The happiest time of the year is the holiday season for many people, but for others, it is not so jolly and filled with warmth. It can definitely be a season fulfilled with stress along with celebration. With celebration comes financial pressures, more time with family, social obligations and possibly grief. It is a physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting time.
There is such a struggle between feeling the idealized jollyness of holidays, but also the reality of what the holidays bring to the table as humans. Fortunately, you can navigate this holiday season with authenticity aligned with peace. There are many different strategies to help manage stress and create a joyful time that feels right for you.
It is important to recognize unrealistic expectations. Expectations mean inevitable stress. This can be expectations made by ourselves, family or just by society’s image off the holiday season. Social media does not help these expectations by posting cozy pictures of families with tons of presents, and all smiling together at the dinner table. This makes it seem like every family is perfect, which is not realistic. It is important to recognize this.
This could look like naming your expectations, and what holidays look like to you. Asking yourself if it is realistic or meaningful to you. Bringing awareness to these stressful pressures, allows us to question these thoughts. Maybe our expectations make us think we have to attend EVERY event and give the BEST gift to prove love this season. Does that feel right to you, or a societal expectation? Trust me, what you choose to do is actually enough, and not just “good enough”.
It may be hard not to say “yes” to every event. We may feel obligated to be at every family or friend party, even if it is draining for us. Boundaries are a good thing, and they help create healthy relationships and self-respect.
Before you catch yourself saying yes to an event, it is important to pause and lean into your body and how it is feeling. Do you feel tension or fatigue? This may be a sign that your energy is working overtime. Reminder, that you can’t be there for others on a low battery. It is not selfish.
Family get-togethers may bring up many different emotions. Anticipating what can be brought up in this dynamic can help you prepare rather than immediately react. It may be helpful to ask yourself what may help you stay centered, prior to this family event. Does it look like stopping out for fresh air or deep breathing? Maybe you may think to steer the conversation like “Let’s talk about something lighter” or “let’s go check on the dessert will be right back”. These are boundaries!
Traditions are so special and powerful. They should reflect what feels good for YOU. Consider what traditions or rituals actually bring you peace and happiness. Think about the traditions the evolve as you do, or how they need to be shifted to feel nourishing for you right now. Maybe this looks like taking yourself on a solo date to try a seasonal coffee, or having a small dinner with a friend instead of attending a large dinner party. Connection is what gives the holiday meaning.
Society tells us that happiness and joy is the goal of the holiday season. It is ok if your holiday season does not always include this, and may actually be more emotionally authentic, rather than forced happiness. Holidays can include both joy AND exhaustion.
Burnout from this season is real. Socializing, caretaking and shopping can take a toll, and usually resting for yourself is not at the top of the priority list. Maybe this may look like scheduling rest in your weeks or days, especially during this busy time when you need it the most. Maybe this looks like practicing saying “no” to a plan you really don’t feel like going to.
FIGURE OUT WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE FOR YOU WITH THERAPY FOR WOMEN IN MANHATTAN & BROOKLYN
The truth is, there’s no single or one-size-fits-all definition of success. Everyone has a different idea of what they want their life to look like. That is why it’s important to get clear on what that looks like for you. Once you have a better understanding of yourself and your values, you can start designing your life based on the things that are most important to you.
Therapy for women in Manhattan and Brooklyn is a great way to figure out what success looks like for you. At Manhattan Wellness, we will provide you with a safe space to explore your feelings and goals. So you can find clarity on what you want for yourself. We will pair your vulnerability with our empathy and encouragement. Then together we will uncover the key elements that will take you from where you are now to where you want to be. If you are ready to make the changes you want in your life:
- Submit a Contact Form or Email Us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
- Learn More About Our Team of Female Therapists and Our Areas of Expertise
- Let’s Talk About How We Can Help You Feel Empowered & Ready To Take The Next Step.
We believe that you have the power within yourself to make the changes you want and find your version of success. Our female therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey. Allowing you to reclaim your identity and take control of your life. Thus allowing you to create the future you’ve been dreaming of.
OTHER THERAPY SERVICES AT MANHATTAN WELLNESS IN MANHATTAN, WESTCHESTER, BROOKLYN & THROUGHOUT NEW YORK
At Manhattan Wellness, our therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey and reclaiming your identity. So you can take control of your life and create the future you’ve been dreaming of. This is why we offer a variety of services to ensure you get the support, care, and guidance necessary. The therapy services we offer are Therapy for Maternal Mental Health, Self-Esteem Counseling, and Anxiety Treatment. Along with Dating/Relationship Counseling, Counseling for College Students, and more. Feel as if you are not living the life you deserve? Let’s talk about it.
