Let’s face it, the holidays can be a stressful time. I love the holidays but they can even be stressful for me. The holidays are usually stressful, so there is no telling how stressful they may be this year.
In this blog, you will find the extended version of my Tips to Help You to Survive the Holidays downloadable PDF
Have realistic expectations
We can have a tendency to set high expectations for the holidays…very high and unrealistic expectations.
Something will not work out. Something will go wrong. Your food might get burnt, your holiday craft might come out looking like garbage. Someone might get sick and not show up. You might even be alone this holiday season.
No matter what goes wrong, and something will go wrong, you can still have a wonderful holiday. Set realistic expectations and try to go with the flow. Realize that not everything will be perfect…which leads me to my next tip:
Let go of perfectionism
Everyone wants the holidays to be perfect but there is no such thing. As I stated in the above tip, something is going to go wrong, something is not going to work out and that’s okay.
Take breaks
When things become too stressful or when family time starts getting to you, make sure you take a break. This can be going for a walk, drinking some hot tea, reaching out to friends, or even hiding out in the bathroom for 10 minutes.
Set aside differences and keep the peace
We all have that one grudge we can’t seem to let go of or that family member we just cannot get along with, no matter how hard we try. Pick your battles. Is the argument really worth it? Not usually, especially on the holidays when tensions are already a little high. Go with the flow and try your best to get along with others. Instead of arguing with family, vent to your friends to express yourself
or you can…
Journal
Journaling is a great way to express your feelings about what is going on this holiday. Expressing yourself in a healthy way is key when maintaining your sanity during the holidays.
Set boundaries
Setting boundaries with friends and family is important because it sets up the expectation of how you want to be treated. Loved ones may try to push your boundaries and it is important to recognize this. Maintaining your boundaries is a way to keep your relationships healthy and prevent you from becoming emotionally drained.
Don’t give in to guilt trips
Unfortunately, family time sometimes comes with guilt trips. Don’t give in to guilt trips. They are a form of manipulation. As with the tip above, stick to your boundaries. You know what you are capable of and what you are not capable of. It is not your job to fulfill everyone’s needs.
Focus on the good
There will be good and bad this holiday season. It is so easy to focus on the bad and be negative. It can be a little extra work to focus on the good and keep your spirits high but I promise you, it is worth it to focus on the good. It takes a lot of time and practice, but work hard at training your brain to focus on the good each day. This come easier and easier and eventually it will come naturally with practice.
Become aware of your feelings and accept them
Stay in tune with your feelings this holiday season. It’s been a crazy year and this holiday season may look different than it usually does. A lot comes up for people during the holidays. Sadness, grief, resentment, overwhelm are all things that can creep up on us during the holidays. Be aware of it. Take some time to examine how you are feeling and accept your feelings. Don’t shy away from them.
Like mentioned above, you can journal or vent to a friend. Accept your feelings and remember that feelings are fleeting. You won’t always feel the way you do in this moment. The feeling will pass.
Get good sleep
Go to sleep at a reasonable hour and wake up at a reasonable hour. Keep your sleep on a schedule and get enough sleep each night. This will help you avoid being grouchy during the day, which can lead to you snapping at something minor.
Meditate
There are so many meditation podcasts and apps out now that it is easier than ever to meditate. You can meditate for a few minutes each morning, during the day when you are taking a break from the day, or at night before bed.
If you can’t listen to a meditation app or podcast, try to take 10 mindful breaths. Inhale through your nose for 5 beats, hold the breath for 5 beats and exhale through your mouth for 5 beats.
Stick to a budget
Between gifts, crafts, decorations, and food, the holidays can leave our bank accounts a little bare which will inevitably lead to stress. No one should become financially strained during the holidays. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Your financial stability is more important than the consumerism of the holidays. You can do Secret Santa or do some sort of experience together or make homemade gifts. Hopefully your loved ones will understand.
Exercise
Exercising is a great way to release tension and boost your mood. If you can’t do a full workout then at least try to do some simple workouts in your room such as running in place, jumping jacks, crunches, or even stretching.
Learn to say, “no”
It’s so easy to give in to requests to not cause conflict but it’s important for you to be able to say “no” to things you are either uncomfortable with or don’t want to do, especially if you are overwhelmed and already have a lot on your plate.
Practice Gratitude
Remember what you are grateful for in times of stress and overwhelm can help you to focus on the positive and enjoy the moment.
Enjoy the present moment
Holidays come with a lot of prep and they are a lot of work. Our regular, everyday responsibilities can begin to pile up when ignored and ya know what? That’s totally okay! Enjoy the break from reality because it will be there tomorrow. The chores and responsibilities will all still be there and once you complete those, there will be more to complete. Focus on the moment you are in. It is completely normal for your mind to start to wander. Recognize it and bring yourself back to the present. You will be able to fully enjoy yourself that way.
Be generous
No matter what situation you are in or how you feel emotionally, someone will always have it better and worse than you. If you are having a rough holiday, someone may be having a rougher holiday. The holidays are a time to come together. Be generous with your time and resources. If you are able to spend time with those less fortunate than you or donate then do so. Its a time of giving and giving will make your hear three sizes fuller.
Meet others halfway
Everyone has different expectations and needs, especially during the holidays. Everyone’s needs are important and should be met at least some of the way. Try to meet others halfway and compromise. It will make the holidays run smoother.
Avoid conflict
Be like Elsa and just, “Let it go.”
Do an activity you enjoy
No matter where you are, what you are doing, who you are with or not with, take some time to do something you enjoy. Have fun by either taking some time to yourself or inviting your loved ones to join you.
I hope these tips were helpful and I hope you are able to find peace and joy this holiday season.
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And let me know what tips you use this holiday season in the comments.