We just finished the Thanksgiving holiday and are officially in the thick of the full festive season. Christmas trees are being purchased, decorations are going up and shopping is in full swing. And we all have different feelings and approaches when it comes to the holidays, so dealing with that can lead to stress as well. It can be a busy and even overwhelming time of year for many. But it doesn’t have to be! So that is why I’ve put together a list of seven things we all can do to help ourselves navigate the holiday season a little easier this year (and beyond). As you read them, see how they can be applicable to your own life and how you can use them for more ease over the next few weeks.
- Make lists and/or have a system - I am a fan of lists and organization. You may find it helpful to come up with a system to stay organized with events, shopping, gifts and other items this season. Whether it is a family calendar in the kitchen, color coordinated sticky notes, or an app on your phone, finding a way to document your tasks to stay on top of them will help not only their presence on your list but your ability to get them off the list.
- Ask for help - It can be difficult asking for help at any time, but this time of year when there are more gatherings of family and friends, it can be overwhelming especially when hosting. If you are participating in lots of events, it is okay to ask for help preparing. Whether it is choosing to have a potluck event or asking for assistance in planning, remember you don’t have to do all tasks by yourself.
- Be intentional and prioritize tasks - Similar to asking for help, it is also important to be intentional with your time to prioritize the activities that are most important for you to do. Once you make your list, see what you need to do yourself and what someone else can do. Just because it appears on your list doesn’t mean you need to do it, it just needs to be done. You can also apply deadlines to your tasks based on when the event is held or when the shopping needs to be completed. The goal is to maximize your time each day without being overwhelmed or depleted.
- Be present & honor your energy - When you are feeling depleted or even frazzled, listen to your body. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, it’s okay to stop what you’re doing and pause for a few minutes or hours. If there are emotions coming up for you, then give yourself permission to identify and process them so they can pass. Giving yourself the time to be honest about where you are and what you’re feeling will lead to more productive days and more balanced reactions to stressors when they arise.
- Create time for yourself - Find a few minutes for yourself each day. Even if it is 5 mins to sit and breathe in silence, you will reap benefits. When you are able to do this, you give your body the opportunity to calm and reset. And by quieting any noise that is around you, you increase your connection to your body and intuition so you can remain focused…and again, calm. You are able to manage your energy more efficiently and be able to show up for those around you.
- Establish and hold boundaries - There often is pressure to attend lots of parties or events this time of year and sometimes we simply don’t feel up to it. Or we feel obligated to attend something because of the audience, but it doesn’t feel good to say yes to the invitation. If you don’t feel good about going, it’s okay to say no. Be honest with yourself when it comes to the activities that feel good and only attend those if you can. If not, give yourself a time limit at events you can’t get out of so you honor the obligation and your needs too.
- Food, sleep & water - Getting proper hydration and nutrients is always important, but during the holidays with more calories and sugar consumed it is more important to pay attention to getting the nutrients our bodies need to support us. Since there is more to do, you will need your rest to stay present and active during the day. Making sure you get enough sleep each night (7-9hrs), will provide all of your body’s systems time to rest and recover at night so you can wake up refreshed and ready to tackle your tasks. This will also help building your immune system so you don't feel run down.
I hope these tips are helpful as you navigate the tasks and events of the holiday season. You don’t have to use all of them either. Pick 1-3 that feel most applicable, and realistic for you to introduce into your routine easily. This time of year doesn’t have to be completely crazy if you get a few key pieces in place and work around those. Good luck and happy holidays! Need any help managing stress this holiday? Feel free to setup a time for us to chat about how to get more ease.