Christmas is not always synonymous with rest and hot chocolate by the fire. Some people are forced to work during the holidays to serve others (doctors, nurses, dentists, etc.) or ensure the smooth running of their business (restaurant owners, grocers, etc.). And if this constraint is sometimes chosen, it is nonetheless difficult to live with. How can we refuse these moments of joy and reunion to preserve our health? How can we think about ourselves, when the period is favorable to others? Pascal Anger, psychologist, tells us answers.
Take a step back
When you have given your best so that others can have a wonderful holiday, it may be time to take a moment to decompress.
“You have the right to think about yourself, to refocus on what you love and what makes you feel good“, admits Pascal Anger.
In this context, taking a step back is essential: “for that, avoid putting additional pressure on yourself with the holidays, be aware of the energy spent in your work and do not compensate (too much) in the event of dysfunctions. In certain sectors, particularly in hospitals, professionals are constantly in demand, forced to work ever more. The risk of burn-out is then very real”, warns the psychologist.
Knowing how to say no to dinners
When files pile up in the middle of the festivities, and your loved ones ask you to toast, the rhythm of daily life can be greatly disrupted. The nights then become shorter, and difficulties at work may appear (great fatigue, concentration problems).
“In this situation, you have to know how to say no, set limits and remember that you are not superhuman but simply human. Saying stop does not make us a bad professional or a bad loved one!“, recalls the expert.
Move festivities if necessary
If professional constraints make celebrations difficult, it is entirely legitimate to consider moving the festivities. Christmas is not a fixed date, but above all an intention: that of coming together, sharing and celebrating together.
“Moving the festivities and catching up at another time is a great idea. The intention remains the same!“, confirms Pascal Anger.
On the other hand, you will gain a lot from this last minute “postponement”: your physical and mental health will be preserved, and this chosen opportunity can even strengthen the quality of the exchanges.
Set up reunion times
If it is not always easy to be absent during this festive period, the best thing is still… to talk about it.
“This reality can be painful, especially when it is accompanied by strong guilt, particularly towards children,” recognizes Pascal Anger. “Also, talking about it and setting reunion moments allows you to be more psychologically peaceful. Putting the same intention into these postponed moments helps preserve the meaning and symbolism of the celebrations,” concludes the expert.