Setting Holiday Boundaries for a Peaceful Season
Welcome to our holiday series! This season, we are thrilled to bring you our special "Shorties," a collection of concise, 20-minute episodes designed to support you during the holidays without overwhelming your schedule. These episodes or segments touch on a variety of topics, from setting boundaries to managing holiday stress. In this blog post, we'll focus on how to set holiday boundaries to ensure a peaceful and joyful season.
Why Boundaries Matter
The holiday season is a time of year filled with family gatherings, social obligations, and overall hustle and bustle. It’s crucial to prioritize what truly matters to you and protect your peace amidst the chaos. Dana and I, Cristina, talked about the importance of setting boundaries to safeguard your well-being during this busy time.
Understanding Your Capacity
When setting boundaries, start by evaluating your personal capacity. What can you realistically manage during the holidays? Consider what activities or traditions are non-negotiable for you and which ones you can forgo. Reflecting on what makes you truly happy and fulfilled can guide you in making these decisions.
Reframing the Word 'No'
It's important to remember that saying "no" to certain activities means saying "yes" to yourself or other commitments. For instance, choosing to skip a party might mean saying "yes" to a cozy night at home with loved ones. This perspective can make the idea of declining invitations feel more positive and empowering. Remember, "no" is a complete sentence, and it's perfectly okay to RSVP with a simple decline.
Avoidance as a Boundary
Avoiding certain topics or gatherings can also be a form of boundary-setting, especially when it comes to discussions about food and body image. If you know certain conversations will stress you out, it's okay to avoid them or equip yourself with strategies to steer the conversation elsewhere. Dana and I mentioned a resource we created – a "say this, not that" guide – to help you navigate potentially uncomfortable discussions.
Protecting Your Peace
Setting holiday boundaries also involves protecting your peace on multiple levels—time, energy, and mind. Consider what health-promoting behaviors are important to you and how you can integrate them into your holiday routine. It might mean saying no to late-night gatherings to ensure you have energy for morning workouts or other personal routines.
Collaborating with Loved Ones
Discussing holiday plans and priorities with your partner or family can ensure everyone is on the same page. Collaboration can help balance everyone's needs and wants, making the season enjoyable for all involved. It enables you to work together, respecting each other's boundaries and desired experiences.
Conclusion
Our holiday series aims to arm you with tools for curating your holiday season in a way that aligns with your values and limits the noise from external pressures. I encourage you to share how you’re maintaining peace this season, whether through our Patreon community, Instagram, or elsewhere. Let's support each other in crafting a holiday that is just right for us.
Wishing you all a peaceful and joy-filled holiday season!
