398: How to Plan for an Energizing (not Exhausting) Holiday Season // Dr. Amber Price
Nov 1, 2024
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Dr. Amber Price, a relationships researcher and online educator, joins to tackle holiday stress for busy moms. She shares strategies for proactive planning to cultivate joy rather than overwhelm. The discussion emphasizes reclaiming personal autonomy while nurturing connections and creating meaningful family memories. Amber also highlights the importance of embracing authentic feelings during the season and using journaling as a tool for reflection. Listeners receive practical advice on prioritizing well-being and managing holiday expectations to preserve the festive spirit.
Balancing belonging and autonomy is essential for naturally fulfilling relationships, emphasizing personal needs without losing connection with loved ones.
Evaluating the sources of holiday expectations enables individuals to craft meaningful celebrations that align with their true desires and reduce stress.
Deep dives
The Importance of Balancing Belonging and Autonomy
Belonging and autonomy are two essential needs for individuals, with belonging referring to the need for connection and acceptance, while autonomy is about self-ownership and making personal choices. Research indicates that these needs are interdependent, meaning that experiencing low levels in one area correlates with low levels in the other. Prioritizing relationships at the expense of self-identity or personal needs can backfire by causing frustration and disconnect in those very relationships one seeks to nurture. Therefore, achieving a balance between these needs is crucial for fostering healthy, meaningful connections with others.
Evaluating Expectations During the Holidays
Expectations often shape how we approach the holiday season, but it's important to evaluate the sources of these expectations to avoid unnecessary stress. Many mothers find themselves caught between personal desires and societal or familial pressures that dictate how they should celebrate. Reflecting on where these expectations come from—be it social media, family traditions, or peer influences—can help clarify what matters most personally. By understanding the root of these expectations, individuals can make intentional choices about how to craft their holiday experiences around their true desires.
Recognizing Self-Silencing and Its Effects
Self-silencing occurs when individuals suppress their thoughts and needs to gain approval or avoid conflict, which can hinder authentic connections with loved ones. This behavior often stems from care-taking motives, where one may feel obligated to meet others' expectations at the expense of their own wellbeing. Recognizing self-silencing moments is vital, as it helps individuals reclaim their voices and assert their needs in family dynamics. By prioritizing their own needs, individuals can enhance not only their self-respect but also the quality of their relationships.
Reclaiming Autonomy in the Holiday Hustle
Reclaiming autonomy involves actively choosing how to navigate holiday traditions and obligations rather than being ruled by external expectations. Individuals are encouraged to assess which activities genuinely contribute to their joy and connection, allowing flexibility in their holiday practices. This process may include letting go of certain traditions, like the elf on the shelf or sending holiday cards, to make space for what truly matters. By embracing this autonomy, individuals can create a holiday atmosphere that feels authentic and fulfilling, enhancing both personal fulfillment and family bonds.
Does holiday stress ever take the joy out of the holiday season for you?
It's November 1st, friends, which, for many of you, might mean that you've officially switched from harvest mode to full-on holiday mode.
And with that switch, you might also feel the beginnings of holiday stress. 😵💫
With that in mind, I invited a special guest to do a bonus episode with me. I interviewed my cousin, Dr. Amber Price. Amber is hear to teach us research-based ways to avoid the holiday stress. You will love what she has to say!
For full show notes, including takeaways, click here.