Crossroads
Counselling & Psychological Services
5 Mindful Ways to Reset This Holiday Season
Crossroads Associate, Kirsten Spasyouti, shares some ideas on how we can all reset during the holidays. The holiday season in Halifax often feels like a whirlwind of activity. Between the bustling shops at the Halifax Shopping Centre and the festive gatherings around town, it is easy to lose sight of your own well-being. At Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services, we believe the end of the year should be a time for restoration, not just obligation.
Here is your guide to intentionally resetting during the holiday season.
1. Embrace the Emotional Complexity
The holidays are often portrayed as a time of pure joy, but the reality is much more complex. It is completely normal for this time of year to bring up a wide range of feelings, including:
- Grief
- Loneliness
- Relief
- Guilt
- Joy
Sometimes, you might feel all of these at once. The most compassionate thing you can do is allow yourself to feel every single one of them without judgment or pressure to change how you feel.
2. Redefine What “Rest” Means to You
Rest is not one-size-fits-all. When you feel drained, ask yourself, “What is making me tired right now?” This helps you choose the specific type of rest you need:
- Physical rest: Prioritizing extra sleep, enjoying slower mornings, and keeping fewer commitments.
- Mental rest: Reducing the number of decisions you have to make, having fewer plans, and stepping away from news or media.
- Emotional rest: Avoiding emotionally demanding conversations and giving yourself permission to opt out of stressful interactions.
- Sensory rest: Seeking out quieter spaces, dimming the lights, and listening to softer music.
3. Intentionally Slow Down
To prevent burnout, you must be proactive about your schedule. Consider building in “recovery time” before and after social gatherings to recharge.
Try to leave at least one or two days completely unstructured. Avoid scheduling multiple events in a row, and when you are with loved ones, focus on mindful time—full presence, low pressure, and no phones. Remember that taking time for yourself is a necessity, not a luxury.
4. Foster Meaningful Connection
True connection during the holidays involves both how we relate to ourselves and how we relate to others.
With yourself:
- Engage in grounding routines, such as a 10-minute walk through Halifax North West trails or enjoying your morning coffee without a screen.
- Make time for hobbies that bring you genuine joy, like reading for fun or baking your favorite holiday treat.
With others:
- Prioritize 1-on-1 time over large, draining groups.
- Try parallel activities, where you can simply be together without the need to talk.
- Choose low-pressure activities like snuggling by the fire, crafting, or watching a holiday movie.
5. Reflect and Set “Soft” Intentions
As the year ends, take a moment for quiet reflection by asking yourself these questions:
- Who supported me the most this year?
- What brought me the most joy and peace?
- What can I let go of from this year?
- What drained my battery the most?
- What can I do to support myself differently this upcoming year?
Instead of creating demanding New Year’s resolutions, try creating soft intentions. Choose a word or theme for your next chapter, such as “steadiness,” “ease,” or “space.” Simply ask yourself what you want more of and what you want lessof. This keeps your personal reset compassionate rather than demanding.
If you would like professional support to navigate these emotions in the new year, our team at Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services is here to help. Please reach out to book a session.
Happy holidays, everyone.
Reset during the holidays