Not been able to find your JOMO yet?
Then you might be feeling a bit of festive fatigue.
Yep. It’s a thing.
My husband sent me an article discussing this and, although it’s a couple of years old now, it’s still just as relevant today.
In it, psychologist Donna Stambulich talks about how the festive season often amplifies financial strain, family conflicts and lonliness.
Making it even more stressful for those struggling with anxiety and depression.
She also writes about strategies to deal with this and two, in particular, resonated with me.
The first one is to be kind to yourself and others.
I think this is especially important.
There can be so many expectations placed on us at this time of year.
So much pressure.
It can be so easy to snap at people.
Then there’s car park rage (ugh!) I can’t even think of going to a large shopping centre at the moment.
Everyone rushing around.
Everyone in everyone else’s way.
Queues.
Impatience.
We forget to sometimes just stop, take stock and breathe.
You might be buying presents for others…
Preparing food, parties, family gatherings…
And think that’s being kind.
But it’s all lost if you’re too stressed to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to the shop assistant who’s probably going through exactly the same.
In fact, I saw a sign at some local shops at the weekend, asking everyone to be kind to their cleaners, retail staff, and security.
Has it really come to this, we need to be reminded to be kind?
At Christmas?
Sorry, I just need to take a few deep breaths.
The second strategy the psychologist mentioned that resonated with me…. is to be mindful.
“Mindfulness is a powerful tool for aligning your mental, emotional, and physical states, fostering improved mental health,” – Donna Stambulich.
In another article, resiliance coach Peta Sigley says similar things.
Practise mindful breathing: During times of stress and overwhelm, we often forget to simply breathe out. Practise mindful deep breathing to calm the nervous system and re-centre the self.
Make time for relaxation: It’s common to view self-care as a luxury, particularly during busy periods, but taking time out to rest and relax is even more important when life gets hectic.
Blatant self promotion here, but it’s still not too late to join my (free) 12 Days of Mindfulness in the run up to Christmas!*
So make some time for yourself.
Be kind…
Be mindful…
Breathe…
And let’s try to avoid festive fatigue this season.
Ann 🙏
*To join my 12 Days of Mindfulness please get in touch via contact@marvellousmeditations.com