The holiday season is emotionally charged. Commonly a hectic time of year, the season can result in feelings shifting from joy to grief at a moment’s notice.
Nostalgia creeps in and the focus shifts to the past or worries for the future – instead of what is happening in the present moment.
An empty chair at the table triggers grief from a love that’s been lost.
A sense of anxiety develops at the thought of gift-giving and holiday gatherings.
Setting goals for the New Year brings on a sense of overwhelm.
If you are a person that finds more emotional difficulty than joy during the holiday season, here are three tips for practicing self-care:
- Exercise – Do not be afraid of the cold and getting outside! Especially after a Holiday meal, moving your body is an easy self-care tool that you have complete control over. In the winter you could try:
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- Ice Skating
- Building a snowman
- Cross-country or downhill skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Ice fishing
- Snowball fight
- Eat healthfully – On the days that you are not feasting, think about balance. Enjoy the meal, but eat a salad the next day. We suggest an 80/20 kind of perspective. Enjoy indulgences, especially at this time of year, but round out a small portion of them with the healthy stuff.
- Breathe – Focusing on your breathing can help you get centered and present in your body. Consider taking time out at the beginning and end of the day to practice some mindful breathing, Studies show that practicing a few minutes of mindful breathing each day can have a high significance in decreasing anxiety!
We suggest two styles of patterned breathing for stress management:
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- Paced breathing – The premise of this technique is to take five or six breaths per minute. To learn more about paced breathing check out this resource from Boston University.
- Box breathing – This technique forces you to inhale and exhale in measured increments. Learn more about box breathing.
It is important to be present and feel your feelings, especially at this time of year. Equally, it is important to attend to your personal mental health. Be mindful of the ways you are showing yourself care and grace during the holiday season.
Neighborhood Naturopathic uses holistic and natural medicine, proven treatments and alternative therapies to help your body heal. If you live in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area and are curious about a naturopathic approach to your health or have questions about supplements, or IV Nutrient Therapy that might support your overall wellness, click here to schedule or call (612) 259-8529.
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