Holiday Self Care

Holidays can be full of joy for many, but bring about distress for others.  My focus is always to help my clients remember to take care of themselves during the Holidays.                One way to do this is to not over-commit.  Over-committing to too many things and events can make for a lot of stress.  Keep things simple and remember that other people will be just fine if you don't say yes to doing all the things that they want you to do.  
       Make time to do things for yourself that you enjoy.  Slow down and smell the roses so to speak.  The Holidays seem to be a time where so many people seem to stress.  If the pace is too fast and creating stress, then set a slower pace.  
        I love to find a cause or a person to give to.  There are many people in need, and giving too much or yourself or your resources or your time can also be unhealthy.   However, giving back can bring great joy into the Holiday season as well.  Decide how much you can give and to whom or what you want to give to, and keep it simple, but don't over do, or you may end up feeling resentful.  Giving should bring a good feeling to the giver.  If you are feeling resentful, then chances are you may need to set boundaries and take care of yourself more, and worry about others less. 
          Get plenty of rest, and exercise and watch what your putting in to your body.  Many people over indulge over the Holidays with alcohol, sweets, starchy foods, dairy products, etc.  Did you know this can also cause more stress.  If you do over- indulge, do it short term and then get back to healthy eating.  Exercise reduces stress don't let the Holidays take you too far off course.  
       Lastly, Family time can be great, if your family is loving, understanding, caring, and you enjoy being around them.  Sometimes, family can be toxic.  If you think you have a toxic family situation, just think about how you feel as you imagine yourself spending time with them. If you feel excited, happy, relaxed, overall good, then you probably have a healthy family.  If you feel stressed, angry, defensive, nervous, anxious or worried, then chances are you have a toxic family situation.  For me, part of my family was Toxic. I always limited the amount of time I spent with Toxic Family members, the one's that tried to control or put me down, or judge me in a negative way.  I always took my own car, and always planned for a short visit. I also kept the conversation light.   This is a way you can cut down on stress.  You can also choose not to see Toxic family members at all.  

You hopefully get to choose who you spend your time with.  I hope you can spend it with loved one's that truly love you, want the best for you, lift your spirits, and bring out the best in you. If not, then find people to be around that do.  You deserve it!!
Happy Holidays and may this year bring great things into your life.