All I Want For Christmas ... Is Time To Myself
There are few things as stressful as the holidays. This time of year is often filled with family time and socializing, not to mention shopping, wrapping presents, and preparing food. Sometimes it's hard to get a break! If you're turning red from social pressure or feeling overwhelmed this Christmas season, take a deep breath — you're not alone!
The goal of this post is not to encourage you to isolate yourself from your friends and family for the sake of your sanity — that would be madness! Instead, we hope that these pointers might help you find a little more time for yourself during the most wonderful (and busy) season of all.
Here are some tips to get you started — our wish is that they help!
1. Get Your Priorities Straight - Yes, it's important to spend time with family and friends throughout the holiday season. However, while doing so, try not to lose sight of your own needs as an introvert. If you're feeling drained by your social calendar, add in some downtime. Make sure you include a few moments to yourself in each day. You'll need them if you hope to recharge for the rest of the festivities!
2. Create Some Space - If all of your obligations are keeping you from getting enough time alone, try creating some space for yourself at home (or wherever else you may be living). Take a walk around the block, meditate for 5 minutes, or simply step outside for some fresh air. And don't forget to give yourself a little credit for getting some quiet time in!
3. Make The Most Of Structures - Take advantage of any structures you may have at home that give you a chance to get away. A quiet space in your home is great — but many of us don't have it (or can't afford it). Consider using an empty room downstairs or moving all of your furniture out of the living room and into another room (preferably not the kitchen!). Add curtains to make the area private, and also consider blocking off access to certain areas through noise-blocking materials.
4. Don't Be Afraid To Say No - There's no reason you have to attend every holiday party or make time for every visitor this season. Be brave enough to turn people down when they invite you out or don't give a reason why you can't attend. The holidays aren't the time to overextend yourself!
5. Take A Holiday From Technology - Technology makes it incredibly easy to connect with others, but sometimes we all need a break. If you feel like technology is sapping your energy, try taking a digital sabbath for a few days this week. Put your phone away, put your computer away, and spend time with family and friends without being on the "go."
6. Get Your Body Moving - Sometimes we are less likely to do something we don't want to do for health or fitness reasons. If you're looking for a way to break out of the holiday stress cycle and get some exercise, start with something simple like going for a walk. You'll feel great afterwards, and you'll get to be alone with your thoughts!
7. Set Some Boundaries - If you need some time to recharge but don't have the opportunity to get alone, try setting some boundaries with people. For example, ask your family and friends if you can be "unavailable" for a few hours during the day or evening. Simply mute your phone and tell others that you don't have time to talk — that way, people will know that you're trying to get away and will take your lack of communication for what it is.
8. Still Feeling Stressed? - If you're still feeling overwhelmed or overcommitted this Christmas season, please don't hesitate to reach out for help! Sometimes we all need a little extra support in our lives. If you're feeling extremely stressed out now, or even if you're just feeling a little lonely, reach out to your local mental health professional. You deserve support during the holidays — don't let December overwhelm you :)
Whether or not the holidays are your favorite time of year, it's important to remember that we all need a little space sometimes. If this season is proving especially challenging for you, try making some time for yourself in your daily schedule. Take some deep breaths, put on some relaxing music, and give yourself a break! There's no shame in it — you deserve it!
Happy Holidays everyone!
-Bria and Joti
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We all know that being in solitude can be healing and revitalizing, but there is a big difference between simply enjoying being alone, and feeling lonely .
Conclusion : We're always trying to balance our need for solitude, with our need for social connection. But there's a big difference between being lonely and just getting some time to be by yourself. It's important to take care of yourself so that you can make the most of both social time and time alone.
posted by Bria @ 11:30 AM Newer Post Older Post Home Follow Us On Facebook Twitter Articles Archive Links About the author: Bria is currently a graduate student working on her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Loyola University in Maryland (she will finish her degree next year!). She has worked in addiction treatment centers, group homes, as well as private practice settings.