if the holidays are hard...

hello cherubs! today's post is going to be inspired by a post that I found from Magnolia Counseling Associates...a mental health service based in South Carolina. Their Facebook Page shares so much neat information and posts about mental health that I find so interesting. if you're on Facebook, please check them out and like their page to see their posts on your news feed. (bulleted items taken from @positivelypresent)

anyways, back to the good stuff...

as we've heard over and over since we were children, this time of year is allegedly "the most wonderful time of the year..." or at least that's what all the christmas songs sing to us.

for lots of folks, thanksgiving/Christmas/Hanukkah or any other sort of holiday isn't necessarily the most wonderful time. often times, it is filled with stress and anxiety that lead up to the day and then often take a few days if not weeks to recover from.

so, here are some simple reminders if the holidays are hard...

• make time for rest

if you aren't rested, you'll just make yourself miserable. make sure you're getting your designated time of sleep each night, and if that's not possible, take a nap during the day to catch up.

• write about how you're feeling

journaling is something that I have always believed helps you deal with your thoughts and emotions. while I've collected lots of journals I always end up giving up on them after a few days. if you can keep up with them, it's very helpful and soothing. even if it's to just write down your thoughts and crumble it up and throw it away. it's better than keeping it in and letting it consume you.

• send a letter to someone you love (or someone in need)

you don't realize how much letters are appreciated until you get one!! you may think they're outdated with all of our technology and social media, but there's just something special about receiving a letter from someone special. every once in a while I get a special little note from one of my favorite people in the world and it absolutely makes my day every single time. I do need to get better about sending out my own, but they really are magical.

• seek comforting inspiration

one of my favorite things to do is to go on Pinterest and search up inspirational quotes that relate to how I am feeling. my Pinterest is probably one of my most inspiring outlets, when I use it. if you'd like to check it out here's the link to my account: https://www.pinterest.com/lorynbrookie/_saved/) but other inspiration can be found from books, music, shows, and movies, etc...

• turn on some uplifting tunes

even though it is christmas time, you don't have to listen to christmas music. yes I understand that it is that time of year, but some people just don't enjoy it like others. if you're one of those people (like me), don't feel guilty. listen to your favorite playlist or maybe discover some new music and find some new favorites.

• take time for yourself (you're allowed to say no)

with this time of year being literally the busiest time of year, remember to take time for yourself. I know that this is usually the time to meet up with family and spend time with friends, but if you are too overwhelmed, tell them no and don't feel guilty about it. you have to take care of yourself just as much as taking care of others. you have to do whatever is best for you.

• re-read a favorite book

there are not many books that I will re-read or that I am even willing to attempt to re-read. but there are some of my favorites that I love that are just calming and familiar and sometimes that's just as good as finding a new favorite. or if you're completely against re-reading, pick up a holiday themed novel to enjoy over the winter break.

• get cozy by candlelight

there's something about cuddling up with a blanket and some warm drinks with movies or tv shows to watch either by the fire (whether real or electric) or a lit candle (if your living arrangements allow it). it's definitely hygge.

• plan something fun for the new year

if you're already overwhelmed with christmas, take some time off. we all need breaks. and no one should shame you for taking them either. if your calendar is full, schedule something into January to give yourself time to prepare and plan accordingly.

• watch a funny film

yes, this includes christmas movies, but it's not limited to them. some of my favorite are elf, christmas vacation, and I recently watched a few on Netflix: the princess switch, lovehard, and holidate. but others that aren't christmas that are some of my favorite are: five feet apart, all the bright places, and basically any comedy (because my boyfriend makes me lol, kidding, I enjoy them too).

• warm up with a hot drink

of course, this is the season for hot cocoa. but there are many other drinks to enjoy. coffee shops feature lots of seasonal drinks that are very yummy (coming from a barista herself). but if you don't like hot coffee/cocoa, you can always do iced too. if you're like me, I will drink iced any time of the year (pls don't judge).

• check in on your friends. holidays might be hard for them, too.

if you're having a hard time, there's probably people close to you that are struggling too. even if it's just sending them a text or message that says that you're thinking of them can go a long way. if you care about them, they'll love to hear from you.

• go outside and play if you can

winter hasn't even hit yet, and its still so cold, but we have had some warmer days still. if you are able, spend sometime outside, take your pet for a walk, or meet up with a friend. whatever you do, stay safe and have fun.

• remember: this is only one season. it won't last forever

finally, the most important of all, it doesn't last forever. it's okay to be overwhelmed and it's okay if this season isn't your favorite. you just have to get through a few more days and it'll all settle down. don't feel guilty for not wanting to do so much. take time for yourself and be there for your mental health so you don't have to pick up the pieces later. take care of yourself always.

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I hope that your holiday is peaceful and content and if not, I hope you take the time to yourself that you need to recover.

remember, this is supposed to be a time of celebration and happiness. share that happiness with others.

merry Christmas cherubs <3 d

see you in the new year

xx Loryn