"Do Less" and Other Helpful Reminders
/By: Denise Migliorini, LCSW-C
‘Tis the season to get busy buying gifts, making family plans, or managing increased symptoms as the days shorten and the weather chills. If your responsibilities are increasing in any area of your life, it may be time to decrease pressure in other areas.
If your calendar is full of parties and obligations, let go of the house being spotless or the laundry being put away. If you can afford to outsource chores, now is the time to use your resources. If resources are scarce, forgive yourself for what isn’t happening. Eat off paper plates, let the kids wear pajamas all day or have a movie night to rest and recharge.
If your depressive or anxiety symptoms are increasing because you thrive in sunlight and warmth, give yourself space to enjoy something new inside. Find a new book at the library, some fresh markers and a coloring book, or a good show to watch. Clear out or fill up your calendar-whatever your body needs for this season. Do less of what’s “expected” and more of what fuels your soul.
Taking care of yourself during busy or challenging seasons gets to look like whatever works for you.
