The Holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration and iit can also be a time of unique seasonal stressors that we experience From a busy holiday schedule, managing school and child care schedules, expectations of spending time with family, grief over losses, body distress, and anxiety around more focus on food.  

You may experience an increase in your stress response including physical body tension, difficulty sleeping, low mood, increased anxiety, or  just feeling meh.

Know that if you find this time challenging it is ok, your feelings are valid and so is your experience.  You may need to be intentional with how you are caring for yourself in this season.  Here are a few practices and reminders that may be supportive for you. 

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Mindfulness Practices

Connecting back to the present moment with these mindfulness tips will allow you to disconnect from racing thoughts and To Do lists which will allow you to be more present.

A Grounding Practice

When we use a grounding tool like what is discussed in this post you can self soothe and calm your mind and your body when being frazzled and fearful kick in.

Centering Practice

Mind is racing with worry and food fears?  Take a moment to read this and look around the room and use what you see to pull you out of your thoughts.

Compassionate Letter

Already know your triggers?  Already have a pretty good idea that the Holidays will be difficult for you?  Then write a compassionate letter to yourself for encouragement and kindness.  

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Set Boundaries 

you have full permission to say no.  You have full permission to take a pause and go outside or excuse yourself to the bathroom to regroup and practice any of these tools.  You have full permission to set a boundary with anyone who is engaging in dieting or body talk by either telling them that it is harmful/unhelpful for your recovery or to remove yourself from that conversation.   

Gentle Reminders:

You are worthy

You are Enough

You do not need to make yourself small

Take up space 

You have permission to….

You need to eat

Call your sponsor