7 Holiday Survival Strategies

Are you excited about Christmas, or not in the mood to celebrate at all?  Whatever camp you’re in - this time of year can be triggering. Here are 7 holiday survival strategies to help you thrive this year:

1. Go With The Flow

Normally, you’re the one that makes a lot of effort at Christmas. You travel from house to house seeing all your family and friends, but this year is different.

There is nothing you can do to change the situation, instead, try to embrace it. Go with the flow of this crazy year. It’s much easier than pushing up against it and wishing things were different. Look for the silver lining and see if you can find something better that comes out of all of this.

What will not having to do all that travelling mean? You’ll get to be in your own bed and catch up on sleep. What will not going to the work party mean? You won’t have to explain why you’re not drinking when everyone else is getting smashed. What is your silver lining this year?

2. Create Magic Moments

Rather than just survive this Christmas, think of ways that you can thrive. Whatever your situation this year - ask yourself ‘how can I create magic moments?’.

When we ask ourselves empowering questions, then we get inspiring answers. So instead of asking yourself ‘why am I still not pregnant?’ Think of ways to bring more love and connection into your life right now.

How will you create magic moments and show your family how much you love and appreciate them?

3. Mark Your Boundaries

Does it feel like everyone around you is pregnant right now? Friends, family, work colleagues and celebrities are all having babies. This can be triggering, especially this time of year.

If you’re having a down day and can’t stand to see another announcement on Facebook, then mark your boundaries. Stay away from Facebook and take care of yourself. Do something that helps you to feel strong and vibrant again.

When your energy is high, you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way.

4. Stay On Track

This year is easier in many ways to stay on track with your fertility habits. Normally there are Christmas parties, late nights, rich food and alcohol. You have that dilemma of wanting to fit in and indulge on one side, and on the other side not wanting to undo all the good work for your fertility.

You’ll have more control this year and fewer dilemmas.

How can you stay on track this holiday? What can you do to take care of your fertility and induce it in a way that still supports your fertility?

5. Make Guilt-free Treats

We know that sugar, gluten, dairy and trans fats damage fertility. They create inflammation, damage your gut, increase oestrogen and throw your hormones off.

If you have endometriosis, fibroids or PCOS there is even more reason why it’s important to stick to a healthy fertility-friendly diet.

That said you don’t want to miss out on your favourite Christmas food. How could you make alternatives without gluten and add a sweetness that doesn't spike your blood sugar?

6. Create Your Own Traditions

One of the tough things about this time of year is coping with the disappointment of another Christmas without a baby. It can remind you of what’s missing and what you’re yearning for when you see friends with their children.

There can be this feeling of what’s the point of celebrating anyway? Christmas is just for children and families, so why should I bother with decorations or doing anything special?

You may not have your baby yet. But think about how could you create the type of Christmas that a child would want to come into?

For me, one of the best things about Christmas is the small traditions that I create. Like, new pyjamas on Christmas eve. Or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on Christmas morning.

What tradition will you create this year?

7. Double Down On Self-Care

Just looking at the headlines this morning is enough to make anyone cry. As an empath, I don’t often read the news because I don’t want to get overwhelmed by all the fear and sadness. This morning I took it all in and started to feel myself spiralling downwards. My heart sank thinking about all the people who are suffering right now.

At times like this, I’m grateful that I know what to do to stop myself from sinking into a black hole. I meditated, drank a green smoothie, went for a brisk walk, did something kind for someone else and then ate chicken soup.

This is a time to double down on self-care. What will you do today to take time out for yourself and get your body and mind into a good place?

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas!