a health coach’s guide to surviving the holidays
With the holiday season upon us, pressure is building: pressure to get everything done, to attend all the events, to cook, to clean and tidy, to decorate, to buy presents, to make everybody happy. I would like to help you lift a little of that pressure and give you permission not to get stressed out this year - it’s not worth it! Here are my top 7 tips for surviving the holidays without becoming a nervous wreck, making yourself ill, or losing yourself in the mayhem.
Keep it simple
It is very tempting to book up an extra event or go to another party, but try not to take on too much. If you’re getting too tired, or worried that you can’t fit everything in, it’s important to slow down and avoid making yourself ill. It’s ok to say ‘no’! Which leads us onto…
If you don’t like it, don’t do it!
Don’t feel pressured into doing things you don’t want to do. If doing whatever it is would stress you out, or lower your mood or self-belief, give yourself permission not to do it. No guilt, you need to look after yourself.
Only spend what you can afford
Every year people get into terrible debt at Christmas and it really is not worth it. There are ways to give presents that don’t cost the earth: perhaps by making something, or buying from charity shops. And if you really can’t afford anything, just get friends or family together and have a day eating, playing games, dancing and enjoying each other’s company.
Embrace imperfection
There are so many articles in magazines and newspapers at this time of year, showing us how to make the perfect Christmas dinner, table decoration or festive wreath. But I’ll let you into a secret: it doesn’t have to be perfect! We can enjoy a slightly burnt parsnip or a wonky Christmas tree, and the decorations that my son has made, though far from ‘perfect’, are the most special ones to me. Even the worst disasters will probably make the funniest stories in years to come.
Everything in moderation
One of my favourite sayings is, ‘Everything in moderation, including moderation.’ If you’re trying to stay healthy in body and mind, the worst thing you can do is overindulge and let it all go over the holidays. You will end up feeling sluggish, with a lowered immune system and a foggy brain. That is not to say that you can’t enjoy yourself with a few treats or the odd glass of wine - just be mindful of how it will make you feel, and keep it moderate.
Let go of the past
No one is immune to sorrows, frustrations, family tensions, hurts and regrets, and these emotions can often resurface around the holidays. If this sounds familiar to you, take some time to acknowledge them, perhaps journal your feelings, allow them to emerge and, if you can, let them go. If you try to push them down they will only come out as irritability or stress: better to let them go and enjoy yourself. Then…
Look for the joy!
If you’ve let go of the past it means you can enjoy the present. By mindful and fully present with the people who are with you, even if it doesn’t all go according to plan. Enjoy their conversation, their quirks and silliness; savour the food you are eating; enjoy watching someone unwrap a present you have given; take pleasure in a board game or a frosty walk or the lights on other people’s houses. See how many small moments of joy you can experience in just one day, and then look for them again in the next, and the next!
If you’re struggling this season, do reach out. Homeopathy and Health Coaching can really help when you are faced with difficult emotions or overwhelm. I offer a free discovery call if you would like to chat and find out how I can help.
Wishing you all a peaceful and happy holiday!