Bhavya Jain
Sparkles and magic all around us – it is the holiday season ! Everyone looks forward to this time of the year, as it means getting to spend time with their loved ones and relax.We also tend to reminisce over the past year and start planning goals for the upcoming year. However, it can also become quite chaotic due to the demands and expectations from friends and family. Moreover, reflecting on the past year and creating goals can make the holidays stressful and overwhelming which can affect our well-being.
So, how can we make sure our own well-being stays on track during all the holiday fun? Here are some tips:
- A time to reflect on our year
The holiday season marks the end of a long year of hard work. And so, we should give ourselves a pat on the back for all the work that we put in throughout the year and look at this celebration as one for our successes. This is the time to applaud ourselves and reboot. For example, you can create a list of things that you are grateful for in the past year. This will help change the perspective you had about the year. A journal entry perhaps can help introspect and delve deeper into all the high and low moments during the year, and trust us this will make you feel better sooner or later.
- Take a step back and relax– A mind well rested is one that’s the most productive!
The spirit of Christmas and New Years’ parties always take out the limited holiday time we have. Instead of entering the new year exhausted, let us try to find small ways to relax throughout the day by taking a few minutes of quiet time with a cup of tea, or by taking a short walk outside. We should prioritize quality time with friends and family, and make some sweet memories, as the year progresses towards an end. In addition to that, a good night’s sleep is essential during this busy season as one can easily neglect sleep when wrapped up with work and other engagements. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep everyday, guarantees maximum productivity.
- Let’s have a Healthy Holiday season– Develop positive habits
This is also the time to develop new and positive self-care habits. Although the holiday season is often thought of as a time to let go and indulge ourselves, we should take time out to meaningfully nurture ourselves. You can do this by practicing mindfulness activities such as mediation, deep-breathing exercises and yoga.
Furthermore, you can engage in hobbies that are relaxing and grounding. For example, you can do journaling, dancing or drawing. These activities can help us feel more refreshed and enter into the next year more energised!
Setting up goals for the new year, making vision boards, curating to-do lists and setting some standards in terms of personal, professional growth and development, can facilitate introspection and pave the way for more hope and optimism for the upcoming year!
The holidays are meant to be a joyful time, which helps you relax, rejuvenate, and get ready for the upcoming year with the much required enthusiasm.
So, be kind to yourself, set boundaries, and make self-care a priority. You’ll not only feel better, but you’ll also be able to fully enjoy all the holiday magic.
Authors Biography
Bhavya Jain, an I/O Psychologist and integrative psychotherapist, combines her expertise to promote mental health, combat stigma, and raise awareness about unconventional therapy. She works to make mental health support accessible to all, ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward well-being and breaking barriers to mental health care.
