You have very likely been under a little (or a lot) more stress in the last few months. There are layers to this overall stressful feeling: holidays can be joyous but they can also be inflamed with family conflict, time crunches, and financial strain. Add to that: geopolitical events that can deeply impact the way we view our personal sense of safety, belief in a hopeful future, and groundedness.

Most (if not all) of these factors are things we cannot control. You’ve heard that saying – “the only thing we have control over is … ourselves.” Indeed, with all of these external factors up in the air, it does suggest that sometimes our only (best) recourse is to change our perspective on things.

No one said that was easy, and sometimes nothing is actually more irritating than someone telling us to think positively. But in this post, we’re inviting you to read along as we describe some shifts in thinking that might help to pull you through the coming weeks and months. Identifying what brings you closer to feeling whole and aligned with your values is personal. Take a look at the tips below, use them, toss them, share them.  We’re all in this together.

1. Accept what is

Acceptance is NOT saying that you agree with something. There is nothing to like or agree with when it comes to anything related to the conflicts that are surrounding us – be those challenges personal, national, or across the world. But what would it feel like to drop the rope in your tug of war with your desire to have things feel differently? What would it feel like to give ourselves a short pause, and to decide that cultivating anxiety was not all that productive? Can we choose to instead, align with our values (i.e., to be present in our lives right now). Can we be more accepting of our feelings of uncertainty and anger rather than fighting them. Acceptance includes holding two ideas at once: I can deeply resist what I see happening and acknowledge all of my negativity – but at the same time, I can choose to maintain joy in the moments that I can.

2. Give yourself some grace

This idea stands every holiday season, but the reminder never grows old. Not everything is homemade, and things will get there a little late. Oops, I forgot a thing or two, and maybe I had to leave early (or arrive late). But my heart is in the right place. Speaking of, shedding love on others during the holiday season means extending the same love to ourselves. Put your feet up for a moment, list three things that went well today (no matter how little). And then acknowledge what part you played in bringing about those three things. Trust us, if you got up this morning, that constitutes something that went well.

3. Connect

 We are social creatures. Even if you self-identify as an introvert, connection (in all forms) can be restorative. Share that post, text someone the article that made you think of them. Call someone who doesn’t like texting. Snuggle the cat who is trying to sleep; write the letter that makes your hand cramp because you never actually write anymore. Whatever responses you get, what matters most is how you feel as you are reaching out.

4. Tune into what matters

Apparently even Oprah is on a weight loss drug, but that doesn’t mean that you need to be any different than just who you are. This time of year, we spend time thinking about what we need to change, and that line of thinking often has more than a hint of self-criticism. Resolving to make changes is only beneficial when the changes can be sustained. With that in mind, what if resolutions could increase wellbeing – without self-criticism? Choose three values in your life –  for example, social justice, kindness, and friendship. Think of an example of how you are living them now and then ask yourself: what could I do in the coming months to further embody these values?

At Beacon Physical Therapy, we support our patients in leading a healthy life and establishing a healthy lifestyle. Let us know how we can help to move you in the right direction in 2024.