Surviving the festive season

The festive season is meant to bring with it cheer, joy and goodwill, but the reality is that for many of us this can be an unsettling and difficult time

Christmas is the time of year where we remember fond memories, overlook our human flaws and put aside disagreements; a dreamlike time, if you will. For those of us missing the presence of our loved ones, there is a two-fold grieving; the first for the opportunity to have a dreamy time and the second to be with those who we’ve lost.

These are real and tangible feelings that cannot be glossed over and replaced. If you’re unsure of how you are going to get through this time, follow my 5 steps to surviving this festive season; 

Be Present

Breathe deeply and consciously by focusing on what you are doing in the moment. When you become overwhelmed by a memory or emotion, breathing deeply will bring you back to the present. Talk yourself through every action you are doing by breaking it down into steps of what you are doing and what you are going to do next.

Be Grateful

This may seem impossible given the discomfort you are feeling, however, finding something to be grateful for, no matter how small it may be, will allow you to access different emotions. These emotions will free you from the weighted feelings of sadness. Allow yourself to feel this gratitude from deep within you and then breathe into that feeling. Hold the intention that you are breathing in calm, joy, love or whatever emotion feels right for you.

Show Kindness

One of the most beautiful aspects of our humanness is our ability to give to others. When you are able to do something for someone else, that improves their life, you open yourself up to love. That demonstration of your generosity and kindness is the easiest way to feel uplifted and in turn feel like you’ve made a contribution. To give of yourself in an act of kindness is a reminder that you are capable of more than sorrow.

Show Up

Be honest with yourself and acknowledge what this time of year may mean to you, and then make the decision to show up fully. Face the festive season head on and have coping strategies in place to support you through the lows. Preempt where you may feel the most affected, for example on Christmas day itself, and support yourself by giving you what you need.

Be with your Tribe

There are people in your life who love and care for you! Spend this time with those who love you unconditionally and those you feel safe being vulnerable with. Chances are your tribe will know that this is going to be a challenging time for you so allow them to be the friend to you that you most likely would be to them. Allow them to support you, surround yourself with love and you will feel loved.