The holidays can be a time that social anxieties and triggers flare all over the place. Sitting next to Uncle John with opposing political views at Thanksgiving dinner. Social obligations that make us uneasy. Lots and lots of things “to do.”
When we don’t prepare for these moments ahead of time, we often numb ourselves throughout. We drink too much wine. We eat too much turkey and pie.
The numbing tends to make us feel worse. It further drains our batteries when we are already low. We check out emotionally. Or explode. Awkward happens.
How can we avoid this damaging cycle? We need to prepare AHEAD of time for the moments that we know are coming.
Take the time before the crazy times begin to remind yourself of the habits that truly renew you. Stick to what recharges your batteries so that you have the capacity to navigate the emotions and interactions of the holidays. Ten minutes in silence. Deep breaths of fresh air on the front porch. Journal. Take a walk or a run.
If you are visiting away from your home, you might need to walk around the block of a family members house instead of walk in the woods. Or do a few yoga poses in a bathroom. Do it anyway! Take these moments of solitude to clear your mind. Set intentions for the difficult parts of the holiday.
Remembering to recharge is a discipline. Especially on days where we don’t have a normal routine. Recharge requires setting an intention ahead time for self-care. Scheduling the time. Sticking to it when it’s easier to numb. Maybe even getting up an hour early or stepping out of the house for an “errand”
If you can stay grounded and centered, everyone around you will benefit from your ability to be present, calm, sure of who you are.
Doing so might even require enduring the comments of others who might judge and call it selfish. Often such people are not caring for themselves, so it is hard to appreciate when others are making wise choices. They might not think it’s “fair” that you step aside for a few moments. Send them love and light. And do it anyway.
Namaste.