4-Tips for Self-Care Through the Holidays

It is that time of the year!  The holidays are upon us, but we must remember to keep our self-care regimen on the horizon.  Did you know that domestic violence and child abuse increases through holidays, mostly likely due to the incredible stress we endure, erroneously, as par for the course?  This season often plagues us with anxiety and our stress levels increase during what I call “the pleasing season”.  This is the time when our people-pleasing traits can rise to the surface and cause lots of anxiety.  But often the anxiety is bigger than the actual situation.  So don’t throw your self-care plan out with the gift wrappings.  Instead here are 4 tips for getting through the holiday season with your self-care and your sanity intact:

1)      Make a clear plan for how you will engage guests, family and events.  Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah, and New Year’s Day happens virtually the same time every year, but somehow we stress out like we had no idea it was coming.  Can you say crazy making? Don’t just plan your meals; Map out your interactions too.  You know yourself better than anyone…Be honest with how much “visiting” you can take before your tolerance levels have been surpassed.  It is okay to put your sanity on the Christmas list.

2)      Squeeze in time for breathers.  You will need time to regroup and re-center.  You’d be surprised what a brief 5 minutes of silence can do to bring you back a place of peace.  Take a moment to focus on your breath, which always brings you squarely into the now and that is always the most peaceful place to be.

3)      Schedule and plan time to reignite your self-care plan after the festivities.  Don’t let the holidays completely derail you.  So what you might have packed on 5 pounds?…But 5 doesn’t have to turn into 10, or 20! Add an extra “me” day on the end of your vacation to reflect on the celebration and plans to get back on track.

4)      Remember the true meaning of the season is about people NOT perfection! We can get so caught up in executing the perfect party, dinner, visit, etc., but really it is supposed to be about the connections.  At the end of the day, love, celebration and joy are experiences of the heart!

Click here to listen to my interview on Alicia Horn’s Wealth and Wellness Summit, detailing the tips above.  Remember you are the greatest gift to us all!

Nya Akoma,
Imani Evans, MA
imani@surviving2thriving.org
www.imanievans.com
www.surviving2thriving.org
404.944.6409
404.902.7770