It makes sense for the holidays to bring about both joy and discomfort. If you are like many people who experience the latter during the holiday season, self-compassion will be exceptionally important. Whether you notice a spike in feelings of grief, isolation, or depression, self-compassion is the first step to changing the way you feel.
Many people find self-compassion to be great in theory, but hard to put into practice. So, how can you start to implement it in small ways?
1. Notice the “shoulds.”
When we get so caught up in what we should be doing or feeling during the holidays, it can lead to us feeling guilt, especially if we aren’t already doing or feeling whatever it is we are thinking about. While this is normal, it can add an additional layer of stress to our life. Noticing when these thoughts come up can be a good first step to lessen the stress.
2. Lean in to the fact that emotions are fleeting.
For many different reasons, emotions can be heightened during the holidays. If you tend to feel overwhelmed during this time, you are not alone. Being mindful that emotions come and go can help take the edge off and minimize the impact our emotions have on us.
3. Set and honor your boundaries.
The holidays can be a good time to check in with our boundaries. Ultimately, we want to set boundaries that feel good to us. Here are some phrases you might use to set boundaries over the holidays: “I will stop by for an hour. I look forward to seeing you!”, or “I’m not willing to discuss [insert topic here].”
Sometimes, extending ourselves compassion can look like seeking extra support. Here at Find Your Shine, we know how helpful it can feel to be supported. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our providers this holiday season, please call us at (480) 815-3211 or email us at info@findyourshinetherapy.com. Therapy is available and we are here for you, even if for a short period of time.
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