For the last two weeks we have talked about some things you can do if you’re just not feeling the Christmas spirit.  This week we’ll look at three more ways you can care for your mental and emotional wellness during the holiday season.

Set aside differences when you can

Do your best to accept family members and friends as they are.  They may not be exactly who you want them to be.  You may disagree with their life choices or find certain behaviours to be irritating, but dwelling on the ways that they don’t meet your expectations will deepen a Grinchy mood.  Remember that they may be struggling with seasonal depression or stress as well.

However, there is no reason for you to put yourself in unsafe situations just because it is “the holidays.”   You are under no obligation to spend time with people who choose to behave in hurtful or threatening ways.

Take responsibility for your actions and let others do the same

Remember that others’ choices and behaviours are their own responsibility.  You cannot control what other people will choose to say and do.  Instead of hinging your happiness on someone else’s choices, take steps to realize your own happiness.

For example, you cannot force the whole family to come ice-skating with you if they choose not to.  If you love skating, make plans to go and extend an invitation, but take your joy from the skating itself, and not from how many people show up.

Practice self care for emotional wellness during the holiday season

It’s easy to fall into a holiday trap where you spend so much time doing things for others that you have nothing left for yourself.  Then you wonder why you feel cranky and out of sorts.

You are not obligated to say yes to every invitiation.  First, choose events that are important and meaningful to you.  Then choose events that you enjoy.  Finally, see if you have any time, money or energy left over for everything else.

Block off some time for you to rest, relax, and recharge doing activities that help you to feel happy.

Remember that chiropractic care can help your body to cope with stress.  It will also help you to feel your best during the activity of the holiday season.  If you don’t already have an appointment scheduled, contact Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172 today.