Holidays are meant to be a time of joy, reflection, and celebration with those we care for. However, too often, the holidays turn into a front and center frenzy of running around from one store to another, shopping for the best deal while battling crowds of other holiday shoppers. This year may unfold a bit differently than previous ones but it proves to hold its own in terms of stressors.
That’s why we’re going to share some of our tips to help you make your holidays a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable! This ensures that “ho, ho, ho” doesn’t turn into “no, no, no,” so you may avoid holiday burnout.
1. Budgets are your friend
Make a budget and stick to it. We’re all stressed out about finances this time of year, with the pressure of gifts, the pandemic, and virtual holidays. Remember to take the time to set a budget for the season and keep yourself accountable. Reducing money-related worries can make a tremendous difference.
2. Stick to your healthy habits
Forging your routine can negatively affect your mind and body can both. If you don’t have time to get to the gym, take a 20-minute walk between Zoom calls, or go for a short scenic drive for the view. If you have back to back work calls as you’re wrangling holiday decorations, make sure your breakfast and lunch are healthy, balanced meals so you never feel like you’re starving.
3. Do things that make you smile
If you don’t love attending a certain holiday parade or tree lighting, maybe this is the year to make a new tradition for your family. On the other hand, if you adore mistletoe, sprinkle more of it around. If you enjoy holiday music, play it loud and sing along – if you can’t stand it, make a different playlist that inspires you. Focus on the positive as much as you can – laughter really is good medicine no matter what the season.
4. Reel in expectations
When families get together, all of those old habits and issues can crop up before the drinks are even served. If you know that your younger sister is going to show up late, take a nap, wake up and complain about everything, don’t expect her to be a gem this year. If your little ones always get high-strung when they’re tired, accept that late-night events are going to be less-than perfect. Expectations can derail events before they even start – and that includes yourself. Don’t expect too much this time of year – sometimes “just as usual” is simply great.
5. Be generous in other ways
It always feels good to give. This is where some “good vibes” stem from. Give your time to a relative or cause in need. Give compliments to cashiers and loved ones alike. Be giving by running an errand for someone who isn’t able to venture out right now or someone with scheduling issues. You can even send an card/e-card to someone who you know may be having a hard time this year.
We’re not kidding, we know the holidays can be as equally delightful as they can be dreadful. It’s important to focus on the parts of the season that you and those you keep close honor and cherish the most. It’s the time to put down some of the things that are weighing you down the most, you’ve had an intense year, you deserve to cut yourself some slack.
Remind yourself to do these simple things in times of stress this season: take 10 deep breaths before you tuck in for the night and first thing in the morning (before checking your phone!) to clear your head and release a little of that holiday stress.
Gratitude Through Poetry
