The importance of healthy boundaries.
Sometimes saying “no” is exactly what you need. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or is it? While the holidays can be full of joy, they can also be stressful. From gift shopping and social obligations to travel and family gatherings, it’s easy to overextend yourself and feel overwhelmed. But it’s important to prioritize your own well-being and set boundaries during the holiday season. In this article we will explore signs that you’re overextending yourself and healthy ways to avoid them.
- You’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed. It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year I suppose, so why exactly should you tolerate being so overwhelmed and stressed out? This is no way to enter a new year or even end one. So if you notice this, it will be wise to take a step back, breathe and rest. The holidays will still go on whether you are stressed or not, so why not have it both ways?.
- You’re having trouble sleeping. It’s the “holidays ” for a reason. So your sleep schedule should be at its best. Whatever happens to be keeping you up at night be it anxiety, work or medical related problems, you should look into it and get as much sleep as you can this season. Before you know it it’ll be January and you’d have to resume whatever you’re resting from, and it will be a shame for you to regret not getting as much sleep as you could.
- You’re getting headaches or stomach aches. The only stomach aches that you could understand are those gotten from eating a lot. It is a shame to have you fall sick during the holidays especially if you can help it. So, if you notice any of these you probably need to take a break and recuperate before starting again.
- You’re feeling anxious or irritable. You would not want to be pushed to the point where others find you irritable to be around. And anxiety is not a good look on you either. As stated earlier, the holidays will go on whether you’re anxious or not, so why don’t you put measures in place to ensure you’re at your best.
- You’re neglecting your own needs and self-care. What’s a holiday without self care? Once you notice you don’t have time for yourself, or you’re unable to accomplish things for yourself, it’s a sign you’re overextending yourself and you need a break.
These are just some of the signs that you may be overextending yourself during the holidays. If you recognize any of these signs, it’s important to take action to protect your mental health. If you have a therapist, you should not miss out on any session set to keep your mind at its peak due to planning the holidays. And if you do not, visit our services page on this website to book a therapy session for yourself so you can end this year on the best note.
Tips to help you set healthy boundaries
If you have been feeling anxious, irritable, or exhausted, these could be signs that you’re overextending yourself. It’s important to recognize these feelings and take steps to address them.
Setting boundaries can be difficult, but it’s important to prioritize your own needs and avoid burnout. Here are some practical tips for setting boundaries with family and friends:
- Say “no” when you need to. It’s okay to decline invitations or offers that don’t work for you. You must not be present everywhere you’re invited if you don’t want to or if you need time.
- Establish clear limits around your time and energy. For example, set a time limit for social gatherings or limit the number of gifts or tasks you will carry out. When the party or gathering is taking too long, feel free to leave. And most importantly try to gage your energy, you cannot do everything at once, set a limit for yourself and abide by it.
Try this and see how the holidays will turn out for you. As much as possible do not neglect yourself this season, contact us for your mental health related issues and most importantly take breaks when necessary.