It is no surprise that the holidays tend to be a stressful time for everyone. Although enjoyable, extensive time with family and friends, frequent events, and the inevitable financial strain that can occur during the holiday season can make it difficult to actually enjoy this time. Below are some ideas that may help guide you through surviving this holiday season.
- Pamper yourself
Although baths and face masks aren’t the end-all-be-all of self care, time dedicated to taking care of you could be exactly what you need this holiday season. Focus on the small things you can do for yourself throughout the week – don’t underestimate the power of something as simple as adding an extra 10 minutes to your nightly routine to give yourself the space to breathe and reset during this time.
- Take time to get organized and prioritize
During the holidays, it can seem like there is a never ending list of things to do and not enough time to do it. Taking time to sit down and decide what must get done versus what would be nice to get done can minimize the stress of the holiday season. It can be easy to get caught up in unnecessary “to-do’s” during this time – be realistic about what you can handle both physically and mentally. Although it would be ideal to attend every party and participate in all the holiday festivities, sometimes it’s just not possible. Make it easier on yourself this season! Use the resources you have to help accomplish the mandatory tasks and anything done in addition to those are simply a bonus.
- Boundaries
Boundaries are important for your mental health during any time of the year, but especially during the holidays. Too often we find ourselves focusing on everyone’s needs but our own, which can lead to a very overwhelming couple of months. Remember what you need – whether that is time to yourself, limited time with others, a date night with your spouse, a full night of sleep… the list goes on. It’s important to implement boundaries that help you continue to function at your best so that you can help others the way you want during the holidays.
As I have said several times, the holidays can be a rough time for everyone. Hopefully, these tips will help you take advantage of the joy this season can bring and minimize the stress it can produce! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
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