It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

It’s that time of the year again, the streets covered in Christmas cheer, lights, trees decorated everywhere…. And it is also the time of the year where triggers happen.

These holidays have the super power of bringing the best and the worst out of us, and if you find yourself feeling a bittersweet feeling about it all, you’re not alone.

For some, this season is the season of loneliness, sadness, grieve, fear, anger… and that is ok. I think by now we all have learned that it is not just candy cane and hot chocolate…

And for some, this season is the season of togetherness, love, affection, fun and laughter. And that is ok too.

There is a third leg to this table, and that is the ones who hold this period as a bittersweet time of the year. A mix of all the emotions above, and that, that is ok too.

Whichever side of the spectrum you find yourself in, our message is simple: you do you.

And here are a few ways in which you can help support yourself and cater for your needs:

-??????Mindset & vision: Before all celebrations begin, ask yourself, what do I want them to look like? Who do I want to be? Getting a clearer picture in your head of how do you want the gatherings to look like can help you manage expectations and set you on the right mindset for the outcome.

-??????Decompress. Take a break: there are a few days of frantic activity, get-togethers and celebrations. If you need a few minutes to reset, take them! Go for a walk, sit somewhere in silence, play some music or meditate; whatever you need. You’re allowed to!

-??????Connect.

o??We know these gatherings can call for some discrepancies and arguments, instead of getting caught in them, can you think of a more helpful way to see the situation? Can you think of something that connects you and that other person? What good memories can you bring back to help you see them in another light?

o??To the purpose of the celebration in itself. What good things does this season bring? What is it that you like about them?

-??????Celebrate. We are coming close to the end of the year too (we will write a special note about this in the days to come!) so think about the good things that have happened to you this year, what have you accomplished? What went well? What did you love? And take some time to share with family and friends, a circle of love if you may! Celebrate together and rejoice in each other’s wins!

-??????Move. It’s days of heavy eating and drinking, for most of us anyway! Ensuring you get some movement in can help you feel a bit less sluggish and / or sleepy, no need to go crazy, a brisk walk can do. Moving releases your DOSE of happy hormones (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins) which will help you feel and do better over the holiday season!

-??????Hug. We are not joking! Hugs are proven to be one of the best biological immune system boosters! They release the happy hormones too, helping you feel healthier, they cut down on stress (they combat cortisol by releasing oxytocin, the feel good hormone)… in fact, a 10 second hug can help the body ease depression, and a 20 second hug can relieves blood pressure, which ensure a healthy heart. We rest our case, let’s hug it away!

Be kind, compassionate, with yourself and those around you.

And if it gets too much, you have us, reach out, if anything we can promise you a listening ear and a warm heart.

[email protected]

Sending big love to you all,

Fleur and Lucia x