Although holidays can be a time to reunite with family and friends to celebrate, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can create added stress. Whether it’s the pressure to see family, give the perfect gift , financial troubles or added workload surrounding the holidays , it is especially important to be present in all of your pursuits. It can be easier said than done – even more so with the expectation to be “jolly” or “spirited” because of the nature of the season. It can seem as if you should put on a smile to please people. However, the social obligation to ignore negativity needs to be balanced in intent without teetering over the line between toxic positivity and genuine happiness.
With the stress of the holidays and pressure to perform, practicing self care and checking in on yourself can be a counteractive way to put yourself first. The societal definition of self care is often warped by the media, romanticizing it to a not always obtainable feat. Self care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It can be anywhere from waking up at 5:00 a.m., running 3 miles, and doing a deep clean to even just staring blankly at the wall. Everyone’s definition of self care is unique to them, and invalidating that is only adding to the expectation to ignore negativity all together.
When you’re told to “practice self care” or “take time for yourself,” it can be overwhelming because sometimes it’s unclear what that even means – how is it possible to have time with everything else that is expected of us? Taking time to appreciate the little things, being grateful for the consistencies in life, or even partaking in a hobby are simple ways to start implementing self care.
Enjoy the crisp breeze winter brings, or appreciate how good that cup of hot chocolate tastes. Feel the joy that comes with doing your favorite hobby or how natural your laugh comes when you’re with your favorite person. The holiday season offers many opportunities to start noticing these little moments of life. This season of your life is temporary, so live in the moment and be present in this time; remember to breathe, take a break – whatever your personal definition of that is–and do your best. The rest will come.