This Christmas, love yourself!
There’s no doubt that 2020 has been a tough year. Some people might have lost to COVID19 family members or friends. Others lost their jobs or professional opportunities that never materialised. Some others have ended up in a constant limbo, juggling professional and personal responsibilities, losing track of time, feeling isolated, bored and mentally exhausted.
But this Christmas let’s try to forget for a moment about all the negative aspects and focus on gratitude and self-appreciation. Research has found that people who look at the bright side and who are able to think about obstacles on their way as opportunities to grow, live longer and happier lives. External hardships we experience are obviously having an impact on our wellbeing, but real happiness and tranquility come from our state of mind, that is from how we are able to internally process and deal with the state of affairs.
So, this year, say “no” to frantic preparations for the festive season. Do you really need to spend hours and hours looking for that perfect gift for your colleagues, family members and children, and then spend even more time queueing in front of a shopping mall or a post office to pick up your order? Will it really be so terrible if instead of four main dishes and two over-the-top deserts, your family enjoys a more modest dinner, but instead spends more time doing fun things together?
This Christmas don’t kill yourself over the preparations. The year has been tough enough. Better give yourself some slack and make the best out of these last days of 2020. Instead of running like a headless chicken, take the helm of your Christmas agenda and do what feels right and what feels good, and not what is expected from you. No more anxious thought about preparing a perfect gravy, undusting every little corner of your home, or finding an ideal gift for your always grumpy mother-in-law. Cast aside the responsibilities that make you stressed and that drain your energy instead of lifting you up.
You will discover that you have not only more time on your hands, but also a little bit more mental space. Use it to your advantage, and finish the year in style, looking for the good things that you experienced in 2020. There must be something! Perhaps you got closer with your kids or partner. Maybe you started a new hobby or became sportier than you would have ever imagined. Or maybe you learnt to appreciate your true friends, the people who were there for you when you needed them. Your gratitude list will make you feel much better at the end of this hectic year and will give you more positive energy to face 2021.
Besides being grateful, you can also practice self-love this Christmas. Instead of feeling guilty of not preparing the above-mentioned four-course dinner, focus your thoughts on who you really are and what you have learnt about yourself during this weird and turbulent year. Being locked at home for months and months, we all had to adjust and spend a little bit more time in our own company. What have you discovered about yourself? Why do you like yourself? What makes you unique? Jot down some thoughts on the paper. And don’t worry if ideas don’t come to you immediately. Sometimes, you need to give it some time. So, don’t get stuck on it. Instead do something nice and relaxing for yourself, take a bath or a walk. Sleep on it, ask your friends or partner why they love spending time with you. Don’t stop exploring until you find at least five to ten things that you love about yourself or that make you exceptional. It will be the best Christmas gift you can give to yourself.
After reading this post, how do you feel about the coming Christmas? Will you take some time off for yourself? Share your thoughts with us!
