1. Set boundaries before holiday visits- What are you willing to discuss versus what’s off the table? Have a response ready if a person pushes past the boundaries you’ve set for yourself.
2. Have a plan— If you are traveling, pre-pack the basics; if you are visiting a friend or relative, carry a small gift or volunteer for cleanup. If the plan is to chill, that’s fine!
3. Holidays do not upstage self-care - Whatever ritual, practice, mantras, or routines you have, keep doing them through the season.
4. Give - It only takes a search on Google to find a need. Giving confirms the need to belong and to help.
5. Alone time - No matter what religion one practices, time at peace allows for a reset or confirmation of mental wellness. Prayer time, meditation, yoga, calming music. Get it in when you can, as often as you can.
6.Sleep/rest - Lack of sleep yields stress, lack of focus, and damage to your body. Listen to your body and what it tells you. For example, when to recharge your physical and spiritual self.
7. Disconnect - phones, computers, tablets, advertising, television: all call to us for attention. Unplug daily.
8. Music and Movies: you hear the music and see movies. Pick your favorite and listen or watch when you want. Yes, they can be corny, but that is what lifts your spirit. You know what you like.
9. Acceptance- Be present and accept who people are. Their expectations are not yours, so don’t waste time trying to appease people who don’t align with you.
10. Be grateful- many may struggle with the holiday season due to grief, loss, and changes. Give thanks to them and acknowledge the will to participate.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
