The Party’s Over: Time to take care of YOU after the holidays
When the holidays end, the slump can set in. Here are a few, manageable tips for prioritizing yourself during the winter blues……
This year we spent the holidays at home. We had a magical month between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The tree was up, the moods were high. We listened to Charlie Brown Christmas on repeat along with all the holiday songs I grew up with. We made cookies every week. Cuddling on the couch to look at the decorations and lights just make everything feel comfy, warm, cozy…. at peace. But when the presents are unwrapped and the tree comes down, I always feel a sense of dread. The exhaustion sets in and I realize I’ve been prioritizing everyone else except me. Don’t get me wrong- I love taking care of other people! I just realize, I’ve left myself in the dust and it’s time to step back out into the light. January is still dark and cold. Everyone is setting New Year’s Resolutions- but I’m still recovering,
So….instead of being overwhelmed with work, personal projects, kids, school, CAMP plans, I decided to focus this month on me and my personal health and mental well being. This is my short, manageable list of what I did for myself and what I recommend you do for YOU.
Like they say when you travel- Put on your own oxygen mask first.
1- Make your doctors appointments. Spend one hour next week making your annual physical, dentist appointment, dermatologist or (women) gynecological exam. If you don’t know who to see- ask your friends or neighborhood Facebook page. I guarantee you will get great referrals in an hour.
Shout out to my new practitioner, Dorit Walsh NP at Phelps. She spent a full hour with me, genuinely listened to my concerns and made me feel comfortable, seen and heard. She was a breath of fresh air for someone who feels major anxiety before medical appointments.
2- This is your chance to sell, donate or discard holiday items that are no loner serving you. Old, ratty Christmas tree? Old broken ornaments? Dated holiday decor? Sell, donate, throw away or recycle. Get rid of it now so you don’t have to go through this process next year. Plus if you need something new- NOW is a good time to get holiday deals on Facebook Marketplace and Ebay.
3- Go through your closet and take a long, hard look at what you have. Personally, I am too busy, tired and COLD to start driving around to donate old items. I order Green Drop online and donate to the Purple Heart for myself and my clients. You can EASILY, schedule and online appointment for them to come to your driveway or front porch to pick up donations.
4- Lastly- Part of the dread and depression of winter is from the amount of light we receive. Why do we only have sparkles and lights during the holiday?. Today, as I take down the decorations, I’m replacing with Nutcrackers and gingerbread houses with candles and more candles. Make the nights cozy again on the sofa. What better way to reflect than through light.
Remember to give yourself some grace during this time.
Small steps can give you a little peace of mind, sense of clarity and the space to make yourself available for others in the near future. Right now, take some time for you.