ll share them in our next newsletter!

techkai

D Kai Wilson-Viola is an author, activist and lifelong learner.  She believes in open, honest communication and holistic wellness that looks not only at how fit you are, but how fit your mind and emotions are in with it. A survivor with CPTSD and anxiety, Kai offers help and her shoulder to anyone that needs it.

When not managing blogs or coding, Kai can be found training at LudoSport, writing books of her own, editing for others, formatting and playing computer games.  She has two cats and has been in a long term relationship for over 20 years.

All advice and information offered on this site is offered as is, and you should discuss any treatments you undertake with your GP or other healthcare provider. Unless otherwise identified, our experiences are shared in good faith, but are anecdotal and do not constitue medical advice, but instead, a starting point for your own healing journey.
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