Today I want to share some tips for setting boundaries during the holiday season.
This can be both for your own mental health and/or the mental health of those close to you.
Many find this time of year overwhelming for a variety of reasons and we often face all kinds of "pressures" about how, when, where we "should" be celebrating and who we should be celebrating with.
How to set boundaries during the holiday season
Prioritize what's most important to you.
If you try to do everything, you're likely to end up with high stress levels, lack of sleep or experiencing burnout. It's really important that you get clear on your "essentials" (what's MOST important to you) so that you can prioritize those things. Otherwise you'll end up saying yes to everything and have nothing left in the tank by the time January rolls around.
Practice saying no.
If events or invitations feel overwhelming as soon as you receive the invitation, I'm here to remind you: you do not have to attend. Here's a few ways you can practice your "no":
"I'd love to but my schedule is already very full, so I'll have to pass this time"
"I really appreciate the invitation but I won't be able to make it this year"
"We are keeping things simple this holiday season but we'd love to connect at another time?"
"I can't make it this time but lets plan to catch up over the holidays"
So many people tell me they struggle to say no. This is a big part of what we work on in the Burnout To Boundaries™ program!
Let go of guilt.
Pressure from others can feel high during the holidays. Remind yourself that setting boundaries and saying no are actually ways to support the health and wellness of yourself AND your family (if applicable). There is absolutely nothing to feel guilty about - you are the only one who can prioritize you.
Communicate, communicate, communicate.
Talk about expectations and boundaries with family members and friends. Be clear about your plans upfront. For example "we'd like to prioritize one family event this year" or "we can attend, but we need to leave by X time because we have an early day the next day". The more we can communicate, the better.
Schedule time to rest.
Rest is such an important part of your mental wellbeing. Rest includes sleep, of course but also other restful activities, like screen-free time, time alone or in nature, or engaging and in a creative or meaningful activity.
How will you make time for rest?
Like this content and want more boundary setting tools for yourself?
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Hi, I'm Alison and welcome to the blog.
I have been a speaker and trainer for 20 years. I offer Mental Health First Aid in Canada and work with workplaces to improve mental wellbeing and psychological safety and reduce stress and burnout.
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