Navigating the holidays when the holidays aren't so joyous
When the holidays roll around, I'm reminded that not all families look forward to this season. Some are dealing with loss or reminders of loss, trauma, and other difficult situations. Navigating the holidays when they're emotionally difficult can be challenging, but there are strategies to help you cope. Here are some tips:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's okay to feel sad, stressed, or anxious during the holidays. Acknowledging your emotions is the first step in addressing them.
2. Set Realistic Expectations: Don't pressure yourself to be excessively festive or joyful. Understand that it's okay to have a different experience during the holidays.
3. Plan Ahead: Create a plan for the holiday season. Decide which events and activities you'll participate in, and set boundaries to protect your well-being.
4. Seek Support: Reach out to friends or family members who are understanding and empathetic. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can be comforting.
5. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or taking time for yourself. These practices can help you manage stress and maintain emotional balance.
6. Limit Exposure: If certain situations or people trigger negative emotions, limit your exposure to them. You have the right to protect your mental and emotional health.
7. Create New Traditions: Consider starting new holiday traditions that feel more in line with your current emotional state. These can provide a fresh and positive outlook.
8. Volunteer or Give Back: Helping others in need can be emotionally rewarding and provide a sense of purpose during the holidays.
9. Professional Help: If you're struggling with severe emotional difficulties, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can offer support and guidance.
10. Avoid Isolation: While it's important to take time for yourself, avoid complete isolation. Isolation can exacerbate emotional difficulties. Connect with people who understand and respect your feelings.
11. Practice Gratitude: Focusing on the positive aspects of your life and expressing gratitude can help shift your perspective and improve your emotional well-being. Using emotion-supporting essential oils and blends such as Believe, Christmas Spirit, Frankincense, and Peace & Calming to help you get into the right frame of mind to be able to see the positives.
Remember that it's okay to prioritize your emotional health during the holidays. You don't have to pretend to be okay if you're not. By taking steps to care for yourself and seeking support when needed, you can navigate the holidays with greater resilience and understanding.
Learn more about navigating holiday emotions and stress in our November "Reducing Holiday Stress" virtual class.
CortiStop
helps the body maintain its natural balance and harmony and support the glandular systems of women.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Young Living products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Thieves Laundry Soap Money-Saving Hack!
I love to save money (especially when money is extra tight during the holiday season!) and I bet you do too! Here's one of my most-used hacks for saving money while ditching the toxins...
Supplies:
Either (3) 32oz pump bottles or one large glass pump bottle
Thieves Household Cleaner (gives it a cleaning boost!)
Thieves Veggie Soak (the enzymes in this help dissolve stains)
Essential Oils of choice (see suggestions below)
Water
Steps for making 3 bottles:
1. Evenly pour a bottle of Thieves Laundry Soap into each of the 32oz bottles
2. Add 2 capfuls of Thieves Household Cleaner and 2 capfuls of Thieves Veggie Soak to each bottle
3. Add 20-30 drops of desired essential oils to each bottle
4. Fill each with water to slowly mix.
To make the large glass bottle:
1. Empty the Thieves Laundry Soap into the large glass bottle
2. Add 6 capfuls of Thieves Household Cleaner and 6 capfuls of Thieves Veggie soak.
3. Add 60-90 drops of desired essential oils (or if using only one oil or blend, you could just pour a 5ml bottle in)
4. Fill the Thieves Laundry Soap bottle with water and pour into the glass bottle. Repeat once.
I typically use 4 pumps in each normal size load, but you can use more if needed.
Oil Suggestions:
Stinky gym clothes: Purification or Tea Tree
Fresh & clean: Citrus Fresh or Jade Lemon
Steer clear of any oils that are blue or green in color, as those can stain.
PRO TIP: Keep a spray top on a bottle of your favorite oil in the laundry room to spray your wool dryer balls with during the last 5 minutes of the dryer cycle!
Have a YL tip you'd like us to consider for the monthly newsletter?
Send me an email at 1natureatitsfinest@gmail.com with the subject "TIP OF THE MONTH"!
SPOTLIGHT ON WHITE ANGELICA
White Angelica essential oil blend is a special formulation of 10 essential oils in a carrier oil that envelopes the body in a nurturing aroma of protection and positivity that neutralizes negative energies and gives you a feeling of wholeness.
Watch our Facebook group for drops of information on White Angelica throughout the month.
Our Next
21 Day Challenge
Starts November 1st!
Reducing Holiday Stress: A Middle-Aged Mom's Guide to Surviving the Holidays
Virtual Class Tuesday Nov 14th at 7pm
Copyright Nichole Utt
