The holiday season can be an emotional time for individuals trying all year for a family of their own without success. Attending family or friends' holiday events with children running around and opening gifts can be heartbreaking. And I cannot forget the dreaded question from that annoying person "Are you planning to have a kids"? Or "When's the next one"? I don't know about you, but ever since I've been in a serious relationship I've been asked "When are you getting married?". Then, when I got married it became "When are you having kids?" Ugh! I know people mean well, but damn!
Have no fear this year, I have a few tips that help keep my spirits up (and not with spirits; well maybe one glass)!
1. Stay active. Being active keeps the happy chemicals in your brain on (a/k/a oxytocin and serotonin) and blocking out the "downer thoughts".
2. Manage stress. This time of year is hectic with trying to juggle work, and friend and family events, so be sure you schedule yourself self-care time. I use daily yoga, meditation, and bath time to soothe my nerves. But, there's plenty of others out there like massages, reading time, cooking and spending time with your favorite person(s): whatever you find relaxing! Below I've attached a breathing technique that may be helpful for lifting your mood. Let me know how you like it!!
3. Eat healthy. Limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, caffeine and not over doing the alcohol can go a long way. These options have been shown to run you through a roller coaster of emotions when you’re already feeling down.
4. Get your ZZZ's. I find if I don't get at least 7 hours of sleep my patience and mood is off kilter. If that sounds like you, be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before the party so you'll be less likely to feel down or snap at one of your family or friends who asks those annoying questions ;)
5. Cultivate Gratitude. I find when I feel everything is going badly, I sit down and write in my journal or think in my mind if I'm not around my journal all the wonderful things I have! Try it now! Don't leave out the simply things that some people don't have like food on the table, bed to sleep in, clean clothes etc.
I'd love to hear your secrets for handling the holidays!
Happy Holidays!
Diana
5. Cultivate Gratitude. I find when I feel everything is going badly, I sit down and write in my journal or think in my mind if I'm not around my journal all the wonderful things I have! Try it now! Don't leave out the simply things that some people don't have like food on the table, bed to sleep in, clean clothes etc.
I'd love to hear your secrets for handling the holidays!
Happy Holidays!
Diana
.png)
