We have all read at least one article or blog post about how
to simplify the holidays. Most of them typically say the same things.
I have read through several articles and posts to deliver you
the most condensed common tips and have also included some creative ways
to go about enjoying your holidays with your sanity not just intact, but maybe
even a little better than before. Enjoy : )
1.) Limit Your Commitments: First and foremost, be honest with
who you are comfortable with spending the holidays with and for how long. You may love your family very much,
but you might realize that sometimes being with them can be stressful. Thinking
these things through allows you to set boundaries on what you know you can cope
with and can help you avoid unreasonable pressure during the holidays.
Planning your commitments ahead of time also allows you to feel
more in control and not feel so obligated to be everywhere. When you have
legitimate reasons for being happy, allow yourself to be. Whether
it’s baking or cleaning the house; if you don’t enjoy it, don’t over do it. You
can always buy your baked goods or ask
everyone else to bring a side dish or dessert.One of
the biggest things you can do for yourself is learn to say "Yes" when others offer to help.
(Example; if you celebrate
Thanksgiving with one family, get together with the other side a few days later
for a more informal leftovers dinner.)
3.) Simplify Your Holidays: Make plans to divide family
responsibilities like gift shopping, decorating, and meal preparation. If you want things to be the same, you
will set yourself up for disappointment. Settle
for what each family member can handle comfortably. Do not wait for others to
initiate activities; take action yourself in order to not feel disappointed
later.
(Example: Agree upon a budget
for purchases or give options and decide on either; a family gift exchange,
donating to charities, or homemade gifts.)
4.) Take Your Time: Take extra time to rest and relax. It is all right to excuse yourself for
some time to kick it into neutral and recharge your batteries. Whether that that time is spent alone
in a quiet room with a book, TV, or in the car listening to music; its all
about keeping it calm and stress-free. However,
if you find yourself constantly feeling the need to “get away,” you may want to
rethink what you have committed to doing for the holidays or pick up the Bat
phone and call that special superhero of a friend or relative you love for
support.
(Example; Take that massage, nail
salon trip, or just put in some ear plugs and meditate.)
5.) Utilize
Your Supports: If you suddenly are becoming
overwhelmed with the holidays or the emotions that go along with them and you
find yourself isolating, that is a red flag that could have you feeling blue
even after the holiday season is gone. Even if you flat out despise the holidays,
at least continue your typical social routine. Seek out your
favorite people. Sometimes your mood can improve just by being around a
best friend or a favorite relative. These
people get you and understand if you don’t want to be apart of something and
won’t put pressure on you. In short; seek out people who allow you to be
yourself, and avoid people who contribute to your stress.
(Pro tip; Counseling or support groups are
another way to relieve holiday stress or sadness. Being able to connect with
others and sharing similar experiences and solutions can help you manage your
feelings.)
6.) SHiFT Your Focus: Lets get real. The commercialism and superficiality
of the holidays can get a bit aggravating. Instead of getting wrapped up in
stuff, things, and obligations; give back to your community. You could
volunteer at a toy drive, food bank, soup kitchen, or other opportunities your
town might host. Instead of getting lost in a stressful sea of people, contribute
to the well being of others (which in turn contributes to your own health). Choose a Charity Gift. Another
great way to avoid the mall or hours of online shopping is to give charity gift
cards or non-profit memberships that reflect your relatives/friends.
(Example; Network forGood allows the gift receiver to donate the money to the non-profit of their choice.)
7.) Remember Your Health: What is worse than committing to
multiple holiday obligations and feeling stressed? Getting sick and
having to either skip or suffer through them with a runny nose or cough. Get into the sun at least 15 minutes a day to soak up
some vitamin D. Regular exposure to sunlight or even fluorescent lights,
can significantly improve your mood during Autumn and Winter. Get plenty of sleep. Try
for at least 8 undisturbed hours a night and plan ahead accordingly. Good
sleep is one of our best defenses against illnesses, depression, stress and
weight gain. Too many nights out
and about can accumulate and leave you feeling like the Walking Dead (Benefits of
sleep) . Physical
activity is one of the best
ways to make yourself feel better through simple body chemistry in releasing
endorphins. Take a walk, go to the gym, or participate in a sport you enjoy.
(Pro tip; Try focusing on a specific fitness goal every day to keep you on track. If you want to burn more but have less time, try high-intensity interval training.
8.) Set Your Routine: Getting out of your normal routine with a bunch of parties and get-togethers can leave you feeling flustered. Set at least one goal every day; even if it is as simple as cleaning out a closet and donating some clothes or writing a few Christmas cards a day. The piece of mind you will get from completing these tasks add to your sense of productivity and sanity.
9.) Watch Your Intake: Moderation is key but the holidays can
be a time of temptation and excess. Watch your intake of
alcohol especially. A few drinks can make you feel temporarily euphoric,
but alcohol is a depressant and going overboard can lead to making you feel
even worse. On a more serious
note; Alcohol can
interfere with medication and intensify symptoms of any mental health issue. This can
also lead to uncomfortable or awkward moments at your holiday gatherings,
especially if you will be around people in your family who can trigger some
unpleasant emotions. On a
similar note; try to stick to a healthy diet and avoid overeating.
(Pro tip; Eat a healthy snack of some vegetables or fruits before attending a holiday party to leave less room for junk.)
10.) Plan Your Shopping: If you can’t do your shopping online
and the crowds are already out in force, you might want to consider taking a day off. Rather
than stressing and spending hours in traffic on your weekend, use one of the
vacation days you were saving for the holidays for a mid-week shopping
extravaganza. The shopping centers will be less crowded than on the weekends
and you'll be able to quickly accomplish your goals. Maybe you could even get some form of
alone time relaxation?! Once you have checked everything off your list on your
special day off, work will seem much less stressful and you can start to enjoy
the holidays.
11.) Reflect on Your Blessings: Whether you are religious or spiritual or none of the
above, whether you go to a church, a mosque, a synagogue or take time in
nature; take time to stop and reflect on your blessings in your life. The holidays are as good of a time as any to tell those people who you are grateful for just how much you appreciate them.
12.) Pack Your Bags: Need a change of holiday routine and
scenery? Get out of town. Literally.
Make it a trip for two with your significant other, or make it a family affair.
Instead of buying gifts for each other, spend the money on the experiences and
memories that will last a lifetime. As the comedian Daniel Tosh once said,
“Ever see anyone frown on a jet ski? No. That’s because it is physically
impossible.” Visiting parts of
the world that are particularly more sunny can also improve your mood, not to
mention give you a great tan : ).
(Example: Ever spent Christmas on a beach in Hawaii? Mele Kalikimaka! I don’t know about you, but surfing some of the best waves in the world with my husband sounds great to me. Sometimes, if the holidays have you singing the blues and you just can’t beat ‘em or join 'em?…….fly away!)
***Seek professional help if you need
it. Many
studies estimate that there is at least a 15% increase in people seeking
professional help during the holiday season. If you are having trouble
sleeping, have lost your appetite, have continuing thoughts of hopelessness and
despair, seeking professional help may needed.
Have a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New
Year!
Best wishes,
Nicole @ SHiFT.coaching.counseling.consulting
