While the holidays may be the “most wonderful time of the year,” for many of us, they’re also the most stressful time, too. With parties and gatherings to attend, gifts to buy, cards to write, family dynamics to navigate and more in the final months of the year, sometimes we feel more stress and anxiety than peace and joy.
It doesn’t have to be that way though. Here are a few simple strategies to help you take care of yourself throughout the holidays for a more enjoyable season.
Don’t be perfect; be you.
The holidays are a time when many of us put a lot of pressure on ourselves – whether it’s cooking the perfect family meal, picking out an amazing, thoughtful present for a loved one, having the best decorated house on the block, or baking the cute seasonal treats you’re seeing all over social media.
Just remember, these are things that should be fun, joyful and ultimately full of love. Enjoy the process and set realistic expectations for yourself – and what you can get done in the time you have – and try not compare yourself to others. If you do this, you’re more likely to remember how much fun you had making a gingerbread house with your kids, instead of feeling disappointed it turned out nothing like the elaborate Gingerbread castle you saw on Instagram.
Embrace connection while also taking alone time when you need it.
The holidays can often represent an opportunity to see loved ones we aren’t able to see throughout the year. Cherish this time with one another and make an extra effort to be engaged and present when you’re together. You may want to snap a few pictures for the memories, but then make an intentional effort to put your phone down and enjoy the moment.
That said, you can and should still take time to yourself when needed. Go for a quick walk by yourself to clear you head in the morning, hit the bed early to read a book one night, or if you’re a parent, simply taking a longer than usual shower can feel restorative. Finding a way to balance intentional connection and “you time” during the holidays can make a huge difference, especially for people who are naturally more introverted.
Enjoy the season while honoring your ongoing goals.
If you’ve been working all year to save money or maintain a healthy diet, you can still enjoy the holidays without forgetting those goals entirely. Know your limits going into a celebration – whether that’s with a financial budget, sweet indulgences, or something else. Celebrating with a festive cocktail or an extra seasonal expense is just fine, as long as you watch for the guardrails that will keep you on track long-term.
Reflect with gratitude.
It may feel cliché, but the holidays are a great time to reflect on what you have to be thankful for. More than just thinking about it, voice it! Tell people in your life why you appreciate them or even something small that is sparking joy for you. This attitude is often contagious, as it encourages others to look at their lives from the perspective of gratitude.
There will always be elements of the holidays that can leave us feeling overwhelmed or stretched thin. These four strategies, however, will help you approach this busy time of year in a grounded, intentional and realistic way, allowing you to enjoy and appreciate the season.
