The days are getting shorter here in the Pacific Northwest, and there’s almost some subconscious timer or internal clock that lets you know it’s getting to be the holiday season. While there can be a lot to look forward to, sometimes the excitement of decorations, lights, and gatherings isn’t always as joyous as one might think. When this is the case, how do you get through this season and still come out feeling okay…or even with some peace?
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Start by identifying your personal values. What is most important to you in your relationship with yourself? Your relationships with others?
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With those values in mind, decide which activity/event(s) are most important to you and let the rest go. Don’t over-commit yourself.
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Set personal boundaries. Let others know if you don’t want to be touched or you don’t want to do something.
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You’re not alone. Find a safe person in your life to help support you. See a nutrition professional and therapist to add to that support.
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Plan ahead. Work with your nutrition provider to come up with a holiday coping plan. For example, you could identify foods that you will eat, those you may try, and foods you aren’t going to push yourself to try yet.
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Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to not be okay. Give yourself some extra self-care. This might be some planned “me” time, connecting with friends, or building a snowman.
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Challenge the food police and diet talk. Holiday foods aren’t “unhealthy”. The feelings of guilt and anxiety we get from that attitude is often more harmful than anything we could eat.
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Give yourself permission to enjoy your food. Food provides needed nutrients for our bodies, but can also be an expression of love as well as connect us to our culture and traditions. Get the full food experience and let it nourish you socially and spiritually as well as physically.
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Gift yourself “the Present”. Don’t worry about tomorrow or the next event. Take each day as it comes and savor the moments.
If you would like to have some additional support during this holiday season, our team at Body Wise would be honored to be a part of your journey. Get in touch with us today.
Interested in learning more? Schedule an appointment with us to get support on your journey to holistic and kind health.
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Written by the Rooted Path Nutrition & Eating Disorders team |