For many of us, the Holidays are wonderful: filled with family/ friend gatherings, goodwill, and gift giving. For some of us, the crazy schedule, family/ friend expectations, and social appointments may be taxing (introverts and parents: raise your hands!). So, how do you ENJOY the Holiday season WITHOUT stressing over it? Here are some tips:
1.) Act with intention. Remember the REASON for your holiday task. If it’s spending time with family/ friends, remember the special connection you have with these people. Remember what they add to your life. You are connecting to them because you love and care about them, right? Operate from that place instead of “duty”.
2.) Let go of tasks that serve no purpose. I ask my coaching clients this often: “Is this task moving you toward your goal?” Around the holidays, when our schedules are jam-packed with more social events, think about how you are spending your day. Is it benefitting your health/ wellness/ work/ family life? Or, is it a waste of your time? A great example of a wasteful time suck is scrolling on social media for hours on end. Ask yourself “What benefit does this task have?” and either let it go or keep it depending on your answer.
3.) Remember the self care. During the Holidays, people can get so caught up in doing, doing, doing that they stress their bodies and minds right out. Then, they don’t know why they are anxious, irritable, or even resentful! My challenge to you EVERY SINGLE DAY is to do something healthy and happy for yourself. Do 10 minutes of yoga, take that bubble bath with soft candlelight and healing music, eat your veggies, and talk nicely to yourself. Selfcare may mean hanging out with the guys or the ladies one night per week. Selfcare may mean reading quietly before bed. Selfcare may mean going for a walk out in nature. Identify what you need for selfcare personally and honor that in some way, form, or fashion every day.
4.) Don’t sweat the small stuff. If something/ someone/ some situation is driving you crazy, ask yourself: Is this going to have any impact on my life in 1 year? 5 years? Does this REALLY matter? Is this a necessary evil (such as tax preparation?) or is this a petty irritation (example: they don’t have the right tint of red decorations for my Holiday party). Keeping things in perspective goes a long way with stress management.
In the end, act out of self-love and respect. None of us are perfect! Do the best you can during this holiday season, enjoy your people, and take a breath. You’re probably doing better than you think you are. May you be well and happy.
Columnist Becky Longacre is a Nurse Coach for Health Transformers LLC. Send her questions at becky@healthtransformersmaine.com or call her at 207-400-7897. Visit her website at www.healthtransformersmaine.com <
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