If you are reading this email, it means you’ve made it to the end of 2020, so give yourself a hug or a pat on the back. Just getting through a year as difficult as this one is an accomplishment worth celebrating.

Like everything else in 2020, the holidays will likely be different than we are used to or want them to be. Here are a few reminders to help keep your mind, body, and spirit well-nourished, no matter what your holiday season looks like this year.

1. Fuel yourself with consistent, balanced nutrition. Keeping your brain and body well nourished will help you feel better physically and mentally & help you better handle stress. That means no making up or saving up for holiday meals. It’s also important to make eating enjoyable, especially in a year where joy and pleasure have been in short supply. So try to give yourself unconditional permission to enjoy your favorite holiday foods.
    
2. Respect your limits. If you are in a place in your recovery where eating particular foods or eating in certain situations feels too overwhelming, respect your boundaries. Maybe you can find a small dose of a challenge that feels manageable, but if not, that’s ok. Either way, it’s a good time to get support from your treatment team to help you come up with a coping plan.
    
3. Practice flexibility. When things don’t go as you feel they “should,” are you able to make the next best choice? Or does an unexpected change in plans derail you? When it comes to eating, exercising, or your to-do list, aim to be flexible and gentle with yourself rather than rigid and self-critical.
    
4. Prioritize self-care. Self-care is not just about bubble baths and mani-pedis. Self-care can also be advocating for your food needs, setting boundaries with friends and family, giving yourself permission to say “no,” and allowing yourself to rest.
    
5. Try to cultivate gratitude. With all the disappointment, loss, and uncertainty this year, it might feel impossible to think of things to be grateful for. And yet, purposefully acknowledging the good things (no matter how small) can be a really helpful practice — especially during the holidays, which can be a difficult time for many even under the best of circumstances.

Goodbye 2020! Bring on 2021!!

I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, safe, & happy holiday season and all the best for the new year!

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