Family gifts, teacher gifts, decorations, menu planning, winter concerts, school spirit days, holiday traffic, out-of-town guests… the list of holiday stressors seems to get longer every year. Does December have you feeling overwhelmed and anxious? You are definitely not alone. One way to better understand how you’re feeling is to explore the connection between Spoon Theory and holiday mental health.
First developed by writer, speaker, and advocate Christine Miserandino, Spoon Theory was originally shared as a way of explaining the energy depletion caused by chronic illness. Today, it is often seen as a helpful analogy for the effect of energy expenditure on both neurodivergent individuals and individuals experiencing general mental health challenges. At this time of year, the connection between Spoon Theory and holiday mental health is particularly strong.
We encourage you to read our previous blog post that goes into greater detail about Spoon Theory, but here is the gist: everyone only has a certain amount of energy units, or “spoons” available to spend throughout the day. Each time you have to make a decision, run an errand, handle a problem, etc., you use a spoon. Once we’re out of spoons, we simply don’t have the energy needed to handle any more tasks, which can be a huge issue at this time of year.
If you feel like you’re down to your last spoon and there are still hours left in the day, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Here are a few tips to help ensure you have the energy needed to make it through the holidays:
Find small moments for self-care - Whether you take a few minutes to make or purchase your preferred hot beverage, you laugh along with your favorite TV show while wrapping presents, or you exchange funny memes with a text group of friends, those little moments work to restore the energy you’ve depleted over the past several days.
Don’t ignore your physical health - It may feel challenging, but incorporating some physical activity, plenty of water, a good night’s sleep when possible, and a balance of healthy carbs and proteins into your busy days will go a long way toward keeping your energy up.
Say no - At a time of excess, it’s OK to turn down extra party invitations or forgo overcrowded holiday events for a quiet night at home. Your mind and body will thank you, and you’ll be far more capable of making happy memories at the events you do attend.
Build relaxation into your post-holiday schedule - It’s understandable if you simply have too much to do between now and your holiday celebrations to take any real sort of break. Just keep in mind that your body will have to re-charge eventually. If possible, give yourself a day or two after the holidays to rest, watch movies, go for walks, or do whatever your body needs to feel restored.
While the stress of this time of year is temporary, it can certainly feel interminable. If you ever sense that you have more on your plate than you can possibly handle, it never hurts to speak to a loved one, trusted friend, or mental health professional about how you’re feeling.
No matter how you process this bustling time of year, know that we are thinking about you and hoping you have a peaceful holiday season and a restorative new year. Seasons greetings and warmest wishes from all of us at Family & Child Therapy.