While others have fun, enjoy and are refreshed thanks to the holidays, some others dread and have no good story to tell about their holidays. If you’re in the second category, you don’t have to struggle with stress during what should be the most peaceful time of year.
The fact is that the holidays can be indeed very stressful. From parties to attend, cookie exchanges to bake for, families and friends who visit – some who you really don’t want to hang out with – and a whole long list of activities. The list goes on and on and can be overwhelming, especially for introverts. All the things that people plan for, with the intention of making the holidays more enjoyable, can actually make things much more stressful, and cause them to lose sight of the true meaning of the holidays altogether.
Never again! Here’s a list of a few things you can do to actually enjoy the holidays this year and more to come.
Tip 1: Set an intention for this holiday season:
Your intention can go from very specific to as broad as you wish, but take a moment to consider how you’d like to spend this time including where you want to focus your energy. This simple action creates awareness and will help you prioritise and say no to what isn’t on your list. If you have a family, sit with others and have everybody be on the same page.
Tip 2: Acknowledge your entrenched holiday habits:
The force of habit is the momentum that propels us down familiar paths in life. It’s so easy to stay on autopilot. If you want a change, a conscious effort is required. Your holiday season patterns could be rushing, over-committing, overspending or over-consuming. Look at these habits and ask: Do these habits serve me well?
Tip 3: Give within sensible limits:
A very big yes to this. We all know the holidays are all about giving and exchanging gifts with loved ones, but it can get really expensive and overwhelming to buy a gift for every single person on your list. Simplify your list. Buy less. Shockingly, some people end up not using your gifts and may end up giving them out to someone else.
Tip 4: Take time to do nothing and just breathe:
Restful moments in between activities, or at the end of the night, can reduce stress and improve awareness and mood. Doing nothing includes letting the emails or chats go unchecked. They can wait, and they will.
Tip 5: Give thanks:
Countless studies show that practicing gratitude improves health, relationships perspective, and the entire body system. Practicing gratitude reminds us that we are part of a beautiful whole, supported and loved. When you begin to feel stressed, alone, or anxious, consider the things you are thankful for. You’ll notice the change.
Tip 6: Simplify your hosting duties:
Nothing hurts if you purchase cookies from a local bakery on Christmas Eve so you don’t have to bake them. Your house doesn’t need to look like a scene of recipes or a restaurant. Keep everything simple including your decor simple. Years from now, no one will remember your food or decor, but they will remember the times they shared laughing and enjoying the holidays with family and friends. Keep your focus on what’s important.
Tip 7: Enjoy the splendour, bask in the moment:
The holiday season never lasts long. Soon, it will all be over. Relish the unique sights, smells, and sounds. Do not miss the magical moments!!
Have a great and blessed holiday!
