If we fall into that category and find ourselves struggling with a post festive period slump, being faced with dark and cold mornings and getting back into routines may be daunting and more than a little sad and that post holiday stress and anxiety are very real issues for many.
Moving out of the festive season doesn’t have to mean packing away all that seasonal joy and it isn’t the only choice we can make. Sparkle doesn’t have to be restricted to those few weeks of the year. The positive impact on our mental health of wearing something bright and sparkly every day can’t be underestimated and there is absolutely no reason why we can’t decide to shine all year round.
It can be helpful to use these months to review our day to day lives and to reset and re-focus our plans and that’s absolutely fine but not if the quest for self-improvement becomes a stick to beat ourselves up with. There is nothing wrong with setting exciting goals but the trouble comes when we tell ourselves that we are somehow broken and need to be fixed instead of accepting ourselves and valuing our uniqueness. We could decide to replace those tired old resolutions based entirely on ‘giving up’ with a whole new approach of ‘taking up’. We could make this the year when we are kinder to ourselves and decide to accept and nurture us exactly as we are.
At this time of year self-care, is one of the most supportive habits we can build into our lives. That can be anything from running a relaxing bath at the end of the day, lighting a scented candle and focussing inwards for a few minutes every evening, nourishing ourselves both physically and emotionally, seeing people we love or just making time to relax every day. Instead of plunging into routine we can ease into the year slowly, and decide not to call a halt to all that festive socialising and slump in front of the television. Continuing to celebrate in January and February by scheduling in some fun activities throughout the year can give us a real boost, this doesn’t have to be costly and can be something as simple as a trip to the cinema or a coffee with friends. Some people already do this instinctively by booking in a holiday somewhere warm that they can look forward to later in the year but spacing out our treats throughout the winter months somehow feels like we always have little things to look forward to.
Focussing on balance is really important for us all, this can be as simple as really paying attention to that famous work life balance, whether we are in paid work or are volunteering in our communities, it’s all too easy to allow ourselves to become overwhelmed by things to do and to neglect our own well being. This is the ideal time to decide what the focus of the year is to be and to list the things we need to make time for.
Celebrations can be a regular part of our everyday lives and needn’t be confined to a few weeks of the year. Birthdays, anniversaries and any other occasion that is meaningful can be the focus of an occasion. There are so many tiny moments in the average year that we can mark with a mini or maxi celebration. Making a pact with ourselves to seize any and all of those moments whenever and wherever we can will support us all through these dark nights and set the scene for a happier and healthier winter.
To find out more about techniques that can support you to develop new, healthier habits why not get in touch on 07772 401 634
Don’t Agonise, Orrganise!