The holidays are here! It is cold outside and getting dark early. It’s a natural time to turn inward and reflect. Sometimes self-reflection can turn into rumination or depression. We know the holiday season can bring up difficult emotions for both children and adults. Holding and making space for both the positive things and the hard things that happened during the past year can help you and your family attain closure and be intentional about making changes that you want make. Learn ways you and your family can use the holiday season to reflect on the year that’s ending and prepare for a beautiful new year ahead!
Mindfulness & Nature
When children or adults spend a lot of alone time indoors, that can trigger difficult thoughts and rumination. Getting outside into the sunlight and fresh air, and connecting with your body and the natural world can help you feel more grounded and present. The holidays are a perfect time to go outside with your family for a walk or hike! As you walk together, consider setting an intention to talk or think about what you are grateful for and what you’d like to work on in the new year.
Creative Self-Reflection
Engaging in the arts can help you and your family to reflect on the year that’s passed and the year ahead. Pull out some paper and pen and do some freewriting, then talk about what you learned together. Make sure that your child or teen know they can keep their writing private if they prefer. You can also use reflection questions to get you started. If writing is not possible or desired, consider trying another artistic modality. People of all ages, and especially younger children, often process experiences visually or through movement. Why not bring out those crayons and markers, and create some spontaneous images together? Or take your shoes off, set an intention, and express yourselves through movement? Creative expression can be a great way to reflect… and also to connect with each other.
Setting Intentions & Creating New Habits
Many people set New Year’s resolutions and find, come late January or February, that their resolutions are hard to keep. If you or your family would like to work towards your goals and dreams, it might help to learn how to create and maintain a consistent habit. Journaling every weekend or going for a walk every day are examples of habits that you can master with a little bit of knowledge about how habits work. You or your family might also consider creating a “system,” a set of related actions or habits that you can repeat, that moves you along in the direction you want to go.
All of us here at Intuition Wellness Center wish you and your family the very best in the new year! At Intuition Wellness Center, we specialize in health and wellness services for children, young adults, and their families. If you think you would like some extra support, we’re here for you.
