Happy & Healthy Holidays for Highly Sensitive People
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This month brings with it a noticeable change and you may even be able to feel the shift just from yesterday to today. This month begins and ends with celebratory themes with All saints Day today, All Souls Day and Day of the Dead tomorrow and if you live in the states, Thanksgiving celebrations toward the end of the month and the beginning of the holiday season. I know there are lots of different “official” kickoffs to the holiday season and maybe you count yesterday as the beginning of festivities; whether you’re a day after Thanksgiving person, a November 1st person, A Halloween person or somewhere in between, the time of festivities, family, and food are upon us.
If you’re experiencing a feeling of being in between shock that it’s November and also a feeling of wondering how it’s only November because 2021 has been surprisingly long; you’re not alone. It’s been a year that’s continued to offer us opportunities for growth; but we’re arriving toward the end now which can bring several different aspects and areas into play for many people, especially for highly sensitive souls. (Like yourself)
While this festive time of the year can bring a lot of fun, joy, and excitement; it can sometimes bring stress and challenges too. As a highly sensitive soul, you may need more support, self care, or recharge time than some of the other people in your circle. Knowing what areas may need extra attention as we move into this month, can help you enjoy more of the activities and experiences of this season while also honoring your natural rhythm.
Some of the main themes or areas that show up for highly sensitive people at this time of year include but aren’t limited to: Overwhelm, Boundaries, and Heightened Sensitivity. There are some simple ways that you can work with these areas which will allow you to experience the festivities and not feel like you’re just going through the motions but missing out on the actual fun or joy.
Overwhelm:
If you tend to be very organized, a self starter, someone who naturally focuses on solutions, getting all the things done and checked off the list, this could be an issue that shows up for you. It’s important to remember that it’s healthy and okay to say yes to the things that you want to do and no to the things that aren’t a fit this year. Saying yes to everything can lead to overwhelm, exhaustion, and even feelings of guilt. It’s better to leave a little breathing room in your schedule so you can have time and space to do some things that make this time of year special for you, even if that’s making popcorn, apple cider and watching your favorite movie while wearing cozy jammies.
If you have a hard time saying no, practice telling someone, “Let me get back to you after I check my schedule.” Or “I wish I could make it, thank you for the invitation but my schedule is already full on that day.” Or, “Thank you for the invitation but as a family we’re choosing to stay home this year.” I promise you that you can do it, and people do understand. Choosing to take good care of yourself is not selfish and you’re not obligated to do all the things, all the time.
Boundaries:
You probably understand better than most people that your energy levels deplete more quickly in different situations, environments, and around certain people. Introverts, Empaths, and Highly Sensitive People need down time to recharge, renew, and rejuvenate daily. Just like your favorite device needs to recharge, so do you. When sensitive souls overstep their own boundaries by agreeing to be in places, environments, and around people that drain them for too long it can lead to burn out, exhaustion, and even other kinds of health challenges. This is not fun and it can be a challenge because like the overwhelm category above, it’s important that you say no to situations that over extend your energy reserves so that you can maintain a sense of balance.
Acknowledging any feelings of guilt, bargaining, or going against your own grain can help you to see those experiences as red flags or stop signs so you can instead choose to honor your boundaries, energy levels, and personal needs. This will help you to lean into activities that are restorative, nurturing, and allow you to refill your well so you feel like your real self while also taking care of your needs and maintain balance.
Heightened Sensitivity:
If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you’re experiencing less sunlight which can have a powerful impact on Highly Sensitive People. Maybe you’ve experienced varying levels of Seasonal Affective Disorder like so many others. You may feel guided to purchase a full spectrum light, or maybe you enjoy feeling heat on your skin so you enjoy hot baths, hot tubbing, steaming, or sauna to help warm up your body and help uplift your energy and mood.
Some people also experience increased sensitivity in their skin, and senses like sensitivity to lighting, sounds, even energy. You may find that you are drawn to your softest clothing, sheets, blankets, and socks at this time of year. You may need more golden or pink light instead of really bright overhead lighting, and you may notice that you want sounds and energies in your home to be gentler and less abrasive.
All of these experiences are things that can show up for highly sensitive people. You’re not imagining it, it is real, and you’re not the only one who’s going through this experience. The more that you can lean into the things that your body is needing, to the best of your ability of course, the gentler this time will be for you.
In addition to the physical aspects of heightened sensitivity, many people experience more of their natural spiritual gifts, activity, and connection to their guides, angels, and departed loved ones. This isn’t surprising to me at all, as we get quiet, comforted, and are more inwardly focused it can be easier to hear and connect with our spiritual gifts. You may notice this in your own life this month. If this is something that you enjoy, you may want to document it in a notebook or journal so you can look back at your experiences and see themes and messages showing up for you.
I hope that these support systems can be helpful for you this month during this festive and full season. These things don’t have to take a lot of time to implement in your daily life, even seemingly small things will have a big positive impact for you. The info graphic above is full of great ways to support each of the different areas which tend to show up for people right now, but especially for highly sensitive people. Lean into what you know is right for you even if it looks a little bit different than someone else, and let people know what you need and where your limit is so they can honor you the way that you honor the people you love.
I’m wishing you and yours a very happy month filled with abundance and I’m sending you so much love and gratitude from my teeny tiny corner of the world right to you.
All my love,
Kristy~ xoxo
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