My holiday self-care secret weapon

I’m an introvert so Thanksgiving and the holidays can be fun and exciting and also EXHAUSTING.

Between the kids, relatives, and that ever-present pressure to be a good host/guest, my battery can get drained to empty multiple times a day.

So if I’m not careful, I can get snappy... and everything snowballs from there.

If you can relate to this, then you might want to try this method I use to recharge my battery and be more patient during the holidays.

First, here’s a little secret…

Most people think that the answer to being more patient is to not get upset or triggered in the first place.

But the truth is that triggers don’t take a break for the holidays — especially if you’re an introvert like me who is spending more time around other people than usual.

So instead of trying to fight AGAINST my nature, I make a plan to work WITH it.

I call it a “Get-well Getaway.”

When I feel drained, I find an empty room or I go outside and give myself time to get well.

Sometimes that means taking a few minutes to allow my body to experience (and release) the frustration and tiredness building up inside me.

Other times I might pull up a book to read for a bit.

Regardless of what I’m going through, I remind myself that what I’m feeling is normal and expected. It can be hard to be around so many people for so much longer than I’m used to!

And THIS is how I get some energy back — not by pushing down my emotions or trying to push through them.

Of course it might throw off your partner if you just disappear for a while, so I recommend talking beforehand.

Sunaina and I will huddle up when we arrive at a gathering spot to map out which rooms are safe for me to chill in for a bit.

We also set expectations for how long we think it’s reasonable for me to step away, and if there are any times or events that I should try not to miss (like mealtime).

This year, I’m planning to help my 4-year-old daughter plan her own Get-well Getaway.

She might not need it (Sunaina often doesn’t), but it can help to know you have a plan in place if the need arises.

If you decide to plan a Get-well Getaway for the holidays, let me know how it goes!

Wishing you a nourishing holiday season,
Matt