How Not to Be a Grumpy Grinch This Holiday Season: A Self Care Edition
11/08/2024Written by: Desirae Biggs, M.A Psychology
The holiday season, while joyful for many, can also bring stress, overwhelm, and that infamous “Grinch” attitude. If you’re feeling more like a Grinch than a festive elf, it’s time to prioritize self-care.
Here’s how to reclaim your holiday spirit:
• Set Boundaries: The holidays can be filled with obligations. Learn to say no to events that drain you. Prioritize what truly matters to you.
You don’t have to avoid family gatherings altogether, you can always set boundaries. Here are a few ways to do that this holiday season:
1. Communicate your needs. This is the first step in any boundary-setting. You decide what you need in order to feel comfortable then communicate that beforehand. (ie. Asking people not to comment on certain things or bring up certain topics).
2. Decide on a time to leave before hand. By having a set time to go this will help you enjoy your time with your loved ones without exhausting yourself; boundaries will become more challenging the more exhausted you are and the longer you stay past when your social battery dies. Decide how much you can handle in advance and stick to that timeframe.
3. Come up with neutral topic changers. Topics like politics and the state of the world can quickly escalate emotions and lead to conflict. Try coming up with a few neutral subjects to bring up if a conversation starts to go in a controversial direction. An example of this is bringing up a funny story about a pet or child, talking about a new hobby you’re interested in or even asking for a recipe of a dish served.
4. Practice empathy and compassion. It’s so important to remember that we are all human, and everyone makes mistakes. Maintaining healthy relationships relies on both parties practicing compassion, empathy, and good communication.
5. Prepare for unsolicited comments. While you may express boundaries regarding certain topics, others may or may not respect your boundaries and may over step or ignore them. Prepare yourself to respond calmly by using phrases like, “I would appreciate it if we didn’t discuss this,” or “please don’t comment on (such and such).”
Another tip is to plan something you enjoy for after the family gathering. Keeping boundaries can be exhausting in itself and difficult at best, so give yourself space to unwind and recenter yourself. Prioritize self-care especially during these times.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply and reflect. Mindfulness can help ground you, keeping you present and reducing anxiety. Practicing mindfulness can be a powerful tool for managing stress and enhancing overall well-being.
Here are a few simple steps to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.
1. Find a quiet space. Choose somewhere comfortable and quiet where you can sit or lie down without being interrupted.
2. Set a timer. Start with as long as you need and allow yourself to just be and breathe.
3. Focus on your breath. Close your eyes and take deep, slow breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Pay attention to how your breath feels entering and leaving your body.
4. Observe your thoughts without judgement. Acknowledge any thoughts that arise without judging them. Imagine them like clouds passing in the sky-observe them, then let them float away.
5. Engage your senses. Bring awareness to your surroundings. Notice the sounds, smells, and sensations present in the moment. This can help ground you to the here and now.
6. Practice gratitude. At the end of your session, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This can shift your mindset to a more positive state.
7. Be consistent. Aim to practice mindfulness daily, even if just for a few minutes. This will build good habits and greatly benefit your mental health.
Remember that this is a practice and takes time to build and develop. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey!
3. Schedule “Me Time”: Whether it’s a cozy night in with a book or a stroll in nature, carve out time for yourself. This will recharge your batteries and restore your holiday spirit.
1. Create a Relaxing Atmosphere: Dim the lights, light some candles, or play soft music to set a calming mood.
2. Mindful Bathing: When taking a bath, focus on the sensations of the water, the scent of the bath products, and your breath. This mindfulness can help clear your mind.
3. Incorporate Aromatherapy: Use essential oils or scented bath salts to enhance your experience. Scents like lavender or eucalyptus can promote relaxation.
4. Read or Listen: Bring a good book or listen to an audiobook or podcast that interests you while you soak.
5. Disconnect from Devices: Put your phone on do-not-disturb mode to avoid distractions from social media and notifications.
6. Try Journaling: After your bath, take some time to reflect and write in a journal. This can help you process your thoughts and feelings.
7. Enjoy Herbal Tea: Sip on a soothing cup of herbal tea to further enhance your relaxation.
8. Practice Breathing Exercises: Incorporate deep breathing exercises before or after your bath to help ground yourself and reduce stress.
Remember, the goal is to fully embrace this alone time as a way to recharge and reconnect with yourself. Taking these moments can help you feel refreshed and ready to engage with others again when the time comes.
Avoiding the "Grumpy Grinch" mindset during the holiday season can be challenging, especially with the pressures of shopping, family dynamics, and societal expectations. Here are some tips to help you stay positive and enjoy the festivities. Other ways that you can prevent yourself from becoming a Grumpy Grinch this holiday season are below:
1. Set Realistic Expectations: Accept that not everything will be perfect. Focus on enjoying the moment rather than striving for an ideal holiday experience.
2. Practice Gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. This can shift your focus from what's bothering you to appreciating the good things in your life.
3. Limit Social Media: Constant comparison to others on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Take breaks from your platforms to maintain your mental health.
4. Create your Own Traditions: Instead of sticking to traditions that feel burdensome, find new activities that bring you joy and make the holiday season more meaningful to you.
5. Volunteer or Give Back: Helping others can boost your mood and provide perspective. Consider volunteering at a local charity or donating to a cause you care about.
6. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness or relaxation exercises to help you stay present and manage stress.
7. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that recharge you. Whether it’s reading, exercising, or enjoying a hobby, self-care is essential during hectic times.
8. Communicate: Share your feelings with family and friends. Opening up can help alleviate stress and improve your relationships.
9. Limit Overcommitment: It's easy to say yes to everything, but overextending yourself can lead to burnout. Be selective about what you agree to do.
10. Focus on Connection: Instead of getting caught up in materialism, spend quality time with loved ones. Foster connections that bring joy and warmth to your holiday season.
11. Embrace Humor: Don’t take things too seriously! Laugh at mishaps and find humor in the situation to lighten the mood.
12. Take Breaks: If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a moment for yourself to regroup. A short walk or some quiet time can do wonders.
By incorporating some of these strategies, you can cultivate a more positive outlook during the holiday season and hopefully avoid the Grinch mentality!
Happy Holidays!!!