Holiday Stress Gotcha?

Well, whether you like it or not, we have officially reached the holidays. As I write this, I am surrounded by Christmas music and Starbucks Holiday Red. With the amount of fun and joy that the holidays bring, they also bring just as much stress. Here are a few suggestions I have to stay calm during the holidays.

1. It’s Okay to Say No

With the holidays come the demands of managing everyone’s schedules and parties. Come to this cookie exchange. Come to this gift exchange. Did I mention the overload of Christmas gifts that you have to buy just going to these parties?! It is okay to say no. You don’t have to go to every party or cookie baking day. Yes, you might disappoint. But your brain and body will thank you. Maybe that is part of the process. Experiencing the uncomfortable feeling of disappointments and working through it.

2. Holidays Should Bring You Joy

The holidays should bring you joy not stress or worry. Are you feeling that way? Stressed or worried? Life is way too short to feel that way. So do the things that bring you joy. Spend time with people who make you feel good. Take a break when you need to.

3. Meditate

Okay so maybe you are not a meditator. That’s okay. I’m not saying to literally meditate (unless that brings you to a place of calm, then meditate). I’m implying that you need to take some time this holiday season with self-care. What is self-care you ask? Well it is pretty much self explanatory. You need to spend time doing things that focus and you and your mental health. Watch a movie. Read. Paint. Listen to music. Do things, even if for a few minutes, that will lower your stress level.

My Take Away…

The holidays can not only bring you joy, but also create a lot of unwanted stress. Remember that it is okay to say no to various plans and people. Do things that bring you joy. Maybe that means spending a few minutes a day on self-care. Don’t let this holiday season take over your life. Make a mental note that you will be filled with joy this season.

Let’s keep the conversation going. What brings you joy?