2019 is coming to a close. The days are getting shorter by the minute. Holidays and winter vacations are just around the corner. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for some, it’s also the worst. So I try to focus on kindness wherever I go, despite myself having very human moments. I am not immune to stress, overwhelm, impatience, sleepless nights, or grief. 

We all know that a little bit of kindness goes a long way, and I’m sure you know where I’m going with this… turning that kindness inward can only make things better.

And so, I’ve compiled 3 wishes for you to enhance your self-kindness practice this holiday season. I wish that you will:

1.    Focus on Your Senses.

Don’t just power through your daily chores, tasks, preparations, and holiday hustle without tending to your physical needs first. If this time of year sparks grief and/or loneliness in you, then this is especially important. Ask yourself for information about your physical needs and wants. For example, are your feet cold, are you dehydrated or hungry, do you want to laugh or sing along to a playlist or podcast, do you need a comforting or uplifting candle/essential oil, or do you need something else to make this activity more pleasurable or tolerable? What would you like to feel/touch, hear, taste, smell, and/or see while you’re working away?

2.    Say No With Compassion.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, try making a list of what’s causing you stress. You know, get what’s in your head out and onto paper. Then, add this second step: check that list twice. Go back and eliminate anything that you don’t find necessary or desirable. Remind yourself that it’s ok to say no or to make new rules regarding gift-giving, holiday parties, vacation plans, or celebratory indulgences. All the physical clutter, mindless overindulging/lack of grounding, overly rigid rules, and busy-ness can lead to emotional clutter, so consider paring things down to what really matters to you this season. And remember, if you’re looking for an out, usually a simple, “Thank you so much for the invitation/offer/suggestion, but I just can’t right now” is all you need to say.

3.    Make Time for ‘Breathing Room’.

When life is at its busiest, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters. So, make some time and space (aka room) for it. Get outside. Wake up 5 minutes earlier. Take the long way home. Step into the restroom to collect your thoughts and breathe. However it looks for you, just give yourself permission to take all the time you need whenever you need it (at a party, in your own damn living room, at a holiday service, at your in-laws’ house). A great deal of relief can be attained in a matter of minutes. Remember: it’s usually when life is at its fullest that we need to up our self-care game. I hope I akwardly pop into your head at some point this holiday season and remind you of this! ;)

As always, thank you for reading. I’d love to hear what you think of these wishes— or if you have your own tips or tricks for surviving the winter holidays and want to share! So feel free to email or DM me on social media. Sending you warm wishes for a healthy, peaceful New Year…