Hi everyone! My name is Diana Garcia and I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and founder of a private practice called Nurturing Minds Counseling.

Welcome to Day 9 of our 12 Days of Holiday Tips aimed at helping you manage holiday stress. If you’ve missed the previous tips, I encourage you to check out videos and blogs 1-8 for valuable insights:

  1. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 1: Three-minute breathing exercise.
  2. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 2: Listing your triggers
  3. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 3: Noting your specific thoughts.
  4. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 4: Identify and label your emotions.
  5. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 5: Allowing and validating your emotional experience
  6. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 6: Opposite Action
  7. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 7: Prioritizing Self-Care
  8. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 8: Managing Personal Expectations

Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 9: Letting Go of Comparisons

Today, we’re diving into a topic that can really weigh us down during the holidays: letting go of comparisons. Scroll down to keep reading the blog of watch the video below if you prefer that format.

Watch Video: “Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 9”

Read Blog: “Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 9”

I know that stopping comparisons can seem easier said than done. The holiday season often amplifies these feelings as we scroll through social media, seeing perfectly curated posts showcasing how others are celebrating. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I should be doing that too.”

Take a moment to recognize when comparisons arise. Are you comparing your holiday festivities to those of friends or family? Perhaps you’re measuring your experiences against the idealized portrayals you see online. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and stress, especially when we start believing we’re not measuring up.

Brene Brown has a quote that she puts in her book by Theodore Roosevelt that states that “comparison is the thief of joy.”  When we immerse ourselves in comparisons, we rob ourselves of the joy that comes from appreciating our unique experiences. Instead of celebrating our lives, we get caught up in how we measure against others, leading to negative self-talk and discontent.

Think about areas where you feel particularly vulnerable to comparison. For example, if you pride yourself on being a good partner, you might find yourself comparing your relationship to others. This can create unnecessary pressure and distort your perception of what a healthy relationship looks like.

It’s also important to consider how we compare ourselves to our past selves. Especially after the challenges of recent years, comparing who you are now to who you were in 2020 or even last year can be unhelpful. Remember, every situation is unique, and you are navigating a different landscape now. Acknowledge your growth and the journey you’ve taken.

Today’s tip is simple yet powerful: stop and notice when the comparison trap shows up in your life. Awareness is the first step toward change. When you catch yourself comparing, take a deep breath and redirect your focus back to what you appreciate about your own experiences. Ask yourself questions like:

  • What unique traditions do I cherish during this holiday season? How can I make them my own?
  • How can I celebrate my accomplishments, no matter how small? Even during this holiday season, what do you feel proud of?
  • In what ways can I practice gratitude for what I have instead of focusing on what others are doing?

I hope this insight into the dangers of comparison helps you navigate the holiday season with a greater sense of peace and joy.

Check out these other resources to take care of yourself during the holiday season:

Lastly, I hope you continue nurturing your mind, body, and soul, whatever that looks like for you.