Feeling the holiday stress starting to creep in?! Well, I got you, my friend! It doesn’t have to be this way and here are 4 easy tips to lighten the load so you can actually ENJOY your holiday season without coming into the New Year crazed and strung out before its even begins.
Now, these are 4 simple tips but I want you to take them and adapt them how they work for you! Just like anything else I share with you, it's all bio-individual. It should work for you not make it harder. So if you need to tweak them a bit, then that's what you do!
Okay, here you go:
Delegate when you can
If you are hosting, the stress of having everyone over, whether its those traveling in for an extended period of time, for the day or even just for a dinner, it can become a huge ordeal if you let it! Around the holidays, lean on the family and friends around you. Yes, you may be hosting but those who love and support you are there to help you when you are in need. You just have to speak up! And if you aren’t hosting but still feel the pressure to attend, to be on the go, to get the perfect gift, to get SO MANY gifts.. ask for help. Maybe suggesting the idea of a gift exchange or secret Santa so there is less pressure to buy a gift for each person. I’m sure you wouldn’t be the only one slightly relieved.
Practice mindfulness
Being mindful as simple as it sounds can be huge for your mental health. It can reduce depression, improve emotions, improve physical health as well as sleep and so much more. Especially around the holidays, being present in the moment is what its all about! If you find yourself multi-tasking and feeling stretched a bit thin, see where you can delegate (tip #1) or do something later so you can allow yourself to really enjoy the time you have right now!
Make time for yourself (movement, reading, meditation)
Feel like you never have a moment to yourself during the holidays? Then make time for even just 5 minutes. When you’re in the shower, can you meditate for a few before hopping out? Maybe take the dog on a little longer walk in the morning before heading back into the house. Or maybe you read for 5-10 minutes before heading out to grab a cup of coffee and say good morning to all. It still might not feel like enough but a few minutes is better than none to allow you time with yourself, and your thoughts, and exhale a little more. I’m sure you love spending time with family and friends during the holidays, but no one will hold it against you if you need a minute or two to yourself.
Plan ahead
Whatever you can do to help your future self will make being in the moment that much more enjoyable. Try prepping the holiday meal shopping lists or dinner sides a little earlier - sometimes just chopping and dicing the prep work makes all the difference. I know my fair share of last-minute holiday shoppers but see if you can get your presents wrapped before the crowd shows up. That way you don’t have to stay up super late the night before wrapping them all at one time. Planning ahead can look however you need it to, but just remember every bit counts. The tiniest thing you can do now will save you later!
I know I will be focused on all of these, but especially being mindful as this is my first married holiday season. I want to soak up every second of it. For me, that means the phone will be away more, less multi-tasking, and pausing to savor each moment and memory.
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