Parents: Take Care of Yourself This Holiday Season
As always, the holiday season has a way of sneaking up on us. Before you know it, you’ll be shifting your focus from creating the holiday magic for your children, making dishes to bring to your family gathering, hunting for the perfect wrapping paper, and stressing over making sure you got the right amount of gifts for your loved ones.
While making the season special for others can be a love language, it can be easy to slip in neglecting our own needs so that we can do everything “right” as a parent during the holiday season. Here’s a friendly reminder from a therapist who works with parents: what makes the season special isn’t a fully checked-off to-do list, it’s a parent who gets to be present and enjoy the season with their family.
Here are a few gentle ways to care for yourself this holiday season:
Embrace Slower Rhythms
With fall and winter come shorter and colder days. Mother nature is inviting us to settle in and slow down. So, rather than trying to push through and do it all, explore how you can embrace the slower rhythms that come with this time of year. Not only will you feel more in-tune with what you’re needing, you’ll also be setting yourself up for more success as you navigate the busyness of the holidays.
Cozy up in the evenings by reading, crafting, or soaking in a bubble bath before bed
Ease into each day with a ritual that helps you connect to the present moment- sip a delicious coffee or read a bit of your book if you can find a moment of peace
If you have younger kids, introduce routines to their schedule that allow space for your own self-care routines. This may be by having lego time in the evening while you read your book, listening to calming music and doing some gentle stretches together, or enjoying a special cup of cocoa in the morning. This won’t always feel smooth and easy, but adding these things in bit by bit can make a difference!
Create Comfort Through Your Senses
While winter may be darker and cooler outside, we can still nurture a soothing sensory experience for ourself. Some of the most foundational self-care is just connecting to simple things that feel soothing for us.
Cuddle up in a cozy blanket
Light candles or turn on twinkle lights in the evening
Start your morning with an aromatic cup of coffee or tea
Listen to soothing music
Make your favorite comfort foods or holiday treats
Set Boundaries Where You Need Them
This season can bring a number of holiday parties, family gatherings, expectations around traditions, and an unending list of gifts to get and meals to make. Many of these things can be enjoyable to connect to and give us the warm fuzzies- but when we have too much on our plate, we start to focus more on the to-do list and less on enjoying the moments.
Prioritize the holiday activities that you enjoy the most and set boundaries around the things that will pull you from the present moment. It can be hard to say”no” to certain events or activities, and it’ll likely feel harder to say “yes” to things that overfill your plate.
Be Realistic with Yourself
As much as you’d like to be, you’re not a superhero. You’re managing the day-to-day tasks of parenthood while also adding in holiday activities. You don’t have to do it all “perfectly”, and trying to is likely just going to stress out you and your family.
It can be an especially challenging task for those who struggle with perfectionism, but lowering the bar can be the best way to actually connect with yourself and your loved ones this holiday season. You may not get to every single thing that you’d like to do this season, but you do get to enjoy the special moments as they come.
If you need support- now is a great time to reach out!
This season brings its fair share of holiday stress and winter blues. If you tend to find yourself overwhelmed this time of year- this year might just be the year to do things differently. You deserve support for everything that you carry, and we would be honored to work with you!
We offer individual and couples therapy, either in-person at our Eagan, MN office location or virtual for anyone located in Minnesota. Learn more about our providers here- where you can also schedule a free 15-minute consultation!