Thriving in the Silly Season
It's easy and fairly common to feel stressed and out of alignment at this time of year. Not only is there lots going on, parties, catching up, wrapping up and extra responsibilities. But there is also a real energy of reflection. As the year culminates we often find ourselves considering if we lived out our values desires and goals. As humans we’re often predisposed to self criticism and negative thoughts so this reflection can leave us feeling like we haven’t achieved enough, aren’t good enough or need to “work” harder next year.
I want to start by telling you:
You are good enough just the way you are
Your external achievements or actions don’t define you. Who you are on the inside is everything your family, workplace and the world needs.
Thank you for showing up exactly how you have this year. I don’t know all of you but I do choose to believe that people (most) show up every day trying to be the best version of themselves. Some days and weeks we fail but it’s the intent and attempt that matters! You're a legend keep being one!
Now if the season is feeling all a bit much and you need some tricks to tackle your day to day with a bit more ease. Then keep reading for our TWC silly season survival tips, in fact let’s aim for thriving not just surviving!!!
Take time to be playful
There is so much magic, creativity and joy that comes from Christmas and the “silly season”. Embracing the silly, whatever that looks like for you really cuts the tension of the season and brings us back to the present moment and all that we have in life to be grateful for.
Take moments to joke around, get a funny secret Santa gift for people at work, let your hair down a bit at the Xmas party, go and visit Christmas lights, sing carols, jump on the swing at the park and laugh. The intent of the season is about connection; reconnecting with family, holidaying together, sharing stories from the year.
Playfulness has been proven to reduce stress and greatly improve our ability to connect with others. It’s also great for creativity, brain function and our energy.
There is so much to be serious about in life don’t let the magic and joy of Christmas be one of those things to!
Get clear on your values
Either as a family, individual or business reiterate your values coming into and during the season. Let your values guide your decision making and bring a new level of self confidence to how you communicate your priorities.
We don’t need to say yes to everything. Our values guide our decision making and help us stay present and positive with our thoughts when we say no to a get together or something that feels out of alignment.
Here is an example. Your bestie says let’s set a $200 limit for presents this year. In your head you’re thinking, omg, that is way out of my reach financially. Lean on your values of connection or family to simply say $200 isn’t in my plan this year. I’m really focusing on spending time together as a family and connecting with others. Let’s do a picnic in the park instead of spending money on gifts! Boom! No stress needed and a fun opportunity to hang out and get playful.
It’s the same in your business. Values are a great way to connect with staff, customers and suppliers. Make your decisions this season feel positive and in alignment with the type of company you want to be rather than following trends of others.
Exercise the power of choice
Everything we do or prioritise we have chosen. Get really comfortable with your choices this season and be conscious of your thoughts around those choices. Build confidence and back yourself. If people give you shade for making a decision that serves you and your family throw it at them with kindness 😛.
“Thanks for your feedback about my choice not to attend family Christmas this year. It’s not a priority for me and I would love to revisit it next year. I hope you all have a great time. Send my love to gran and everyone..”
Make sure you own the decision. Taking the example above; Who does it serve when you make a choice and then beat yourself up about it. It serves no one! Choice is such a great thing, it’s a self confidence thing and it's a real way to live with more ease!
Apply the TWC balance value
EAT THE CAKE! Balance to us at TWC is all about being happy and confident and applying freedom to our choices.
If you eat the cake, or binge on the food or wine at family Christmas it doesn’t mean all your health and wellbeing goals and commitments are out the window. Find and focus on the opportunities to return to balance as quickly as you can; choosing fruit for desert, a walk the next morning or a sweat session!
Remember that seemingly health and wellbeing is not one dimension. Seemingly “unhealthy” choices can also fuel our soul when perhaps they aren’t the best choices for our body.
Everything is about balancing our needs at the time and being kind to ourselves about the choices we make.
If you’re normally a row the boat out type of person on the desert buffet maybe try focus on incremental improvement and reduce your plate slightly! Or if you eat and drink unhealthy one day and then go “bugger it” I mucked up yesterday might as well right off the whole weekend. Then don’t! Return to balance quickly, be kind to yourself and celebrate the fact that you did prioritise health the next day with a walk or healthy breakfast.
If all else fails BREATH and MOVE.
Take time out from everything and practise self-care. Ground yourself, breathe and return your body to a sense of calm. The season ultimately should be about rest and relaxation but when we are running around trying to please everyone and tick off lists from the year it all can get overwhelming. Our breath can get short and our heart rate quickens. Try and notice the warning signs and take 10 slow, long, deep breaths in and out of the nose. Make use of the beautiful weather get outside move your body, take your shoes off at the beach, stretch. Take your moments, without guilt!
Remind yourself that you are safe and loved. Practise gratitude; hopefully you can name a few things that you are grateful for and stay in the positive and joyous intention of the season.
I am hoping that when you stay present, self aware and confident you’ll be able to find things to celebrate, be grateful for and bring you joy. If however that feels out of reach for you and you’re really struggling take this as your moment to reach out to someone for help and guidance. There are so many amazing practitioners available that can truely transform your life- don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.
