Every year, the month of December can be quite challenging, on many levels. Academic and work deadlines loom large, in addition to financial and interpersonal stressors that accompany the holiday season. And no matter how much we vow that ‘this year we really are going to simplify things,’ there are just so many competing demands. Too many places to be, too many things to do, and even sometimes too little time to ‘get into the spirit’ and enjoy ourselves! Today, we are focusing on the feeling of overwhelm. We can’t take it away (that would require magic) but read on for quick hits on how to navigate this season with perhaps just a little more ease.

Below, we walk through some ideas designed to help you to navigate the feeling of overwhelm. Everyone feels overwhelm differently, but here are some basic approaches to coping with it that can work well for all of us.

Naming it

Feelings we don’t talk about sometimes feel bigger and scarier than they need to be. When we articulate how we feel, it’s validating to hear that others feel the same way we do. It’s also validating to hear that no one has holidays that are Hallmark-movie worthy, and that not everyone looks forward to time with family or feels like celebrating. Naming your feelings helps us to feel less alone – and feeling less overwhelmed can sometimes start with just remembering that we’re all in this together.

Accept what is

Acceptance is NOT saying that you like or agree with something. But oftentimes, when we fight our feelings (“I wish I was handling this better”) we just end up feeling worse. You might try the opposite approach: leaning into the feeling with more acceptance instead of fighting it. Try reframing it with something like, “I’m overwhelmed, it’s okay to feel that way, and this feeling is not going to last forever.” Acceptance also sometimes includes holding two ideas at once: I am totally overwhelmed, and acknowledge all of my negativity – but at the same time, I am going to choose to look for joy whenever I can.

Things don’t have to go well

This idea stands every holiday season, but it’s one we have to return to time and again because it’s really easy to forget. It’s okay if not everything is homemade, if things get there a little late, if you forget a thing or two, or need to leave early (or arrive late). Try to extend the same compassion that you do for others to yourself; and try to extend the same grounded expectations for the holidays that you have for everything else in life. We’re all doing the best we can – and you can’t beat that.

Take a breath

This is NOT the time to cut corners on self-care! When our stress levels are high, we are easily fooled into thinking that pinching time from our own mental health is a good idea. The opposite is true. Take a longer break than normal. Campaign for More Me Time. Don’t schedule that time. Stare at the wall, and forget what you always wanted to do when you had free time. Even a small amount of time, when dedicated to self-care, can go a long way toward keeping your overall fuse from becoming too short.

Routine 

When we are extra busy like we are this month, it can be really hard to stay on track. When you can, try to keep as much of the routine in your life that works for you. We all function better if we get up at the same time of day, and prioritize the usual fitness activities that we do. It might also mean making some decisions about what social events you feel you can fit in, and how much you feel like you can eat and drink outside of how you normally do. Breaking habits can be healthy, but keeping some routine can be surprisingly beneficial and grounding.

If you are reading this, part of your self-care routine might be coming in to see us at Beacon Physical Therapy, where we support our patients in leading a balanced and healthy life. If you are having an issue, make an appointment today. We’d love to see you this month – and beyond!