The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself This Holiday Season
December 8, 2021
“I am exhausted.”
This is the number one thing I’m hearing from my clients and friends right now.
Yes - people are grateful and celebrating joyful moments. They are also tired from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and approaching the 21 month mark of the pandemic.
Consciously, you may be able to name the impacts of this period in your own life. But I guarantee that we each have a lot more to learn. Here is why...
The reality is, our minds and bodies have gone through something we have never been through before. Step by step, we are still uncovering how the pandemic has changed our work, health, relationships, and happiness.
As a result of this process, many of us are facing burnout. The word “burnout” is thrown around a lot, and it’s important to understand its actual meaning.
According to WebMD, burnout is “a form of exhaustion caused by constantly feeling swamped. It’s a result of excessive and prolonged emotional, physical, and mental stress (Source).” Sound familiar?
When you’re in a state of burnout, you might not feel quite like yourself. You may feel less motivated to do the things that typically bring you joy. Perhaps you’re feeling more sensitive than normal, struggling with indecision, or having a harder time navigating changes in your life.
If you are experiencing burnout, please know that you are not alone. In fact, it’s one of the most common shared human experiences we have right now.
So - what is the greatest gift you can give yourself this holiday season?
My answer: GRACE.
I define grace as the peace we receive when slowing down to show compassion toward ourselves and others as we move through life.
This holiday season, you’re invited to slow down and give yourself some grace. Not only do you deserve it, but you’ll feel better. Studies show that the practice of self-compassion can lead to real benefits, including resilience, increased productivity, and decreased stress (Source).
If giving yourself grace feels a bit daunting right now, here are three tips to try:
Practice talking to yourself the way a good friend would speak to you. Try this simple mantra from my friend, Mary Beth LaRue: “How human of me.” If you’re feeling adventurous, dig up a childhood photo of yourself and try this activity.
Get out a piece of paper and write down 5 things that you feel proud of in 2021 (note: these do not need to be “big” achievements). You can also try out the high five habit in the morning.
Breathe. Seriously, stop what you’re doing right now and take a three deep breaths. You may also want to consider exploring meditation (I love the five minute guided meditations on the free InsightTimer app).
Last but not least, as you flex those grace muscles, don’t forget to extend compassion to others. Whether it’s a friend, parent, co-worker, Lyft driver, colleague, or waiter at your favorite restaurant, be gentle. People often have more going on than you imagine.
Here’s to an intentional holiday season, filled with grace, laughter, and celebration.
Grace is that face that love wears when it meets imperfection. - Joseph R. Cooke
