The holidays can be sweet as you gather and reconnect with loved ones, but sometimes, that time with family can be overwhelming and triggering. Once the hustle and bustle of the season has passed, take time to self-reflect. You might need time to rest and recharge or completely decompress and disconnect. Here are seven questions to ask yourself for self-reflection after the holidays.
How are you feeling now that you are home?
During the business of the holidays, forgeting to check in with yourself is easy. Take time to assess how you feel now that the holidays have ended. Perhaps you are anxious, drained, restless, or sad. Acknowledge and identify the emotions you are feeling.
What were the highs and lows of the holiday season?
Sort through the good and the bad of the holiday season. Perhaps you had some really magnificent and beautiful moments and some sad ones. Sift through the highs and lows of the holidays and acknowledge them as they are.
What triggers popped up during your time with family?
This one might be difficult, but reflect on any situations or conversations that triggered you. What did they bring up for you? How did you feel after? Identifying the trigger and how it impacted you is essential.
Are there any behavioral patterns that occur when you are home for the holidays?
Sometimes, when we spend time with our family, it can be easy to fall into old behavioral patterns. You might be the youngest and fall into patterns of following everyone else’s lead. You might be the oldest and fall into the unhealthy pattern of constantly caretaking for others. Identify patterns that pop up so that you can work through them.
How can you recharge now that you’re back to a routine?
Ask yourself what habits or routines will help you get back in the groove of things. Having a sense of routine and stability can help you process through feelings of overwhelm and anxiousness from the holidays. A cup of coffee at your favorite cafe, a walk on your lunch break, or reading before bed – these routines can help restore peace of mind.
Who, if anyone, can you spend time with to feel more centered and authentic?
Reflect on the people who energize you and help you feel like your best self. These are the people you should prioritize spending time with once the holidays have passed.
What tools do you have to move forward now that the holidays are over?
The stress of the holidays has passed. Now, it is time to move forward. What tools might help you in the process of putting one foot in front of the other? Perhaps you have time and resources for PTO. Take a roadtrip or go on a retreat. Whatever tools you have at your disposal to recharge, use them.