Have a big holiday coming up such as Christmas, Easter, or even the likes of St, Patrick’s Day and you feel anxious about the thoughts of it? Here’s how to protect your energy over the holidays;
Holidays such as Christmas can be the happiest time of the year for many but at the same time the most depressing and mentally challenging for probably even more people.
Here are some reminders if you find yourself struggling;
1. It’s okay if you don’t want to celebrate
It’s okay if you don’t feel like celebrating, especially if you’re healing a bereavement. You are absolutely not alone in not wanting to celebrate Christmas.
2. Step away if you need to
It’s okay to step away and take time for yourself when things get too much. A little mindfulness technique I love to do when my anxiety is heightened is the 5,4,3,2,1 grounding technique, here’s a video explaining how I do it.
3. You don’t owe anyone anything
Possibly my top reminder for how to protect your energy over the holidays: You don’t owe anyone an explanation, whether that’s about your current job, relationship status, or future plans. You are more than enough, right now, right as you are, today.
4. You don’t need to have all the answers
You don’t have to have your life figured out. Christmas feels like a time of the year when you need to have reached so many goals you had set out for yourself.
5. You deserve to eat nice food
You deserve to enjoy food this Christmas. Obviously, I wouldn’t say binge eat and feel worse off but take a break from my fitness pal for a few days.
6. There is no right way to spend Christmas
Remind yourself there is no ‘right’ way to spend Christmas. Everyone’s Christmas looks so different. There’s no right matching PJs, fancy tree, or expensive gifts you need to have.
7. Quality time is the best gift that you can give
Your undivided attention and quality time is the best gift you could give to anyone. Put your phones down and appreciate who you have around. Not to be grim, but you never know who will and won’t be at the table next year.
8. If you’re away for the holidays
This is something I can’t relate to all that much. I’ve never been away for Christmas, however, I have been away on big birthday celebrations. Here’s a post that highlights my top tips for minding your mental health while being abroad for a big event.
