HOW TO SURVIVE HOLIDAY STRESS:
As the holidays approach, stress, depression, anxiety, and struggles with time management can increase. With holiday parties, finding the right gifts to buy friends and families, and travel plans, the holidays' approach leaves us little time and energy for taking care of ourselves. Here are some tips that clients have told me over the years have been helpful for staying mindful and remembering what the holidays are really about.
1. BREATHE
Whether you are in a crowded department store trying to find the perfect gift for all of your family members, or at a stressful family get together, remembering to take deep breaths from your diaphragm can make a world of difference. Breathing helps you to pause, gets much-needed oxygen into your brain so you can think straight, and slows down your nervous system so your entire being feels safer and calmer.
2. EAT
Many families have a tradition of doing one large meal in the middle of the day on holidays. If this is the case in your family, I recommend that you eat regularly throughout the entire day as you would normally, rather than skipping breakfast to "save up" for the mid day meal. Going into the meal overly hungry can cause you to overeat and also to be irritable and grumpy.
3. DON'T OVERSCHEDULE YOURSELF
Between parties, meals, shopping and the responsibilities of everyday life, it is easy to over schedule yourself around and during the holidays. Know what your limit is and feel free to say "no" if needed or make some compromises. You don't have to do everything.
4. ASK FOR HELP
Do not put so much pressure on yourself to do it all. If you are stumped on what to buy someone, ask them to please just tell you what they would like. Better yet, make it a tradition in your family or group that everyone posts a list of their gift requests to make it easier. Ask someone to help you do the shopping, or help you cook. Make the meals potluck style. You deserve time to relax and enjoy yourself just as much as everyone else.
5. DO NOT EXPECT PERFECTION
In magazines, we see perfectly lit fireplaces, perfectly set tables, and smiling family members eating chef quality meals. THIS IS NOT REAL LIFE. Dishes will burn, families will fight, and someone will spill red wine on that pristine tablecloth. You are much better off if you set an intention to go with the flow and accept that perfection does not exist. After all, the holidays should be about time with loved ones and gratitude for the good in your life. Make a decision this year to keep it about what matters as much as possible.
