The importance of pacing ourselves during the holidays

This article will focus on the importance of pacing ourselves. This matters for our mental and physical health, particularly as Christmas approaches.

The world is a noisy place with many voices telling us what we should be doing and vying for our attention. I suspect that many of us experience sensory overload.

Navigating the festive season 

Expectations

We may have people asking us if have we done or finished our Christmas shopping and this may feel like pressure. It is vital that we are self-aware about how much energy we actually have and where we choose to use it.

Endless expectations about having fun at Christmas can be very difficult, particularly if we are alone, lonely or facing family, health or work challenges.

Start with yourself

I suggest taking a moment or more to be still with yourself. See if you can find a quiet space - I recognise that this is sometimes easier said than done. Sometimes we are stressed and anxious and don't recognise that this is so. We have become so used to 'powering through' and 'being strong' that we become disconnected from ourselves.  Our bodies tell us a lot about how we are - try a body scan from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. What do you notice?

What's on your' to-do' list?

We all have a 'to-do' list. I wonder if you are able to distinguish between what you must do, what you need to do, and what you want to do? Who has written this list - yourself, other people or a combination of both?

At Christmas, we add more and more things to our list thinking that they are absolute necessities - but are they?

Family dynamics

Family dynamics are complex and Christmas can really highlight aloneness and loneliness. It also highlights family ruptures causing pain that may or may not be acknowledged. Things are not suddenly going to be just as we would like them to be. This can be very hard, exacerbating the grief that we already feel.

Pacing ourselves

Thinking about how much energy we have will help us manage our mood, stress and anxiety levels. If we find that we are short-tempered, struggle to concentrate and just wish Christmas would go away, there will be reasons for this.

Our feelings are important

None of us like difficult feelings -  we would just like them to stop so we can be happy.  Our feelings sit inside our stories - they are information about how we are and indicate that we may need something.  When we feel sad, anxious, or angry, rather than being self-critical, it can help to ask 'What is happening to me?' 'What do I need?'

Setting boundaries

Boundaries are crucial - some boundaries we voice - others we show by being consistent in our behaviour and communication.  Saying 'no' is important.

What will help you to have the Christmas you need?

We may not have exactly what we would like, but we can find a way to think about what will help us to be in this season and beyond that is life-enhancing for us.

Do you need support?

Hopefully, you have a good inner circle of people you can spend time with and share honestly how you feel. Could it be that you also need professional support? If you do, please reach out to someone.