Holiday Survival: 4 Self Care Tips
Honoring Your Needs: It's Okay to Speak Up
Almost daily, I chat with someone who tells me how much they hate having to tell the waiter that they don't eat x or how much they worry that other people think they are being difficult. When we don't ask for what we need, we abandon ourselves and it is our mind, body, and spirit that suffers. I promise you, pleasing someone else is never worth the stomach ache or mental strain that occurs when we don't honor our needs.
Empowerment through Boundaries
Setting boundaries can be a form of self-love. Whether it's saying no to a restaurant that has zero options for you or politely passing on a dish that doesn't align with your dietary needs, remember that your well-being is paramount.
It's Hard When It's Invisible
Food allergies, IBS, IBD, and eating disorders are invisible and that can make following through on self-care hard. No one sees your GI pain or mental struggles that can occur after eating x. I want to remind you that your needs are valid and they are important. You deserve to walk away from a meal feeling nourished, satisfied, and free of symptoms.
Seeking Support
Having a safe person you can talk to about health stuff can be a game changer. A space to feel all the feelings, to vent about how it's hard to live with specific dietary needs, and a place to brainstorm ways to navigate the holiday season makes healing a lot easier.