What do you do when you’re overwhelmed looking at your holiday to-do list or bank account post-gift shopping? What about when you totally forego all your healthy habits or struggle with your relationship with food, but all the holiday meals can be triggering? What do you do if you’re having a hard time staying present and truly enjoying the season or feel sad your traditions aren’t the same as they used to be?
This is undoubtedly my favorite time of year, but it can also be the most emotionally draining, stressful, and even sad (that’s why Kacey Musgraves wrote a song about it). Consider this your reminder to schedule some extra appointments with your therapist, as you’ll likely need a little extra TLC. But for in between therapy sessions or when you’re actually in the moment at office parties, festive outings, or during Hallmark movie nights at home, read on for a list of affirmations you can repeat to yourself to help you stay present and manifest your best season ever.
If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving…
It is the season of giving thanks, after all. What better way to reset our priorities, check in with ourselves, and enjoy our loved ones than a Thanksgiving truly rooted in gratitude? Avoid going through the motions of who’s going to bring the turkey or what family drama is going to come up and repeat one of these mantras to stay present in the purpose of the day.
1. I’m grateful for another year to make happy memories
2. Thankfulness, appreciation, and sincere gratitude are core to who I am
3. I invite gratitude into my heart every day
4. I am grateful I am so loved
5. My entire body feels warm with gratitude and thankfulness
If you struggle with your body this time of year…
The holidays are supposed to be a happy time, but they can bring up a lot of stress when it comes to our health habits. Between busy schedules, holiday dinners, and lots of eggnog, we can easily feel stressed about not keeping up regular health habits, especially if we struggle with food. Give your body a little extra patience, compassion, and love this year with one of these affirmations.
6. I make time for myself every day
7. My body receives nourishment from joy and pleasure too
8. Rest and social time are physically good for me
9. (All) food is a nourishing pleasure that’s good for my body
10. I’m connected with my body and I love to keep it healthy
If you feel triggered by family…
Let’s be honest: Not every family get-together is a happy scene from a holiday movie or what is depicted in Christmas carols (in fact, most are not). If being around family or certain friends is triggering, know that you are not alone. Remember that you can (and should) set boundaries to protect your peace, and focus on staying as grounded and mindful as possible.
11. I release memories of my past and stay present
12. I am worthy of healing
13. I am proud of the person I am and the life I have
14. I give myself permission to set boundaries that bring me peace
15. I do not control and am not responsible for the actions of others
If you’re feeling stressed about money…
Of course the gift giving, holiday parties, and special outings are some of the best parts of this time of year, but it can wreak havoc on our bank accounts. If you’re feeling stressed about money, try these tips and remember that the most special, memorable, and happy parts of the season are totally free.
16. Making other people happy makes me happy
17. I am happy with simplicity
18. The most memorable gifts I can give don’t cost a penny
19. I spend and save money based on what brings me joy
20. I give myself permission to accept and honor where I am in my financial state right now
If you’re exhausted from a busy schedule…
The holidays are exhausting. Between office parties, family plans, and a busy to-do list, our schedules are packed from November until January. Instead of letting this season become another frazzled mess, rethink the events, tasks, and people who are actually worth your time, make you-time a non-negotiable, and stay present so you can fully enjoy it all.
21. My plate is full of things and people I am lucky to have
22. I am grateful for the abundance of the season
23. I deserve “me” time
24. I say “no” when I mean no and “yes” when an event or task brings me joy
25. Only I am in control of my life
If you feel lonely this time of year…
Whether you’re still at home alone (Kevin McCallister style) or have a schedule full of holiday parties, the season can feel especially lonely. The holidays might serve as a reminder that you’re not with certain loved ones right now, or questions from nosy aunts about when you’re getting married/having children/settling down feels draining (and rude!). Reframe your thoughts and practice self-compassion to prevent loneliness from getting you down this year.
26. I am whole as I am
27. I feel joy in where I am in my life
28. My life is full of people who love me
29. I am connected to all the love in the world
30. I can make space for loneliness and practice being kind to myself
If you’re always let down by the holidays…
Anyone else deal with holiday perfectionism? We make long to-do lists of all the things we want to do this year and have plans for how we want to make the most of the season, forgetting that we never have enough time for it all, and sometimes the holidays can feel sad. If you’re expecting this season to be “perfect” or are let down if plans don’t go “as they should,” these affirmations are for you.
31. When things don’t go as planned, I will adjust my expectations
32. I am present and in the moment
33. This season is going to be filled with joy
34. My happiness is more important than t0-do lists or schedules
35. The only purpose of this season is to enjoy it
Anxiety, toxic family relationships, and depression can feel isolating, but you shouldn’t have to feel as though you’re going through it alone. Please reach out to your doctor, a therapist, or another trusted professional for support.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Crisis Textline: text CONNECT to 741741
If you are struggling with an eating disorder or with disordered thoughts or behaviors regarding food and eating, please seek help. Call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237 for support, reach out to a qualified medical professional, or, for a 24-hour crisis line, text “NEDA” to 741741.
