DON’T GET YOUR TINSLE IN A TANGLE.

INSERT STRESS.

If 2020 wasn’t already full of stress and the unknown, now we have the holidays upon us which can bring out the best and oftentimes the WORST in us. I was expecting a slower, quieter holiday, but not expecting a full shutdown in our state right before the holidays. INSERT MORE STRESS HERE!

December is a busy month for our family. We have lots of birthday celebrations, multiple holidays and NYE. In a normal year we are gallivanting across the ‘burgh, seeing friends, birthday dinner parties, family functions, and lots of get togethers. Traditionally, I grab my besties and do a fun birthday get together at an amazing eatery and the libations are flowing. THIS YEAR WILL BE QUITE DIFFERENT.

ALL PLANS CANCELLED.

All plans were canceled. Everything is shut down. I immediately got depressed. If I wasn’t already trying to scrape the last amount of hope and positivity to end the year strong, this felt like a kick in the gut. Disappointment settled in and I broke down. Just when I was finally feeling a bit more “new-normal” in light of the pandemic, being able to go out to a restaurant here and there, date night etc., this happens.

I was entitled to be disappointed, mad, frustrated and annoyed. But it was time to pull up my big-girl panties and get out of the rut. I choose my happiness and I needed to reconfigure my thinking and try to make the best of it.

A SLIPPERY SLOPE.

The reality is that the pandemic has brought many changes to how we all live life, and with it uncertainty, altered daily routines, cancellation of important events and activities and social isolation. 

I am generally a positive-vibe kind of girl. But this pandemic has slowly eaten away at my core. I knew I had to step up and take some actions before it became a slippery slope of despair. It’s important to learn self-care strategies and get the care you need to help you cope.

CUP (…OR COCKTAIL) HALF-FULL.

After the disappointment and tears dissipated, I was ready to fill that glass up with positive thinking and focus on strategies to help support the self-care I needed to finish strong this year.

I recognized that I needed to re-focus on taking care of ME. If I am not in a good place, I can’t be a good mother, wife, friend, mentor, etc. As we all know, we can’t pour from an empty cup.

Self-care strategies are good for your mental and physical health and can help you take charge of your life. Take care of your body and your mind and connect with others to benefit your mental health.

MY TIPS FOR SELF-CARE SUCCESS.

Here are some examples of how I have been able to combat the stress and get refocused:

1. Exercise is my Savior. Regular physical activity and exercise can help reduce anxiety, improve mood and bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. Dance in your living room, go for walk or hike, do your steps in your home.
2. Eat Right. Holiday eating already has its downside. Try to eat a balanced diet, but still allow yourself to enjoy things like cookies and holiday fare in moderation. Also, too much alcohol or caffeine can have negative affects. But nothing is wrong with a delicious new libation or latte to bring you a smile. Remember moderation is key.
3. Self-Care & Relaxation. Set aside time for YOU. Soak in a bubble bath, listen to music, read a book, binge watch your favorite show— whatever helps you relax.
4. Focus on Positive Thoughts. Choose to focus on the positive things in your life, instead of dwelling on how bad you feel.  Make a list everyday of the good things in life. Also journaling is a therapeutic way to work through your feelings and it provides perspective!
5. Make connections. Don’t isolate yourself. Find time each day to make virtual connections by email, text, phone, FaceTime or similar apps. Personal connections can really turn that frown upside down.
6. Ask for Help. Asking for help often makes us feel uneasy because it requires surrendering control to someone else. Give up some control and accept that you can’t always do it all. Everyone wins when we accomplish things together. Be kind and direct with your ask.

THE MORE THE MERRIER.

Now for some fun. Here are some creative ideas to implement this holiday season with family near or far.

• Make a Family Meal Together. Cooking is fun and gets the entire family engaged.
• Try a New Holiday Cocktail. No driving this season so have an extra cocktail.
• Watch a Movie Night. Each family member gets to pick a movie to watch together.
• Host a Virtual Holiday Get Together. We all need a reason to get dressed up and fancy!
• Open Presents Together on Zoom. Want to feel connected, do it together!

Happy Holidays, Friends!

Enjoy the Read? Subscribe Today!