The holidays are typically a time where family and friends can get together and celebrate. For some, the weeks leading up to the holidays can cause headaches, havoc and unrest. Here are some tips to help you survive the weeks leading up to the holiday season.
Plan Ahead
Now is the time to look at the calendar and lay it all out. Identify which day will be a shopping day, which day is a baking day, which day will be occupied with get togethers. By labeling it ahead of time you will be able to avoid feeling like you are running out of time. Don't forget to schedule time for self-care, it’s easy to forget about the most important person during this time of year, you!
Just Say No
Don’t be afraid to say “No”. Recognize that you can’t do everything and be everything all the time. Saying yes all the time can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Be realistic
Does it have to be perfect? Is good enough? Thanks to social media, now more than ever we have these imaginary standards of how something is supposed to look. Trying to keep up with pinterest can be exhausting and impossible.
Stick to a budget
Get an idea of how much you can realistically spend over the holidays without going into too much debt. Spending too much over the holidays leads to stress, anxiety and depression in the New Year when the credit card bills start to roll in. Strategies to avoid spending too much over the holidays include:
Donate to a charity in somebody' else’s name
Give homemade gifts
Start a family gift exchange
Avoid eating out, have pot luck get togethers instead
Don’t abandon healthy habits
Even though you may be busy, still make time for exercise, stick to a healthy diet and sleep routine.
Feel It
Recognize how your are feeling and talk about it. It’s not always possible to be with your loved ones and that can be difficult. Whether it is due to distance or the passing of a loved one, sometimes it is difficult to process these feelings during this time of year. It’s okay to cry and express yourself, just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to be happy. Take some time to look at old pictures, tell stories about them, sing their favourite song, cook their favourite meal to feel close to them.
Remembering a feeling is much easier than what gift was given in any particular year. Take the time to reflect and recharge with your loved ones over the holiday season!
Happy Holidays!