Self Care This Festive Season

The festive season is well and truly upon us. I’m not sure about you but this year feels a little more intense than other years. Sure, we’re still suffering through the global pandemic, but I think in Melbourne (at least) this festive season feels like it’s twice as busy as usual. Perhaps it’s all the catch ups we’ve had to put on hold because of the lockdown, in addition to the normal rush to get things done and see people before the festivities begin.

Now more than ever I think it’s important we remember to look after ourselves. This surely should be the theme of 2020 shouldn’t it? SELF CARE.

I know personally I find this particularly challenging. I LOVE gift giving. I love thinking of meaningful gifts for people, I love wrapping them in pretty paper and I love seeing people’s reactions when they open them. I also just enjoy being around my friends and family (now more than ever) and sharing food and drinks. This can leave me to feel a little burnt out though. I was saying to a friend yesterday I feel like every day on my phone calendar has a dot on it to say I have something on. I’m tired just thinking about it.

So, how do we make sure that we can make it through December calm and rested, are able to enjoy ourselves, and still have enough energy left for January? Here’s a couple of small, but simple, ideas.

Block Out Time - It can be very tempting to book yourself up with catch ups with family, friends and work colleagues. Soon your calendar might have something booked for every weekend for the rest of the year. This can easily become overwhelming, not to mention exhausting. Therefore, it’s important to ‘get in early’ and block out a day, or half a day, where you have no plans, and no chores planned, so that you can relax and regroup.

You’re Only One Person - Whilst it might be tempting to catch up with every single person you’ve ever met for a celebratory drink…or perhaps feel a little guilted into catching up with every single person you’ve ever met, remember you’re only one person. Make sure you put your own needs and preferences first. If you look after you, you’ll be the best version of you for others.

Remember There’s Always January! - Ever year I have to remind myself of this one. There seems to be this big pressure to catch up with people ‘before the holidays’ - it’s like we forget that time continues after. So remind yourself the pressure is manufactured. If you can’t quite squeeze it all in, there’s always January! It’s literally the week after :)

With all this said, it’s also absolutely ok if the festive season just isn’t your thing. Sometimes I think we’re pressured to ‘feel the joy’ but maybe it’s not yours. That’s absolutely ok!

Whether you’re a real extravert and draw your energy from others or a true introvert that needs space and time to recharge, make sure you look after yourself this festive season so it can bring you happiness, anyway you would like it to.

If you, or someone you know, would like support in how you might begin to look after yourself, or possibly begin to manage your expectations for yourself, Piece by Piece Therapies is here to help. Please feel free to get in touch whenever you’re ready. We’ll be here throughout this festive season, and January as well.

Happy Holidays!