Ready or not, Christmas is here! For some of you, those words bring joy and excitement. To others, however, Christmas can be stressful. If you have suffered a loss in your life, Christmas can be a source of sadness.
Regardless of your feelings, it’s important to take time during the next two days to be good to yourself. Here are some tips for doing that.
*Get up earlier or stay up later, and spend a few minutes by yourself. Take deep breaths and think of three things for which you can be grateful.
*Pray – for peace, for patience, for helping you to be a source of joy for someone.
*Stay hydrated. While plain water or seltzer are always the best choices, you also might enjoy some flavored hot tea, hot cider, hot chocolate or good coffee.
*Get some rest. Try to get enough sleep at night or take a brief nap (even for just 20 minutes) during the day.
*Write in a diary or journal. Write about whatever you are feeling, positive or negative. Just get it down on paper and reflect.
*Take a walk, with or without someone else. When my children were small and we spent Christmas Eve with many relatives, I would often take them outside for just a few minutes to help keep them from getting overwhelmed and melting down. But guess what? Those brief walks outside probably helped me more than they helped my kids!
*Slip away into another room, if you’re surrounded by people. Gaze at the Christmas decorations, the flicker of a candle, or just stare out the window.
*Sit and enjoy looking at the Christmas tree from a distance. Or get up close and admire the decorations.
*Play music — on your phone, on your Amazon Echo, or go old-school by playing CD’s. Play whatever calms you, makes you happy, or gives you a sense of peace.
*Take pictures – of anything and everything that brings you joy, even if it’s just a small ornament.
*Set a screen saver on your phone that makes you smile.
*Consider doing something to help others during the holiday. Could you volunteer to serve food at a homeless shelter or visit residents of a nearby nursing facility? The best solution for holiday sadness is to look for someone else to help in some way.
*Lie down, do legs up the wall pose (if possible), close your eyes and take deep breaths. Deep breathing reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and releases serotonin (which makes you feel good while also
*Be mindful and careful with any alcohol intake. Decide on your own personal limit.
*Be mindful about your food. The holidays are a time when we often enjoy food that we don’t eat at any other time of the year (that’s peanut butter fudge for me), but pay attention to what and how much you are consuming. There’s nothing wrong with a treat. Just make sure that you slow down and enjoy it rather than just wolfing down whatever is in your path.
*If someone is getting on your last nerve, try your best to take a deep breath and just walk away. You might also try looking at them and trying to see them as a needy young child who is trying to get something that they want. While that doesn’t necessarily stop them from irritating you, it might help you to see them in a more sympathetic and compassionate light.
*Remember that this too shall pass! Think of ideas for activities you will enjoy doing after the holidays. Write your ideas down or text them to yourself. Having something to look forward to gives you hope and joy in the anticipation.
Have a very merry Christmas and remember to be good to yourself!