The holidays are not always so warm and fuzzy.
They can be stressful and unsettling at times. When we start to feel extra stress or overwhelm in our life a few things can happen. We might ignore, isolate and avoid the pain; we might lash out in anger or with aggression; or we might get defended in another way diving in, moving fast, and hurt ourselves more.
The Thanksgiving and other winter holidays comes as an already intense time of year. With daylight savings in early November the days are getting shorter and shorter. The absence of light and new cold weather can already feel like an assault to many of us. On top of that the holidays also bring travel, possible time away from work or home, and also visiting people that we love who might be challenging for us.
How to work with loneliness and strong emotions this holiday season
Things are gonna happen, feelings are going to come up, and thoughts will follow. Rather than spinning out or getting stuck in pain, take a forward thinking approach. How can you better care for yourself right now? How can you better love you, so that you can show up for others.
Self care is something that gets tossed around a lot but if and when taken seriously it can be a truly beneficial and supportive act to oneself.
Here are 4 self care tips for the holiday season
- Exercise: If you already have an exercise routine don’t change it when you are traveling. Perhaps you will have to do less or won’t have your usual gym equipment but if you do 30 mins of cardio 3 times a week make sure you find the time to do it while traveling. And if you don’t have a regular exercise routine and the holidays are bringing stuff up maybe now is a good time to start.
- Meditation: meditation is something that anyone can do anywhere. A book, podcast, app, or youtube video could be just right for you. Sitting still and following the breath is an ancient technique and it can bring a sense of calm and clarity to the mind and body with practice.
- Warmth: to combat the literal and figurative cold of this season it can feel especially needed to cozy up. Buy a new blanket, get out your old slippers, drink tea, hot coco, make soup. All these things might sound simple or silly but can really help warm up a long cold day.
- Something just for you: the holidays can get busy. We can be doing a lot and seeing a lot of people. We can also feel home, alone and isolated at times. So whatever you need; more time away or finding an opportunity to connect, find it. Perhaps this is as simple as starting a new book or taking yourself out to dinner. The key is it’s for you and not for anyone else.
Take time this season to find and experience love for yourself and others when you can. Let the wonder of the season wash over you from time to time.
