Navigating the holidays as an empath and HSP

Holidays can be challenging for lots of people, especially empaths and highly sensitive people (HSP). We can get sensory overload real fast - with all the sights, smells, and sounds of the festivities. How do we navigate the chaos that is the holiday season?

Group settings can be challenging as there are a lot of bodies, emotions and energies. How can we protect ourselves and not get sucked into “energy vampires.” Sigh, story of our lives. Yes, we can set healthy boundaries for ourselves and communicate our needs. It’s possible and takes practice.

While solo holidays are becoming increasingly popular, we may inevitably have to deal with people in a larger setting. Holidays can be more easeful if we plan ahead. Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for empaths/HSPs.

Here are some tips to navigate the holidays season:

• Start with a 10-minute guided meditation designed for empaths/HSPs to navigate the holiday season

• Understand and communicate your needs (i.e., the need for a break/alone time)

• Focus on one interaction at at time (even if it’s with a child or a dog)

• Notice one detail at a time (i.e., the ornament on the tree; the complex, flavorful taste of a bite)

• Visit the snack/dessert/drink table and restroom often (i.e., give yourself a break from interacting with people)

• Have an exit strategy (i.e., always have a plan for how to leave the event on your own such as bringing your own car/having a pickup ride)

• Express gratitude for yourself, those you interact with, and your hosts

• Check in throughout the event on how your body, mind and heart are feeling

All right, we got this. We can mindfully and easefully navigate the holiday season, one sigh at at time.

If you’re needing personalized support, let’s have a chat.

Happy Holidays!