Warning! Danger Ahead: Festive Season Survival Guide

Festive Season Survival Guide

This is the most dangerous time of year. Either I feel like I’ve done so well over the past year that I deserve a treat, or I feel as if I haven’t achieved enough which makes me want to punish myself. Either route leads to self sabotage and there are temptations all around.

It’s the party season so alcohol is flowing freely, food is everywhere and the retailers are urging us to spend, spend, spend. Social pressures and exhaustion can make these temptations hard to resist.

At the end of the year we’re all tired. So, so tired because there are more deadlines than ever to be met but we just want to finish things off and parcel them up neatly before the year is over.

Then there’s pressure to spend time with family. Or feelings of loneliness, maybe because you’re really alone and it feels like you’re the only person in the world who doesn’t have anyone to be with at this time of year. Or maybe, even though you are surrounded by people, you feel as if no one really understands you, no one really cares or no one even really knows you. Many people miss a loved one who’s passed away more acutely now than at any other time of the year.

All the above can lead to depression and contribute to a rise in suicide rates rise over the holiday season. That’s why it’s such a dangerous time of the year and why we have to focus on staying safe.

So here’s a quick guide to help us survive the silly season and New Year celebrations so we can avoid the usual pitfalls of drunken embarrassment, broken resolutions or family feuds refueled. So that we can meet 2014 not feeling more depressed but feeling lighter.

For the next two weeks let’s just be. Let’s wind down, not up. Let’s let go, not let off steam by shouting or resorting to any of our usual outlets be it booze, food, shopping, sex, drugs, exercise or whatever our personal addiction is.

Here are a few guidelines I’m going to be following over the weeks ahead:

  • If you feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by people don’t worry. Just acknowledge that feeling and, if you can, find someone you can trust to share it with. Otherwise take time out to be alone and connect with yourself. Sometimes that space is all we need to cut through the sense of overwhelm or crowding and allow us to come back to people with a renewed ability to listen, make eye contact and truly connect.
  • If you’re surrounded by people and you just want quiet time alone take it. Tell people you have to make a phone call and retire to your room or outside for a walk. You don’t have to spend every minute of your holiday time with your family; it’s a trap that you can easily avoid.
  • If you’re surrounded by temptations remove yourself from the situation. Again the excuse of a phone call can get you outside or alone to meditate so you can fully notice the cravings you’re having and why they’ve come up now. Don’t expect old cravings to ever go away but do notice them when they come up and look for healthier ways to deal with them.
  • If you always break your New Years’ resolutions don’t make one this year. That way you won’t have to beat yourself up for failing again.
  • If you think you haven’t achieved enough over the past year then let go of those feelings of frustration, self hatred and disgust by sitting with them. It won’t be pleasant but the only way to get rid of negative emotions is to stay with them, really experience them in all their horror and explore them. When the feelings subside take time to reflect on how realistic your expectations were, on what you can really hope to achieve in the years ahead and if those things will really make a difference or if they are just noise. Take a moment to note your achievements, what you have done and how far you’ve come, not just over the last year but over the course of your lifetime.
  • If you’re surrounded by toxic people who always push your buttons and bring out the worst in you notice who they are, what they say or do that drives you nuts and try to work out why. Look at things from their point of view and try to see how they are feeling which should defuse your worst emotions. Try to see these difficulties as lessons and challenges which will help you learn about yourself and grow.
  • If you’re stressed or worn out let people know and tell them you’ll be taking a daily nap, a morning walk or meditating before breakfast every day. Stop churning over the past or worrying about the future. Read about mindfulness, start a meditation program and learn to be in the present moment. Look around you right now, check in with your breath and your surroundings and watch stress and tiredness ebb away as you see that right now life is good.
  • If you’re trying to please everyone and make sure everyone else has a good time stop trying to be a heroine and look after yourself instead.
  • If you feel stuck in life and can’t see any progress set smaller goals or stop setting any goals. The only reason you feel disappointed is because your expectations for the future haven’t been met so all you need to do is remove expectations. Start to see every day life as an adventure with surprises around every corner. Admit you can’t control life, stop trying to and you’ll start enjoying the ride.

Above all let’s not look to the future right now but enjoy the present. Let’s recognise and congratulate ourselves on every little thing we have ever achieved and be content to just be wherever we are.

Let’s remember that life with all it’s problems is still the best gift there is.

Thank you for being here to experience it with me through all the ups and downs. I’m ever grateful for your unique loving presence, support and comments.

As we navigate this most dangerous time of year above all I wish you safe travels.

I look forward to watching us grow and evolve in the years ahead but for now let’s agree to just be.

Happy holidays to you and yours.

xoxo Annabel

How will you survive the festive season?

PS. Apart from the final installment in my 52 Exercises Quest I’ll be taking a 14 day break, going bush and enjoying the festive season as best I can.

Would you like to be more adventurous, have more fun and feel fabulous in your forties and beyond?

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11 Comments

  1. Angela Artemis December 23, 2013 at 8:39 am - Reply

    Annabel,
    These are great tips! Stay away from the people who push your buttons. That is one for the ages, for sure.
    Wishing you a Happy Holiday and Happy New Year!
    Best,
    Angela

  2. Paula December 23, 2013 at 8:46 am - Reply

    Hey Annabelle, Seasons greetings to you all, love your read and Kevin and I absorbed it all. Loved it xx. Have a great Xmas break and happy new year it’s gonna be a ripper for us all xx

    • Annabel Candy December 23, 2013 at 8:54 am - Reply

      Hi Paula,

      That’s wonderful feedback, thank you. And let it rip!!

  3. Barbara December 23, 2013 at 8:48 am - Reply

    Great advice Annabel! You’ve had quite a year, as so many of us have. I do strive to live in the moment, but I really am looking forward to a fresh start in 2014!
    Enjoy your holiday! And thank you for all you do.
    xob

  4. Linda ~ Journey Jottings December 23, 2013 at 11:00 am - Reply

    In our rush to always get to the next milestone stopping to acknowledge what we’ve achieved is so often omitted –
    For the last 4 years I’ve used one of our Journal Maps (that has 11 boxes around the outside) and at the end of each month (there’s room to take one month off LOL) I’ve noted one thing (however small) that has inched forward in some way –
    Its not a huge task to complete but being able to see the Year at a Glance – when you’re rolling your eyes at year’s end saying to yourself – How hopeless can I be – Where has the year gone – what have I done….??? and there before you is the proof your life has grown and you’ve achieved far more than you’d ever give yourself credit for (or simply remember!)

    So, Congratulations Annabel on completing 52 different exercise regimes, travelling to Zimbabwe, keeping the household running, entertaining International visitors, maintaining your wonderful blog – and even meeting me in real life!! ;)

    Here’s to 2014 and another – not merely full year but – fulfilling year!

    • Annabel Candy December 23, 2013 at 11:10 am - Reply

      Hi Linda,

      Gosh that’s a great idea! I love your maps – we have one on the wall although it doesn’t help with my wanderlust :)

      You’re right that we often forget half the things we’ve done, probably because we’ve done so much. I can’t believe it was this year that I met you – it seems so long ago already. We must do it again this year.

      Yes, here’s to a diary that is less full and more fulfillment next year!

  5. Sandra Pawula December 23, 2013 at 11:26 am - Reply

    Wow, this is an excellent guide, Annabel. I’m the one that will need a time out and will be gathering my courage to announce that and split. Taking naps also helps me a lot.

    Have a beautiful time away from the usual. I hope your festivities are bright!

    • Annabel Candy December 23, 2013 at 11:34 am - Reply

      Hi Sandra,

      I foresee a few naps in the near future for me too :)

      Thank you! And hopefully we will all return brighter and more sparkly than ever.

  6. se7en December 23, 2013 at 9:02 pm - Reply

    What a fabulous post… I so like “Just acknowledge that feeling …” I’ve had to learn about giving myself a break recently, when everyone else just needs one more thing from me. Lots of little things build up to never ever getting the time-out that you need.
    I have to tell you that I have so enjoyed reading your journey this year, you have been such an encouragement to me. I have to say thank you for your comments and encouragement lately. I needed it and thank you … wishing the best getaway with your family… and all the naps you need over the holidays!!!

    • Annabel Candy December 23, 2013 at 9:30 pm - Reply

      Hi Se7en,

      Thank you. You have survived a tough year too. I wish lots of lovely naps for all of us.

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