A Season of Self-Care
We have officially entered the eye of the storm – that short period of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas where we try to recover from the aftermath of one holiday while throwing ourselves into preparations for the next. If your Thanksgiving was a happy holiday, this time may feel busy and bustling, but otherwise ok. If Thanksgiving is only the start of a hard time of year, being in the eye may not be much of a relief because you know what awaits on the other side.
Everywhere you turn, there are messages about how we should think, feel, and act during this holiday season. We are bombarded by conflicting messages about family togetherness, remembering the spirit of giving that exemplifies Christmas, and the 40% off clearance TODAY ONLY ads that dominate many of our waking moments. This time of year can demand so much of us, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. In that vein, this week’s email will be a little different.
As some of you already know, I have recently made some unplanned trips out of state due to a serious and ongoing family matter. Adding unexpected travel and very difficult decisions to an already hectic period of time means I have fallen behind in my usual weekly posting, and find myself with less to offer in writing. So this week, I am bringing you not one, but SIX articles focused on coping with holiday sadness, challenging family, and self-care during the holidays. Part of my self-care is to excuse myself from creating brand-new articles for a short time, and curating for you a list of reading that I believe will support you during this holiday season.
When the winds start to pick up again and you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, try a few of the tips from the articles below. There is a season for everything. May the eye of the storm bring you a season of rest, recovery, and rejuvenation!
- Why It’s Totally Ok to Feel Sad Around the Holidays (Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls)
- How to Deal When the Holidays Aren’t Exactly Happy (Greatist)
- 6 Essential Tips for Surviving the Holidays (Huffington Post)
- Four Strategies for Handling Difficult Family Situations During the Holidays (Menninger Clinic)
- 14 Ways to Get Through Tense Holiday Family Time Like a Pro (Buzzfeed)
- Practicing Self-Care During the Holiday Season (ravishly)