The holiday season can bring lots of joy, happiness, gratitude, fulfillment, and much more. You get to spend time with your family and friends, buy presents, cook delicious meals, and the list continues. However, the holidays can also bring some sadness, loneliness, and stress. We are missing loved ones who are no longer with us, trying to plan for events, making sure gifts are bought, etc. This can be a very happy but challenging time because you’re trying to make sure everything is right and everything gets done. Here are some ways you can make the holiday season less stressful and more enjoyable.
Take time for yourself – Give yourself time to reset, have some downtown, and relax! The holiday season can be very overwhelming trying to run errands and check things of your list – and check it twice! With all that has to be done, taking the time to pause and reset. It can help you not feel drained physically, mentally, or emotionally. This can look like taking a walk, resting, or reading a book. Do what makes you feel relaxed so you can be present in the moment with your family and friends during the holidays.
Practice Mindfulness – Mindfulness can be a very useful tool any time of the year! Some exercises you can use for mindfulness can be deep breathing, doing a body scan (scanning your body for tension, pain, or anything out of the ordinary), mindful stretching, or writing. These exercises can be very helpful when you are dealing with difficult or overwhelming situations. Utilizing some of these exercises can help you to be less stressed and more at peace.
Set Boundaries – When setting boundaries, you are allowing your loved ones to know that you need time for yourself. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable telling people no or you might be scared of what people might say or think. Communicate upfront with goodwill and clarity so they know what you will and will not do. Setting boundaries is not a bad thing. You are setting them so that your time is valued, you are doing what will be best for you, and showing transparency of how friends and family can be helpful within your restriction.
The holiday season is a time for enjoying loved ones, being in the moment, celebrating each other, love, peace, and happiness. It brings everyone together and brings about gratitude. Some of these tips can help you not only maintain an enjoyable holiday season, but you can utilize these tips throughout your everyday life and year!
Merry Christmas to all!