As I sit and reflect on a wonderful Thanksgiving break with my family, I am so grateful to see how far I have come in my own self-care practice. It has only been a few years since one of my most stressful holiday seasons landed me in the emergency room.
What has changed?
What’s my holiday self-care secret?
Most simply put it is setting boundaries and saying no.
I know most people think that self-care needs to be about adding new routines or doing something caring and nurturing for yourself, but I believe one of the most powerful self-care strategies is knowing when to say no, and even when not to say yes.
You must remember you can’t possibly do it all and really, you don’t need to!! Take the time to know what’s most important to you and find ways to focus on that. This sounds simple, but it is not easy.
Here’s how to start:
- Take some time to get quiet and focus on what is most important and who is most important through this season.
- What do you want to feel?
- What do you want others to feel? Get really clear. Write it out. Keep it in view.
- Focus on what is most important to make these feelings real.
- Say no to all the extra distractions that pop up. They may be fun, beautiful, exciting, interesting, and even important BUT before you decide to commit ask yourself, “Does this need to be done by me or can someone else do it?” “Does this guide me to my desired goals and feelings?”
I know this can be very challenging at this time of year. Most of us have an automatic “Yes!” response. Make it a new habit to pause and give yourself time to reflect before you add anything to your schedule.
Want support and strategies to help with real-life challenges that pop-up? Check out the Whole Woman, Whole You Facebook Page where I will be offering support and strategies to help you make the journey back to what’s most important to you!