How to Enjoy the Holidays Instead of Just Surviving Them
[Cue the Jaws theme music.] Dun dun. Dun dun. Dun dun dun dun dun dun.
It's approaching. Quickly. And in no time at all, it's here. No, I'm not talking about a great white shark. I'm talking about the holidays. The lights, the cheer, the whimsy of it all. But it also brings the rushing, the gatherings, the gifting, and the chaos. It's one of the most beautiful times of the year and one of the most stressful.
So here's my question: how are you taking care of yourself this year so you can actually enjoy it instead of dread it?
Let's be honest. As much as we love this season, there's a slight tinge of dread in there too. Fear not. Your secret is safe with me, and I will never tell your family. ;)
Setting Boundaries During the Holidays
Consider the next few weeks your training ground. Start planning what taking care of yourself looks like for you. Hint, hint, nudge, nudge: it might mean not saying yes to every party, event, and person. It's ok to set boundaries. When you do, you give the people around you permission to set theirs too. Saying no isn't selfish or rude. It's how you show up better for the things you do say yes to.
No one is winning a prize for attendance. I would much rather have people at my place who truly want to be there than people who are there out of obligation. Chances are your people feel the same way about you.
5 Simple Ways to Manage Holiday Stress and Make Time for Yourself
I'll keep this short so it doesn't add to the overwhelm. Here are five ways to hold on to your sanity and your sense of self:
Maintain your routine. This is the anchor. Keep doing you, and the season won't run you.
Schedule downtime. Rest, reset, recalibrate. Put it on the calendar like any other event, because it is one.
Let go of perfectionism. Like I said, no one is getting an award. Nobody remembers whether the napkins matched.
Speak up when you need help. Shopping, cooking, wrapping, or emotions. Asking is allowed.
Stay active. Keep moving the way you normally do. Circle back to tip one: protect your routine so the holidays don't run your life.
I hope some of these resonate and leave you feeling less chaotic and less pulled in every which direction. Breathe. Stay grounded. Stay you.