The holidays can be difficult for anyone, even if you love the winter season. There are some common factors that can make this time of year especially difficult.
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The Weight of Expectations and Comparisons – Surviving the Holidays
Comparing ourselves to an idea of what the holidays “should” look like can set us up for failure and disappointment. Take a step back to consider your values and what is actually important to you.
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Facing Family Dynamics – Surviving the Holidays
Returning to families of origin during the holidays can trigger traumas and re-ground your nervous system into a past, traumatic state. You have a few options in how you choose to move forward with difficult relationships.
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Seasonal Affective Disorder – Surviving the Holidays
The winter holidays may also be accompanied by Seasonal Affective Disorder. These are strategies that can help with managing seasonal depression.
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Protecting Your Routines – Surviving the Holidays
The holidays bring with them disruptions to your schedule and routines. It is important to protect and maintain the healthy habits that are important for your physical and mental health.
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Confronting the End of the Year – Surviving the Holidays
The end of the year can bring with it existential feelings. This is a good time of year to lean into existentialism and explore those meanings, and uncover what is valuable to you.
