Have yourself a Stress-Free Little Holiday: Tips to stay calm and be Happy this Year.
While for some of us the stress of the holidays is winding down, for many of us it’s still in full force. This can be a very trying time for many of us, whether you’re a business owner or just trying to shop and decide what to cook for your big family meal. Seasonal depression, sadness over the absence of a loved one, or the weight of trying to schedule and plan can all weigh very heavily this time of year. While it may be the last thing on your mind, one of the most important things you can do over the next few weeks is to reduce your own stress, so you can enjoy your holidays. Here are a few tips to help you have very Happy Holidays:
- Take breaks: Whether it’s at home, at work, or anywhere else, if you need to step away from the chaos and bustle of holiday happenings for 5 or 10 minutes, do so without guilt. Take your break time to breathe, listen to calming sounds or music, or whatever helps you relax. I wrote a blog on a meditation and calming technique called ‘grounding’ that you can see by clicking HERE!
- It’s okay to be sad: If someone close to you has recently passed away, or you can’t be with loved ones, it’s okay to express your feelings and be sad or grieve. This is a time that can be difficult for people who aren’t close with loved ones or those who have depression. Reach out if you can and recognize you’re not alone; almost all of us have experienced these types of feelings around the holidays. If you can’t take part in holiday traditions with your family, make your own or, if possible, video chat with them.
- Stick to your budget: If you know what you can spend, don’t overdo it to make others happy. They’ll be happier if you put a lot of thought into a gift instead of a lot of dollars. If you’re on an especially tight budget, make your own gifts! There are tons of instructions out there for bath bombs and salts, jewelry, and other crafts that will be beautiful and thoughtful.
- Don’t get frustrated, be thankful: It can feel like you’re being pulled in a million different directions when you’re around family and friends right now. It can all be overwhelming, and while taking breaks as I said helps, it also helps to keep in mind that these people love you and want to spend time with you, talk to you, and be around you. Be thankful they want you to be such a big part of their lives, and they care what you have to say.
- Make a “To-Do” List: If you know you’re getting frazzled (or even if you aren’t) it helps many people to visualize what you’ve got on your plate by writing it down. Start by making a “Needs Done Immediately” list and a “Needs done before Christmas” list with dates tasks need to be completed by; try to get ahead and, if you do, make a list of things you would “like” to get done but don’t necessarily “need” to do.
- It’s the season of giving: Nothing brings more joy to the heart than being generous! Donate to a charity, take a card from your local Giving Tree and make a child’s Christmas better, donate your time and try to get a group together to wrap gifts, collect donations, or other helpful holiday activities. While you’re doing so, focus on that, not the 10 other things you need to do. Take the time to renew your mind and come back to your hectic holiday schedule feeling great!
Written by: Breanne Mason, Blog Contributor
