Feeling “Well-ish” is Enough: Embracing a Balanced Holiday Season
With the holiday season often comes the expectation to be our “best selves,” but striving for perfection can be overwhelming and, frankly, exhausting. Rather than aiming for perfection, what if we allowed ourselves to be just “well-ish”? This idea isn’t about lowering standards – it’s about finding joy and meaning in what feels genuinely achievable. By embracing a “well-ish” approach, we can let go of pressure and create a holiday that is kind, balanced, and nourishing.
In this post, we’ll explore how to make “well-ish” your seasonal mantra and offer some gentle prompts and actions to help you feel grounded and at ease.
1. Reframe Wellbeing as “Good Enough”
Letting go of perfection can be challenging, especially when it comes to family gatherings, decor, and gift-giving. Yet setting realistic expectations can reduce stress and increase satisfaction. Accepting “good enough” doesn’t mean you don’t care – it simply means you’re focusing on what matters most to you this season.
Try This:
- Journal Prompt: “What does a ‘good enough’ holiday look like for me? What parts of the season can I enjoy without striving for perfection?”
- Gentle Action: Choose one holiday tradition and simplify it. For example, if cooking an elaborate dinner is daunting, consider a simpler menu or make it a potluck. Let the focus be on connection rather than presentation.
Letting go of perfect frees you to be present. By reframing “good enough” as a positive choice, you’re embracing a more intentional way to celebrate.
2. Small Wins for a Well-ish Holiday
Small, achievable actions can go a long way in creating a sense of well-being. The science behind positive psychology shows that small, manageable changes can significantly boost our mood and resilience, especially when we’re busy. Instead of big resolutions or overwhelming to-do lists, think about small wins that bring you a moment of joy or peace.
Try This:
- Journal Prompt: “What small action could bring me joy or calm today?”
- Gentle Action: Start a “small wins” list, noting one little thing each day that brings you joy, whether it’s taking a short walk, listening to your favourite song, or enjoying a hot drink without multitasking. These small wins build up over time, creating a sense of accomplishment and balance.
By focusing on small actions, you’ll find that well-being feels more accessible. This approach aligns with the “well-ish” mindset, making it easier to enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Give Yourself Permission to Be Imperfect
The holiday season can make us feel like everything should be “just so,” but aiming for perfection in every area can sap our energy and joy. Research on self-compassion shows that treating ourselves with kindness – especially when we’re not meeting ideal standards – can reduce anxiety and improve our emotional well-being. By embracing our imperfect selves, we allow for more authentic, meaningful experiences.
Try This:
- Journal Prompt: “Where am I being hard on myself this season? How can I bring more compassion to these areas?”
- Gentle Action: Practice a “self-compassion break.” When you catch yourself being overly self-critical, pause and ask: “What would I say to a friend in this situation?” Often, we’re much kinder to others than we are to ourselves, and shifting that perspective can help ease the pressure.
Embracing imperfection isn’t about giving up; it’s about recognising that our worth isn’t tied to doing things flawlessly. This shift makes room for real joy and connection.
Journal Prompts for a “Well-ish” Holiday
Here are three prompts to help you dive deeper into what a “well-ish” holiday means for you:
1. “What does a ‘well’ holiday feel like to me?”
- Describe what “well” means to you in the context of the holidays. Is it calm? Connected? Balanced? This prompt helps clarify your priorities and intentions.
2. “What expectations am I holding onto that I could release?”
- Reflect on traditions or pressures you feel obligated to follow. Do they bring joy, or are they simply habits? Identifying what you can let go of can free up space for what truly matters.
3. “What small moments bring me peace during the holiday season?”
- Think about moments that bring you a sense of calm – a morning coffee, a walk, or a favourite song. Recognising these moments can help you add intentional breaks to your days.
3 Gentle Actions to Embrace “Well-ish” This Season
If you’re ready to create a holiday that feels balanced and manageable, here are three actions to try:
1. Set a “Good Enough” Boundary:
- Choose one area where you’ll consciously decide to aim for “good enough” instead of perfection. Whether it’s holiday cards, decorating, or event planning, see if you can let go of some pressure.
2. Make a “Not To-Do” List:
- Just as powerful as a to-do list, a “not to-do” list helps you identify things you can skip this season. For example, if holiday baking feels like a chore, give yourself permission to buy cookies instead!
3. Focus on Feeling Intentions, Not “To-Do’s”:
- At the start of each week, pick one feeling you want to cultivate – such as “relaxed” or “connected.” Let that feeling guide your choices, helping you say “yes” to things that align with it and “no” to things that don’t.
Research Insights: Why Embracing “Well-ish” Can Improve Your Wellbeing
Studies from the field of positive psychology show that perfectionism is often linked with anxiety and burnout, particularly during high-stress periods like the holidays. According to Brené Brown, an expert in vulnerability and self-compassion, the drive for perfection can keep us disconnected from what truly matters and make us more self-critical.
By focusing on achievable goals and self-compassion, we support our mental and emotional well-being more sustainably. As Dr. Kristin Neff, a self-compassion researcher, says, self-kindness is a proven method for reducing stress and improving our ability to navigate life’s challenges. So by embracing “well-ish,” you’re not just making the season easier – you’re building resilience for the year ahead.
A Holiday Season That Feels Like “You”
This holiday season, give yourself permission to be “well-ish.” Rather than perfect, aim for a holiday that feels good enough – one that brings joy without adding stress. By letting go of expectations, focusing on small wins, and embracing your imperfect self, you create space for a more meaningful celebration.
If you’re ready for more gentle tips like these, sign up for our free Well-ish Guide to Feeling Better this Holiday Season. Discover simple ways to create a holiday season that truly feels like you.
