December and January are promoted as being a jolly and festive time of year, but the reality is a lot of people struggle with the holidays. The holidays are the busiest time of year for many therapists. People struggle with missing lost loved ones, pressures from family, and the effects of seasonal affective disorder symptoms. Plus, last year and this year we are still coping with the effects of the COVID19 pandemic.
What words we use influence how we feel so I have put together some affirmations to help get you through the winter months or any tough time. I like to repeat these statements in the mirror in the morning, while having a cup of coffee, during yoga, or even in the moment that they are needed. Write them out and put it in your pocket or have them set as random reminders on your phone. Use them however they work for you or use them to come up with your own personal positive affirmations! If you find yourself having negative thoughts or speaking negatively about yourself, try replacing it with a positive affirmation. An example of this is turning the statement “I have to” into “I get to”. It has a surprisingly positive effect on how we look at the tasks that we face daily, like “I get to clean my cat’s litter box” implies that my cat is an important part of my life instead of a negative chore. There is a balance between allowing yourself to feel negative emotions and accept them, and changing your vocabulary to create a positive outlook.
Affirmations for boundaries
During the holidays, boundaries can sometimes be pushed by our loved ones. Here are some affirmations to help establish boundaries and become okay with saying no as self-care.
- I can express how I am feeling to others
- I can allow myself whatever I need to recharge
- I can say yes to some activities and no to others
- I cannot support everyone and need support in return
- I need to take care of myself in order to take care of others
- I can recognize and honor my needs
For Self-Compassion
The holidays can be difficult and sometimes we feel as though we always need to be experiencing “Christmas cheer” and feeling “merry and bright”. These affirmations are for times when maybe the winter has you feeling like the Grinch or Scrooge.
- I am not who I was in the past and that is okay.
- I will do my best and that is enough
- How I feel is valid and I will allow myself to feel how I am feeling
- I can allow myself to rest without guilt when I need it
For Self-motivation and Self esteem
Some days we just don’t feel like ourselves or we feel like just brushing our teeth is an energy consuming chore. Affirmations can help us bring up our self-confidence and motivate us to keep going!
- I accept where I currently am and will continue to work towards growth
- I have value even when I make mistakes
- I have what it takes to get through this, and I believe in myself
- I am enough!
