The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy and connection—but it’s also so much more. For many, it’s a season that stirs up complex emotions, from grief over those we’ve lost to the stress of travel and family gatherings. Personally, I’ve found that the changes to daily routines during the holidays can feel especially destabilizing, as they often disrupt the habits that keep me grounded. This year, our community in Western North Carolina is still reeling from the upheaval caused by Hurricane Helene, making us more vulnerable to stress and dysregulation. Yet, amidst the challenges, the holidays offer a unique opportunity: to approach our needs with curiosity and meet them with flexibility. Use this Holiday Survival Guide to help you maintain balance this holiday season.
1. Practice Self-Compassion
The holidays can bring high expectations, both from ourselves and others. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, or like we’re falling short. When that happens, take a moment to remind yourself that imperfection is part of being human.
- Speak to yourself as you would a close friend: with kindness and encouragement.
- Recognize that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions—joy, grief, stress, and gratitude can coexist.
By treating yourself with compassion, you create space to navigate the season with greater ease.
2. Get Curious: What Are My Core Needs?
In the midst of holiday busyness, it’s easy to lose sight of what we truly need. Taking a moment to pause and reflect can help you stay connected to your well-being.
- Ask yourself: What do I need most right now? It might be rest, connection, or a moment of solitude.
- Identify one or two core needs that feel essential to your mental, physical, or emotional health.
Honoring your needs doesn’t mean neglecting others—it means showing up more fully for the people and experiences that matter to you.
3. Embrace Flexibility with a Plan
The holidays often require us to adapt our routines. Instead of resisting the changes, lean into flexibility while maintaining a sense of direction.
- Adapt your movement: If your usual workouts aren’t feasible, explore shorter or more accessible options, like a brisk walk or a few yoga stretches.
- Mindful indulgence: Enjoy holiday treats while balancing them with lighter meals or adding physical activity to your day.
Being proactive about adjustments can help you stay connected to your well-being, even amidst change.
4. Prioritize Rest and Recovery
If late nights are part of the festivities, give yourself grace to rest the next day or schedule quiet time.
- Protect your sleep: Try to maintain a consistent bedtime, even amidst late-night festivities. If that’s not possible, carve out time for a restorative nap or quiet downtime.
- Balance activity with stillness: Whether it’s taking a few deep breaths between tasks or enjoying a quiet cup of tea, small moments of recovery can make a big difference.
- Create a calming bedtime ritual, like listening to soothing music or reading, to signal your body to wind down
Protecting your rest will help you feel more energized and present for the moments that matter most.
5. Practice Mindful Presence
The holidays can easily become a blur of activity. Practicing mindfulness can help you savor the season and stay connected to the present moment.
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- Engage your senses: Notice the smells, sights, and sounds around you, whether you’re decorating cookies or sharing a meal with loved ones.
- Pause and breathe: When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to inhale deeply and exhale slowly.
Mindful presence transforms ordinary moments into meaningful memories.
6. Communicate Your Needs
Open communication can ease stress and build understanding with loved ones.
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- Share your intentions: Let loved ones know what’s important to you. For example, “I’m focusing on self-care this season, so I might need to step away for a few minutes to recharge.”
- Set boundaries: It’s okay to say no to activities or traditions that feel overwhelming or out of alignment with your priorities.
Honest, compassionate communication fosters connection and can help to create a season that feels authentic and joyful.
7. Reflect and Recalibrate
Take a few moments to reflect on what’s working and what isn’t. Adjusting your approach as needed can help you move into the new year feeling empowered and at ease.
- Consider what habits or practices have helped you stay grounded.
- Identify areas where you’d like to create more balance or flexibility.
This process of reflection can help you navigate future seasons of change with greater confidence.
Final Thoughts
The holidays, while joyful, often bring disruptions that challenge our sense of stability. By anchoring yourself to core habits, practicing mindfulness, and embracing flexibility, you can maintain a sense of balance amidst the busyness.
As I reflect on the past year and the ways our Western North Carolina community has adapted to challenges, I’m reminded of the importance of resilience and self-compassion. If you’re seeking support in navigating this season or planning for the year ahead, I’d be honored to help. Together, we can create a plan that aligns with your well-being and values.
Wishing you peace, joy, and connection this holiday season.
This blog post was written by Ariana Figueroa, a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach at Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville and the support of ChatGPT. You can read more about Ariana in her bio.