Unpopular Opinion: Society’s norms might be at the root of your stress and illness. It’s time to break free of the status quo and reclaim your well-being.
Are you tired of the systems that keep you feeling overwhelmed and unwell? Whether in medicine, family, or society, you’re not alone if you feel stuck right now. But how do you break free? Our culture constantly pushes us to do, be, and achieve more. But what if the real problem isn’t the stress that causes, but rather our relationship to the stress?
I’m here to tell you that sometimes it’s okay to break the rules. It’s okay to defy expectations. Prioritizing your well-being first and foremost is okay.
Who says you have to follow the crowd?
Just because you’ve done things one way doesn’t mean you can’t change your habits. Many of us feel trapped in societal norms that prioritize productivity over health. We’re expected to work long hours, eat processed foods, and ignore our bodies’ needs. We are programmed to be people pleasers, often putting our needs last. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
You have the power to choose a different path.
You can develop effective coping mechanisms to manage life’s stressors by tuning into your body and mind. Whether through mindfulness practices, physical activity, or simply taking a break, there are countless ways to engage in optimal wellness.
I’m going to push you now.
Here is your permission slip to buck the system and transform your mental health this holiday season. Say NO to common circumstances that might keep you stuck in the stress loop. Here are a few examples:
You’re fired! If your Western doctor isn’t listening to you, it’s time to find someone else. It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen them your whole life. It doesn’t matter if they delivered your babies. Your health is essential for everyone around you. When you’re well, everyone benefits.
Consume less. Do the holidays in a way that makes sense to YOU. If that means going on a vacation rather than buying presents – Bon Voyage! If that means skipping the holiday party at work – go for it! If it makes you tired, overwhelmed or anxious, consider a new strategy: either eliminate the problem or participate in the consumption of the holiday season in a way that feels authentic to you.
Prioritize yourself. Ever notice how the holidays push us to give everything to everyone else? But here’s the truth: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Ignore the guilt and let go of unrealistic expectations. This season, make room for self-care. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is the freedom to let go of expectations.
CNMA therapists Rachel Gordon or Tonja Graves, ATR, will help you control the things you can and let go of what you can’t this holiday season.
Normalize counter-culture. Stress is a societal construct. Rather than ignoring it, you can learn how to relate by communicating what you want and need. That could be throwing out the traditional holiday celebrations and practicing Friendsgiving or the Airing of Grievances at Festivus.
Don’t let societal pressures dictate your actions. Set boundaries, prioritize your needs, and give yourself the gift of a stress-free winter. You don’t have to please everyone all the time. It’s liberating to take your own path.
Ready to take control of your mental health and reclaim the joy of the holidays? I practice functional medicine and can get to the root of your symptoms and alleviate them once and for all – no more stressing about your unaddressed health issues! To schedule, call 303-688-6698 or book online.
Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture is located between Denver and Colorado Springs in downtown Castle Rock, CO. Dr. Graves is licensed in naturopathic medicine and acupuncture.
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