Carving out alone time during the festive season

Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) offers valuable insights for navigating family holiday gatherings. Focussed on the needs of every family member, a powerful concept is that of “alone time” – carving time just for yourself to recharge, foster self-kindness, and be emotionally equipped to enjoy the festive season.

Here are two ways to embrace alone time:

1. Gather Emotional Resources
 Set Good Intentions: Reflect on the meaning of Christmas and what you want to bring to your family experience.
 Create a Calm Space: Identify something soothing and accessible to help you relax before family gatherings, like a beautiful flower arrangement, festive home décor, or a favorite piece of art.

2. Take Self-Compassion Breaks:
 Acknowledge your feelings: During more challenging moments, for example, when organizing holiday events or hosting dinners, accept thoughts like, “This is tiring” or “This is stressful.” Remember that the experience itself is not a hindrance; instead, it is how we relate to it that matters.
  Practice self-compassion: Techniques include placing your hands over your heart to feel warmth and comfort or repeating affirmations like “May I be kind to myself.” “May I give myself the compassion I need.” “May I forgive myself.”, and “May I be patient.”

By prioritizing your well-being during the family festivities, these P.E.T. practices can help you maintain balance and emotional resilience, allowing your connections with others to flourish.

What strategies do you use to navigate holiday stress?
 
Wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday season!