It’s Okay If Everything Doesn’t Feel Merry and Bright🎄

In a season that’s defined by joy and wonder, what do you do if everything doesn’t feel merry and bright? What do you do if you go to all the gatherings but it takes everything within you? You somehow leave them feeling filled and depleted at the same time. You cherish the memories made but you know you’ll be overstimulated for the next two days.

In a holiday week that’s both beautiful and chaotic, I encourage you to take care of yourself. Prioritize your needs and communicate your boundaries.

What might it look like to give yourself some extra grace and care this week? What difference would it make if you walked into this week offering yourself compassion instead of judgement? The holidays are a time when maybe you need to offer yourself some extra grace.

Today I want to present five practical ways that you could implement self care this week.

1. Start your day with intention. Set your alarm for 15 minutes earlier than required and make that extra time for you. That’s going to look different for each person but it might look like:

• Spending time in prayer (connect with God and pray over your day. Nothing is too trivial, God wants to hear it all)

• Hop over to YouTube and search for “Christian guided meditation”. They offer them in all lengths of time. I personally like the ones offered by (The Christ Centered Tribe)

• Focus on your breathing. Sit up straight, put both feet on the floor and start taking deep breaths. In through your nose and out through your mouth.

2. Make sure you are nourishing your body and getting in your water intake. Enjoy your holiday treats but make sure you are also eating real food and drinking plenty of water.

3.Implement movement. Movement is great for your mental health. I know things are chaotic during the holidays but maybe just prioritize going for a walk. Bundle up, throw on your sneakers and spend some time in nature. Have you ever gone on a mindfulness walk? Mindfulness is being present in the current moment. As you walk, take note of what your body is feeling. Bring your mind to the five senses. What can you see, taste, hear, feel and smell? Walking is a great way to refocus your brain in a short amount of time.

4. Communicate and stick to your boundaries. Think about what you need before you attend a gathering. 

• Is it a time limit ?

• Conversations you aren’t comfortable having ?

• Comfort levels on personal space?

• Things that you’re not comfortable drinking or eating? (Remember that No Thank You is a complete sentence. There’s no explanation required)

When you think about these things in advance, you are better able to advocate for yourself in the moment. ( remember you are your own biggest advocate. I believe in you!)

5. Unwind at the end of the day in a healthy way. What’s your favorite healthy way to unwind? Is it watching your favorite show? Journaling? Making art? Meditating? Reading?

• Allow yourself the time to relax.   Give your nervous system the time it needs to decompress. However you choose to end the night, make sure you are showing yourself grace and compassion.

The holidays can be hard. The reality is that things aren’t always merry and bright. The important thing is to remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. Give yourself grace and give it to God. It’s my prayer this week that you not only take care of yourself but you also try to find the best in every situation. Practice gratitude and remember that everyone makes mistakes. Be kind. The holidays are hard for a lot of people. You are doing the best you can even when things don’t feel merry and bright. I’m proud of you!