While my usual topic is running and physical fitness, it’s important to hold space for mental and emotional wellness, too. The holidays are a wonderful season for some, but can be difficult and challenging for others. Through the years, I’ve established plenty of ways to protect my peace, and I’d love to share them with you.
Don’t Overcommit
It is so incredibly easy to overschedule yourself in the rush to keep up with all the parties, events, and festivities, but it’s ok to bow out. Make sure you don’t wear yourself up trying to keep up with it all.
Hold Your Boundaries
Boundaries are a tricky thing, but if you’re going to draw lines, the holidays are the time. Don’t let your enjoyment of the season be destroyed by toxic situation or full of people who don’t fill your cup. It’s so easy to get caught up in events where you find yourself not treated with kindness, or that leave you hurting, and I’m here to tell you it’s ok to say no.
Indulge Responsibly
Of course you’re going to want to eat, drink, and make merry, and I’m all in favor of that! But be responsible. Indulging is great, but overindulging leads to all sorts of unpleasant side effects that are probably best avoided. Stay hydrated, eat your veggies, move your body, and have fun!
Take Time For You
Nothing soothes quite like peace, and it’s ok to step back to take time for yourself. Make sure to carve out time to nourish yourself. Read, journal, create, or catch up on sleep. You won’t regret it.
How do you protect your peace over the holidays?
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These are all great tips, Jenn. As wonderful as the holidays are, they certainly can be stressful and it’s easy to forget to put yourself first.
^ I should clarify that it’s easy to forget to put your physical and mental health first.
So easy to forget!
Especially this year, I feel. Emotions and feelings are HIGH and fraught. I’m not interested in any additional stressors.
What a great reminder! We are going back to Switzerland at the end of December and our schedule will be very packed with seeing family and friends. I’ll need to remember to schedule some downtime!
I hope you have the most wonderful time!
These are great tips! The holidays used to really stress me out- but that’s when the boys were young and I had all that goes along with having young kids. It’s much less stressful now, but I still remember to make time for myself.
We never went anywhere for the holidays when A was young. I’m an only child and he’s an only child, so that made it easier, but it was super important to me that we made it easier for ourselves. Not everyone agreed with our decision, but that’s ok. Now, I like traveling on the holidays, but Mr PugRunner really likes those traditional family meals, and it’s not the same for him. I don’t mind cooking, so it’s fine.
Great tips. Thanks.
I’d add don’t talk politics. Don’t watch the news.
Hallmark movies. lol.
Girlllllll. We are so done with politics. I think I’ll kick out anyone who even tries lol.
I’m all about the Hallmark movies!
The holidays do not stress me out at all. But no matter what, I like to make time for myself. These past few weeks were stressful but now it is winding down.
I hope you have a wonderful break!