The holidays can be a wonderful time of year but oftentimes there is a lot of pressure. Between the pictures for a perfect instagram post, the pressure to find the perfect gifts, and the expectation that you’ll show up smiling to every family gathering, the holidays can be overwhelming. You could be dealing with guilt for feeling like you’re not doing enough, or not having the same holiday cheer everyone else seems to have. You are not alone. Therapy can help you let go of the guilt and create a holiday season that actually feels manageable and meaningful.
Why holiday guilt feels so heavy
Holiday guilt can show up in many ways. Feeling guilt for not being able to travel home, not baking homemade cookies, feeling like you’re letting your family down because you can’t afford the gifts. Or maybe you just don’t feel as happy as you think you should, and that in itself feels like a failure.
Most of this guilt stems from unrealistic expectations, expectations we put on ourselves, expectations society places on us, and expectations that come from comparing our behind-the-scenes reality to everyone else’s highlight reel.
For many women, especially those juggling careers, families, and their own mental health, the holidays feel like just another thing to add to the list. Stress management therapy can help you identify where the pressure is coming from and develop strategies to manage it without burning out.
The perfectionism trap
Perfectionism and holiday guilt go hand in hand. You want everything to be perfect like the decorations, the meals, the gifts, the family moments. But perfection is exhausting and unrealistic. When things inevitably don’t go according to plan, the guilt sets in. Maybe you think “I should have tried harder, I should have planned better, or I should be more grateful”.
Feeling like no matter how much you do there’s always something more you could have done. This mindset can be really damaging, especially during the holidays. IT can rob you of the ability to enjoy the moments that actually matter. Self-esteem counseling can help you challenge the inner critic that’s driving your perfectionism and learn to give yourself grace.
How to let go of holiday guilt
Identify your values
One of the best ways to combat holiday guilt is to think about what actually matters to you. Not what you think should matter or what matters to others, but what is genuinely important in your life. Maybe you identify with quality time, rest over entertaining, or mindfulness. Once you identify your values it’s easier to make decisions alone with them. Therapy for women can help you with this.
Setting boundaries
Saying no is a super important tool to manage holiday stress. You can say no to things. You do not need to attend every party, host every gathering, or meet every expectation. It is okay to decline an invitation, limit your travel, or skip traditions that do not serve you. Check out our blog on how to set healthy boundaries with family this holiday season.
Practice self-compassion
Give yourself a pat on the back, feel whatever you’re feeling, and take up space during the holidays. Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend who was struggling. Our blog on self-worth and self-esteem offers practical tips for building a kinder relationship with yourself.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. You don’t have to do everything, be everything, or feel everything to have a good season. Let go of the guilt, lower the bar, and give yourself permission to just be. You’re enough, exactly as you are.
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.
