A Therapist’s Tips on Surviving the End of Year Madness
There’s a lot to be said about this time of year. For some, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. For others, December can bring about mixed emotions and exaggerate feelings of burnout, loneliness and grief.
Between trying to meet all the year-end deadlines, agreeing to every secret santa gift exchange, and committing to every family gathering, it’s easy to find yourself feeling overwhelmed and limping on your way to the new year.
So as December slowly creeps in, here are some of my tips on surviving the holiday season.
1. Be intentional with your time
It’s so easy to get caught up in the end of year madness. And if you’re someone who struggles with saying “no”, you may find yourself committing to one too many events, or find yourself piling on extra work responsibilities when your schedule is already bursting at the seams.
When I’m working with clients who feel overwhelmed by their schedules, we work on getting crystal clear on what matters most to them - and more importantly, how they actually want to spend their time.
So, what do you want to prioritize this holiday season? What will bring you the most joy? What kind of activities align with your priorities and values?
My advice? Get into the habit of really checking in with yourself and reflecting on what is important to you. You may be surprised with what comes up.
2. Set realistic expectations
Surviving the holiday season starts by being candid about your desires, limitations, and abilities. So get comfortable with setting your personal boundaries.
Being honest about your need for extra space, or only visiting family/friends for a certain amount of time – irrespective of the pressures placed on you - are some of the ways you can carve out holiday time with your relatives and loved ones in a way that works for you.
Try making a list of your “non-negotiables” for the season and practice communicating your boundaries effectively to others.
3. Seek support
Not everybody experiences “holiday joy” – and that’s OK.
The holidays can bring up feelings of loneliness, sadness, and grief so it’s really important to be kind to yourself and ask for help when you need it.
This could look like spending some quality time with a friend that truly “gets it”, or speaking to a counsellor who can provide you with professional support on how to navigate the complexities of this period.
There is no right or wrong way to feel this season. It’s OK if the holidays feel totally fine, and it’s also OK if you want to hide under a blanket till January. Do what feels right for you and give yourself the permission to feel what you need to feel without judgement.
