Something for You

The holiday season has a way of making many of us feel a little (or a lot) crazy.  Financial pressure, family expectations, colder weather, shorter days, changes in routines all can lead us to feeling out of balance.  When we are not centered and feeling stress we have a tendency to act out in various ways (i.e. being short with people, drinking too much, or being obsessively busy).  The question is, “How can we stay centered during the holidays?”  The answer lies in all the things you do during the rest of the year to be centered.  For example, exercise, creative practices, yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices.  These are not “extras” to be cast aside between Thanksgiving and New Years.  Self care in this form is essential at this time of year for our emotional well being.  In taking care our selves physically, creatively, and spiritually we intentionally create a positive space where we feel centered and grounded.  This stands in stark contrast to numbing our feelings with alcohol, pushing people away by acting aggressively, or avoiding people through busyness; all of which are maladaptive ways of creating space.  I believe people know how to take care of themselves.  To feel good and not act out during the holidays we must remember to continue (and perhaps increase) our self care in the form of spiritual, creative, and physical health practices.