The vacations are a time for us to turn out to be closer to our family members. Also they are a time for girls to be overburdened by the season. We’re expected to cook, clean, decorate, get the kids dressed, and attend Thanksgiving dinner as if we didn’t run on anxiety the entire day. 

Still, we sit on the table having fun with our prepared meal while catching the shade our member of the family threw us. Deeply exhausted, we suck it up for the sake of “getting along.” Meanwhile, we’re drained beyond belief and counting down the hours for our guests to depart so we are able to release ourselves from the shackles of our makeup, bra, and wardrobe. 

Dear women, it’s okay to not do all of it this holiday season. Permit yourself to say no to the party or cook for a guest list of 20. Fight the urge to be the “strong woman” when someone says, “But you usually make the turkey; you’re so good at it.” It’s okay to decide on to be good to yourself as a substitute. 

Self-care is a surface-level term that receives pushback for being mainly material. However it’s not only concerning the face masks. It’s about taking the time to exhale the stresses of being a lady and inhale all the things that makes us feel aligned. It’s also our best survival tool when life becomes a bit overwhelming. 

One of the crucial remarkable healing tools we may give ourselves during this time is to lean on other women. The ladies in our village can function a guiding light. The ladies we follow on social media can comfort us sometimes, too—giving us suggestions and tricks that relieve us. 

In that spirit, we’ve chatted with just a few influential women about how they take care of themselves through the holidays. Their stories below. 

Tina Meeks

Time is scarce for Tina Meeks. She spends it caring for her 4 children, creating content, hosting holiday parties, and organizing charity events. She describes this time as “mental gymnastics,” as she balances the thrill of pregnancy and life’s obstacles. “Our family calendar is nuts during this time of 12 months, so for me, it’s a busy time,” Meeks expresses. Her survival kit for this season has been having the strength to say no and never compromise her boundaries. 

Meeks centers herself by marking days “off” on her calendar. This enables her to do nothing in any respect or the liberty to do what brings her joy. It’s a moment of pause that provides Meeks the strength to proceed. “I’ve learned that if I’m not centered, neither is my family because my kids will feed off my energy. Due to this fact, I have to protect my peace when I even have too many things on my plate.” 

Kay Davenport

Anxiety is something Kay Davenport knows all too well through the holidays. Balancing a household, profession, and hosting two families through the holidays could be overwhelming for anyone. “Just the considered planning and prepping can easily make me anxious,” says Davenport. 

Despite this, preparation can also be a way of bringing her a way of ease. She believes staying two steps ahead can minimize stress. “Preparing helps me prioritize my calm during a season that may bring excitement and other emotions.”

Davenport sees preparation as a way of regaining her power. It’s her secret weapon for controlling her emotions. She also advocates for taking time to breathe. “My husband and I tap out and discover a quiet place to breathe and easily take a break while we’re hosting.”

Dr. Robin Barrett

As an entrepreneur, Dr. Robin Barrett is at all times on the go. Between balancing work, family, and her fitness goals, time is restricted. Still, she finds a moment to spend along with her family members through the holidays. Family time fills her cup, and she or he allows herself to indulge by being present along with her family members. This has taught her to be graceful with herself, even when it means not at all times finding time to persist with her routine. “it could actually get chaotic, nevertheless it’s also the right time to pause, recharge, and set the tone for the 12 months ahead.” 

Outside of her family, physical activity stays Dr. Barrett’s saving grace. “Exercise is how I recharge. It doesn’t should be a full-blown workout. Sometimes, just 10 minutes of stretching or a brisk walk could make an enormous difference in my mental clarity,” says Dr. Barrett.

Oyin Edogi

This time of 12 months, Oyin Edogi feels the pressure of perfectionism. She strives to offer the right holiday dinner, travel, and overall experiences. Naturally, living as much as this standard can feel overwhelming and as if time is against her. Just when all of it becomes an excessive amount of, Edogi reminds herself of the easy aspect that brings her joy through the holidays—her family. She inhales this truth and exhales the unnecessary pressure she placed upon herself. 

Along with family time, Edogi also finds it essential to find time for herself. “Whether it’s reading a book, taking a warm bath, or just having fun with myself in silence, these moments allow me to recharge and find peace,” says Edogi. Implementing these practices has decreased her stress levels.

As a lady living with anxiety, she is aware of the importance of calming the voices that carry along with her throughout the day. “Caring for yourself first is a very powerful thing because you may’t pour into others in case your cup is empty. Remember, it’s necessary to guard your peace and create boundaries to stop burnout and luxuriate in the vacations to the fullest.”