2016 has been a year.
And as this year comes to a close, I think we can all breathe a sigh of relief that 2017 is almost upon us. However, for some people - like me - the last few weeks of the year are the most difficult to endure. So, here is a handy-dandy list of things to do when the holiday season has drained the life out of you completely. The following are based off of my own personal experiences as well as suggestions from friends who also struggle with mental illnesses and self-care. So, here are some helpful suggestions to get you started.
1) Breathe
I'm serious about this one. So often, I see people trying to multitask their work load with their family life, dietary needs, traveling, and even relaxation. I understand that taking time out of your day to sit and do nothing might be difficult to do on your own. So, here are some helpful sites I use to take time out of the day to just breathe
2) Bathe
On most self-care lists, at the very top will normally be to run yourself a hot bath with salts and scrubs. And while a hot bath will not solve every single problem, it may be a good start for those struggling with self-care. However, when I talked to people about what they struggle with the most in regards to self-care, a majority of people will attest to their personal hygiene not being a priority when they're stressed. The rush of warm, comforting water has been proven in several studies to stimulate the body's production of Oxytocin.
3) Understand that it's okay to say no
Look, this time of year is incredibly difficult. I know that for me, as a college student, I look to squeeze time out of visiting all of my friends because we don't see each other that often. And I'll be honest, it's incredibly tiring sometimes to be constantly using energy socializing with other people. It's okay to have a night by yourself. It's okay to say that you need time before you use energy again. Sometimes our bodies just need time to recharge and that's totally okay.
4) Try to eat full meals when you can
Eating when you're stressed can sometimes be difficult. With other priorities, remembering to eat can be a challenge. But similar to the previous step, this can help your body refuel so it can use more energy later. If eating a full meal is inconvenient at the time, enjoying a light snack and water is also advised.
5) You don't have to be excited for the holidays
There seems to be a stigma against those who do not participate in end of the year festivities. (I, for one, have been called a Scrooge on several occasions for not participating in holiday events around me.) But, sometimes it's okay to not have the energy to focus on the holidays. It's okay to take things day by day, because it's the pace you set. Conquer things as quickly as you can and don't feel guilty if some days it's a little slower than others.
6) Be nicer than you want to be
With the rush of these final calendar days approaching, it can be very difficult to extend patience to everyone. Every person deserves understanding. It's hard to sympathize with the jerk that cut you off on the highway, or the overwhelmingly noisy kids in a supermarket. But taking a moment to step back and reevaluate the situation from another person's perspective can help diffuse a stressful situation.
The holiday season is a time to relax and to recover and prepare for the upcoming year. And I hope that these steps can offer a good head start for those who find themselves at their wit's end. Just remember that self-care has no black and white rules - it's simply about whatever makes you feel better.
