Holidays can be difficult, especially if you are in a space where you are experiencing mental health challenges, difficulties with family politics, or simply don’t get along with those you live with. As well as feeling the hit of the cost of the living crisis on top of that.
Finding a safe space during all of that is important, however, it can be difficult to create this space within chaos. Knowing how to create a safe space can help you find peace, to look after your wellbeing, and to get you through a time that can be, for some, not the most joyous time of the year. Here are some tips to help you create a safe space;
Physical Space; Finding the place where you feel the most comfortable can create a physical barrier between what is going on around and protecting your wellbeing. It allows you to have a space where you can walk away and take a breath from an event or situation. That safe space can be your room or taking a walk in nature. It can be anything you want it to be!
Boundaries; Putting boundaries in place can be a difficult thing and especially during the holidays. However, it is important to put them in place to make sure that your needs are met and hold people accountable.
Communication; Being able to have open and honest conversations with the people around you is crucial in finding common ground. It allows you to be able to set boundaries, be comfortable with talking about your feelings, and build relationships.
Non-attendance; It’s ok if you don’t want to attend a holiday event as sometimes it can be a little too daunting to attend. You may not feel comfortable talking about the true reason as to why you don’t want to attend an event so give a vague answer such as ‘I’m not feeling well.’ It can be a quick and easy explanation that allows you to look after your wellbeing.
Safe spaces can be used as a tool to look after your wellbeing and can be anything you want it to be and can be changed to fit your needs as time goes on. Know that you don’t need to explain yourself to others, so if you need space and aren’t ready to talk about it, keep the explanations simple. But remember that there are people who care about you, and you can reach out to them if you need a little extra support.