Emotionally Preparing for the Holidays
The holiday season can be an emotional minefield, especially as a kinship caregiver. You may find yourself being pulled in 100 different directions by family, friends, and co-workers. Here are some strategies to help you cope and perhaps even enjoy this season.
Foster Healthy Relationships
Share how you’re truly feeling with someone you trust. You may be surprised to find that you’re not alone in how you feel during the holidays.
Practice forgiveness, towards yourself or towards others. Give yourself the gift of letting go of a grudge.
Write and snail mail a letter to a loved one.
Speak up for what you need by being assertive. Ask for help, space, or time when you need it.
Spend time with pets or animals.
Participate in a community activity or event to encourage social connectedness.
Set and Maintain Healthy Boundaries
Practice moderation: in scheduling events, spending money, alcohol consumption, etc.
Minimize the number of parties or events you say “yes” to. It’s okay to say no to plans that you don’t have time for OR you don’t want to engage in!
Take a break from media or social media.
Identify your triggers to help you prepare for stressful situations and make clear plans to cope with those situations.
Participate in traditions that bring you joy; be willing to let go of those that don’t serve you or your family anymore.
Practice Having a Positive Mindset
Write a gratitude list.
Identify a positive affirmation that resonates with you. Even if it doesn’t feel true now, repeating positive self-talk has been proven to increase feelings of self-worth.
Practice mindfulness- being present in the moment, noticing what’s happening or how you’re feeling without judgment.
Let go of expectations and accept this season as it is, one day at a time.
Challenge negative self-talk: don’t believe everything you think! Check the facts.
Watch a funny holiday movie.
Practice radical self-acceptance. You are wonderfully made, exactly as you are.
Do something creative: baking, decorating, writing, arts & crafts... whatever piques your interest, flex your creativity in a way that brings you joy!
Set your intention for this holiday season: What is one word you would like to cultivate over the next few months?
Nurture Your Physical Body or Space
Declutter- even if just a drawer. Clearing out physical space can create mental space.
Try aromatherapy with essential oils.
Move your body! Taking a walk to look at holiday decorations, streaming a guided meditation on youtube at the end of the day, learning the latest choreographed dance with your kids, digging your hands into the dirt as you garden... however you naturally find yourself moving your body, it all counts and helps manage stress.
Practice good sleep hygiene: setting a consistent bedtime, limiting screen time towards the end of the day, establishing bedtime and wake-up routines to ease yourself into and out of the day.
Enjoy the beautiful winter weather outdoors.
Remember that the holiday season is just that– a season. It too will pass. Our team at Seeds Community Center is here to support you throughout the ups and downs, and is grateful for every family we’ve engaged with this year.
