Every year, people find themselves trying to create the happiest season of all; but as to-do lists get longer, events start to pile up, and the busiest time for family gatherings nears, the pressures of planning and executing everything perfectly set in. It’s something that is often anticipated, but even the most jolly of the bunch can begin to feel run down or overwhelmed with worry every now and then. The good news is that there are several ways of coping with the busyness of the holidays while still keeping the holiday spirit.
MIND
MANAGE EXPECTATIONS
No one should be expected to do it all, and that includes the expectations people put on themselves. Are certain traditions becoming too much to handle alone? Feel free to pass on a couple of responsibilities or to have a small gathering to teach others how to do them as well. Being realistic about how much can be done will do wonders with not becoming overwhelmed by New Year’s.
ACCEPT IMPERFECTIONS
Forget about perfection; relax and let the memorable moments just happen. When it comes to favorite holidays, some people tend to set the standard too high. Let go of sticking to a strict schedule and just live in the moment. Even if some moments are unplanned or stressful, stay focused on the positives.
COPE WITH LOSS & HONOR LOVED ONES
If the holidays seem like too much after a recent loss, there’s no need to force a celebration. Holidays often conjure joy, laughter, and warmth. Yet, they can also be reminders of the loved ones that people wish to remember. Finding ways to honor these treasured individuals during the holidays is a way to bridge the gap between memory and presence. Communicate with family and friends about how they can help to continue old traditions or make new ones to ensure that the spirit of loved ones continues to shine bright.
COMBAT THE WINTER BLUES
Feelings of sadness or loneliness during the colder, darker months is a challenge many face. Embrace natu-ral light whenever possible as it can have a rejuvenating effect; even brief moments under the winter sun can up-lift one’s mood. Social connections, in person or virtual, and exploring new indoor hobbies can also offer warmth and camaraderie during the isolating cold. Remember that seeking out family help or professional guidance when feelings become overwhelming is not only okay but can off er valuable support.
TRY JOURNALING
Journaling during the holidays provides a unique opportunity to capture the essence of the season with reflections on its events, experiences, and memories. Amid the whirlwind of activities, take a moment to pen down thoughts and feelings to allow for a moment of introspection and grounding. It’s a space to document traditions, highlight unexpected joys, and perhaps even navigate the complexities for the next year. As years pass, these holiday journals become treasured keepsakes, offering a window into past celebrations and personal growth.
USE POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS
When emotions are running high, stressors can be amplified; the practice of repeating positive affirmations can lead the way to calmness and resilience. These simple statements of truth and positivity serve as powerful reminders of intrinsic worth, capabilities, and the joys inherent in the season. By cultivating this habit, people can not only navigate the festivities with greater ease but also infuse every moment with deeper appreciation.
JOURNALING
Start journaling. Not only is it great for mental health, it’s fun to be able to look back on in years to come to remember and see how far one has come.
AFFIRMATIONS
Speak positive affirmations in the present tense as though they are already true— even if they’re not. “I am patient. I am calm. I am thankful.”
LIGHT
Soak up the sun when the opportunity arises. On those rare 65+degree days, get outside and charge those batteries like a human solar panel.
BODY
MAINTAIN MEAL BALANCE
With its festive feasts and tempting treats, the holidays often present a challenge for those striving to maintain a balanced diet. However, eating healthy doesn’t mean being deprived of joyous culinary experiences. Instead, make mindful choices and integrate wholesome alternatives into traditional dishes. Moderation is key, as is listening to body cues. Remember to make each meal both a nourishing and soul-enriching experience.
KEEP TO YOUR ROUTINE
A calendar dotted with well-planned celebrations can sometimes disrupt even the most well-established routines. Adhering to established patterns can serve as an anchor amidst the holiday whirlwind. These routines are gentle reminders of personal commitments and self-care, offering comfort and familiarity while ensuring people don’t lose sight of the practices that nurture their well-being all year round.
EXERCISE
Winter months are often accompanied by a notable chillin the air, which can sometimes push regular exercise routines to the back burner. Yet, maintaining physical activity can act as a rejuvenating counterbalance to holiday indulgences. Incorporating physical activities, whether it’s a brisk morning walk, decorating the house, ice skating with the family, or a quiet yoga routine by the glow of the tree, can help in metabolizing seasonal treats and alleviating stress. Moreover, the endorphin boost from regular movement can elevate the holiday spirit, ensuring that people navigate the season with joy as well as a healthy heart full of gratitude.
GET GOOD REST
Prioritizing good rest allows the body to recharge and fully absorb the magic of the holiday season. As the days become a blur of get-togethers and preparations, setting aside moments of rest and tranquility can prove to be a sanctuary. Establish a calming nighttime routine, don’t find reasons to stay up late, plan out the day ahead well before bedtime, and ask for help with errands during the day. With good rest, people can become more present, joyful, and energized, making the most of every festive moment.
FOOD
Work on creating a healthy relationship with food. It’s not always easy when having so many options within an arms reach. But,a im to focus more on putting good things in rather than keeping bad things out.
ROUTINES
Schedule personal time before the chaos begins. If a morning routine includes a walk or a coffee on the porch, schedule this quiet time to ensure that space is reserved. Having “me” time is just as important as time given to others.
EXERCISE
Do not underestimate the power ofYouTube when it comes to at-home exercise practices. Nearly any type of practice can be found, including achievable five-minute meditations or stretch sequences.
REST
Use tools to establish a healthy sleep routine. Nowadays, most smartphones have a bedtime reminder that the user can set. Try it out, and see if a gentle nudge is enough of a reminder to stay on schedule
SPIRIT
BE PRESENT
Being present means fully immersing oneself into the moment. These moments might include listening to the laughter shared at the dinner table, noticing the scent when picking out a Christmas tree, or watching the serene stillness of a snowy morning with a warm cup of coffee. Set aside distractions, pause from the rush, and truly take in the fond memories happening in the present. By consciously staying in the now, people can create deeper connections, cherish memories more vividly, and experience the beauty the holidays genuinely offer.
FIND SPIRIT IN GIFT GIVING
While the act of presenting loved ones with tokens of appreciation is heartwarming, it’s vital to remember that the essence of the holidays extends far beyond material exchanges. Be creative and give a gift from the heart, not the pocketbook. Stressing over finding the perfect gift can overshadow the genuine moments of togetherness.Take time to help loved ones and neighbors rather than giving them a present. At its core, the holiday spirit is rooted in love, understanding, and shared experiences.
CREATE AMBIANCE
Having a sensory tapestry woven from sights, sounds, and scents can evoke the perfect amount of holiday nostalgia. Soft, twinkling lights can transform an ordinary room into a festive haven while candles or diff users wafting familiar scents, like cinnamon, pine, or baked goods, can bring back fond memories. Tactile elements, from plush throws to handcrafted ornaments, further enhance the cozy vibe. Together, these touches set the stage for shared moments.
GIVING
Bring a traditional holiday card to life withHallmark video greeting cards that create lasting and meaningful keepsakes at a low price point with little effort.
AMBIANCE
Turn off the over-head lights and turn on lamps and decorative lights at sunset. Something as simple as changing a room’s lighting can help everyone settle down.
PRESENCE
Count how many items there are of a specific color around the room as this can help people be present in the moment. Then, change to another sense like smell, sound, and so forth.