The holiday season is here. How are you feeling? Are you excited, stressed, happy, sad, nervous, anxious, depressed, lonely, or all of the above? I definitely have mixed feelings about them.
This time of year can bring up so much for people. It can bring up sadness and loneliness when we think about loved ones that have passed. It can also bring up happiness and excitement because it’s also when we get to spend time with people we care about that are still here. However, it can also bring up stress and anxiety because our list of things to do typically increases.
Isn’t it “supposed” to be the happiest time of the year? I’m not saying that it is not – but I also want to acknowledge that it can also be one of the most stressful and overwhelming times. In addition to our normal daily life, we may also be adding – decorating, shopping, parties, entertaining, cooking, baking, special events, traveling, and more.
Do we place unrealistic expectations on the holidays? Everywhere you look on social media, in the movies, and on TV, you see happy people celebrating. Although, I hear so many people talk about the stress of getting together with family, friends, and co-workers. They don’t want to go to so and so’s house – or they don’t want to be around a particular person, but they can’t avoid them – or so and so always gets upset – or an argument always starts between certain people, – or they don’t like so and so’s cooking, or kids, or so on and so on.
There is a lot to navigate during this time. I wanted to share some reminders I have shared in the past that will help you prepare for the highs, lows, and everything in between.
- Set your boundaries. Setting boundaries is key and will help you get clear on how you want to be treated and don’t want to be treated.
- Be the master of your energy. Clearing and protecting your energy will help you avoid being overtaken by other people’s energy.
- Practice self-care. It’s important to know what self-care looks like for you and to consciously incorporate it into your life.
“Happiness is not out there it’s in you.” Unknown