How Ya Doin? {checking-in}

Hello friends and welcome to the monthly installment of checking in.

Each month I am making an effort to check in on all my little cherubs. (if you don't know what a cherub is please take the time to look them up, they are the cutest things ever and i've decided that's what I'm calling all of y'all who read my posts)

Anyways, I know that holiday season is upon us, woo hoo (maybe stressful woo hoo?). But I hope that this season finds you in good health, happy, and welcoming all the seasonal activities. This is a time to spend with family and friends and be grateful and show our appreciation.

It is also a time to be aware that not everyone is comfortable with being outgoing and social and some of us really enjoy staying at home being couch potatoes (and that's okay!!!). We have to understand that not everyone is going to be in the crowded family room sharing all the highlights of their year and some of us will want to find our own little corner of quiet in the chaos.

During this time, please be kind to these people! Don't pressure them into doing anything that they aren't comfortable doing (believe it or not that doesn't always help people overcome their fears, sometimes it can make it worse). Tell these people that you are happy to see them in whatever capacity that is (in-person for a short time, over zoom, etc.). Tell this person you love them!!! Tell this person that you are there for them and that if they need anything, you are there for them.

if you are this person who is anxious over the holidays, know that you aren't alone. We've all been there (well most of us anyways). it's okay if you'd rather opt out of family functions, you're not required to be there! It's okay if you don't have a full conversation with anyone, saying hi is more than enough! And it's okay if you get overwhelmed and need to excuse yourself, they are family, they will understand and if not, they'll get over it.

In this time of year (and all year round really) it's the best idea to take care of you. You are only in control of your actions, you have to do what is best for you. Many people might be butt-hurt about you not showing up, but they'll understand and if they don't, they truly don't care about your well-being and they shouldn't be considered family. You have to take care of mind and body and if that means staying home, you should do that.

So, you've made it past thanksgiving, i hope it went well. Now you just have to get through christmas and new years, and you'll be done!

so, let's check in. grab a piece of paper and jot down your answers, or get out your mental journal to record your answers.:

1. How am I feeling, both mentally and physically?

2. What's taking up the most of my headspace this very moment?

3. Have I eaten regular meals and had enough water lately?

4. Am I getting a healthy amount of sleep?

5. Am I moving my body enough and have I gotten outside recently?

6. Have I had too much screen time recently? Do I need a break from social media?

7. Does anyone else know how I am feeling? Have I connected with a loved one recently?

8. What's something I am looking forward to?

9. Am I giving myself enough credit? What's one reason to be proud of myself?

10. What are five things that I am grateful for?

If you find that your answers are average, feeling good mentally/physically, healthy amounts of food and sleep, exercise and good support, you should be good to go for christmas!

If you find that your answers are mediocre, feeling eh, not really working out/getting outside, no good support, only a few things to look forward to, etc. take this time up until christmas to work on self-care and turn your mindset around to make a healthier, happier you for the christmas get-togethers that are about to happen.

if you find that your answers are below average, feeling sad or depressed, not going outside only for work/school (if even that much), and don't have anything to be grateful, you might want to consider asking for help and skipping out on any sort of getting together with family or friends that will be out of your comfort zone. by all means, talk to those that support you and love you, but don't go out of your way to make it to family functions. maybe send a text to the family you're supposed to meet up with and let them know that you'd be willing to facetime or zoom with them but you're not able to make it in person. you don't have to explain, just be honest. tell them that you're not feeling up to it, but not open to answering questions. if they love you, they'll be understanding and be sad that you won't be there, but will be happy that you are putting yourself first.

remember, the best thing to do is to be honest with yourself and to take care of yourself. don't feel like you have to make it to every invitation and don't stretch yourself too thin. enjoy your holiday season comfortable and loved, not stressed and overworked.

this is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year not the most overwhelming, make sure that you keep yourself in check and take care of your mind.

you can only do the best that you can do. and you're already doing it. keep it up, you're doing great.

see you guys in a few days,

xx loryn