😬 Recognize that it’s okay if you aren’t joyful.
You don’t need to force yourself to be happy. Accept and acknowledge how you feel, while offering kindness and patience to yourself. Acceptance is the first step in being able to let go, which brings me to my next point…
✨ Feel Your Feelings
Once you recognize how you feel, take some time to sit with your emotions. Notice where you feel them in your body and try to take a nonjudgmental stance. Although it’s easier to avoid or numb uncomfortable feelings, it doesn’t mean it’ll all go away.
Our emotions give us feedback. They play as messengers to signal something important that we may need to pay attention to. Let’s say you feel anger or resentment towards a partner. Feelings of resentment often arises when someone is not respecting your boundaries or there wasn’t effective communication of your needs.
Giving yourself space to feel can help you move forward.
🌬Take time for self care
With several commitments, it’s easy to put the needs of others before your own.
Slow down and get proper rest. Make it a priority.
Follow a morning routine with mindfulness practices: journaling, gratitude, breathwork, and yoga, to name a few.
Be in nature. I know it’s difficult in a cold climate, but your mental health will thank you.
Making small adjustments in your day can be the added boost you need to bring joy back into the holiday season.
💕 Schedule regular calls with a friend or loved one
This helps me get through loneliness. You can also look for new ways to get social in your community such as volunteering or joining a book club. Don’t be afraid to reach out. There is someone that will listen.
At the end of the day, the holidays are what you make out of it. So choose to make it a celebration of your achievements and the lessons you’ve learned this year.
