Many consider the holiday season to be a magical time. But it can feel chaotic and stressful to others. Shopping, cooking, traveling, hosting, and never-ending to-do lists are all juggled in December. Not to mention that your everyday life, schedules, obligations, and bills don’t halt for twinkle lights and eggnog.
It’s important to attend to your mental well-being during this time as well.
Keep reading for 4 ways to find create calm this holiday season and all year long.
1. MAINTAIN YOUR MORNING ROUTINE
Human beings thrive on routines. Routines provide stability during change, help reduce stress, and promote healthy habits. By adhering to a customized morning routine you set a healthy tone and pace for what could be an unpredictable day. Some healthy habits you might add to your morning routine include:
- Avoid your phone for the first 30-60 minutes in the morning
- Make your bed
- Eat breakfast
- Try EFT tapping
- Listen to your favorite podcast or music while getting ready
- Repeat positive affirmations
2. FIND WAYS TO CONNECT
For some, the holidays can be lonely. You may be physically isolated from family and friends due to where you or they live. Or you may feel distant due to your own healthy boundary to not participate in very many holiday gatherings this year. This does not mean you have to feel alone.
Here are ways you can connect with your community and yourself!
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen, animal shelter, or food pantry
- Go to the movies with a friend
- Participate in an angel tree
- Create new traditions for yourself
- Treat yourself to a nice dinner or movie
- Start an art project or hobby – just for fun!
(Did you know that we offer art therapy here at Creative Counseling Center!)
3. KNOW YOUR LIMITS AND SET BOUNDARIES
There are a lot of expectations that come during this time of the year. We can often find ourselves saying “yes” to things when we really want to say “no.” Setting healthy boundaries can be very helpful in keeping everyone calm and happy.
Here are some ways to keep your well-being at the forefront this season.
- Decide early on what events you are willing to participate in
- Don’t let your guilt make decisions for you
- Before saying “yes,” consider whether it has meaning to you
- Practice verbalizing your boundaries to others
- Make your boundaries known to those around you
You may also be interested in: 4 Steps to Set Healthy Boundaries This Holiday Season
4. KEEP UP WITH YOUR COUNSELING SESSIONS
Listen, we get it. You’re busy with a lot on your plate right now. You may feel that keeping up with your regular counseling or therapy sessions is just adding to your to-do list. However, we have already addressed how important sticking to a routine is during irregular times. You and your mental well-being are important and deserve to be a priority year-round.
CONTACT CREATIVE COUNSELING CENTER
Does this time of year bring up bad experiences or memories? Does your anxiety prevent you from enjoying yourself? Fill out the form below to request a FREE consultation. A member of our team will speak with you about options and help you determine if our practice is the right fit for you. We look forward to hearing from you!
