Natalie Haynes
Psychotherapist B.A., R.P.C, R.I.H.R.
How do you support yourself?
Christmas can be a crazy time of year with the decorating, shopping and socializing. It reminds me of how easily we forget about ourselves because we are so focused on giving to others. Giving to others is a wonderful thing, however, if we only focused on the wants and needs of others, who will take care of us? It is easy to put ourselves last because we don’t want to be selfish or be perceived as self absorbed. But isn’t there a middle road?
A part of taking care of ourselves is getting support when we need it. There are two ways we can get support; from our environment and from ourselves. When we don’t get the support we need, we can feel lonely and isolated. In receiving support from another or ourselves, we can feel cared for, stronger and better able to handle the challenges of our lives. That’s the middle road. By taking in support when we need it, our new found strength allows us to be more available to care for those around us when they need it.
Make a point this holiday season to support yourself. Ask someone to listen when you need to be heard. Honour yourself, by saying no when you really don’t want to do something. Take some help from someone if it is offered. Let yourself take in support when needed. This could result in a much more enjoyable holiday season overall.
Natalie Haynes
Psychotherapist B.A., R.P.C., R.I.H.R
(905) 702-1944
Cornerstone Health Centre
6 Guelph St
Georgetown