The Holiday Season - A Survival Guide
I’m that person. The one who has a Christmas playlist on their phone ready to go by mid-November; who has planned this years ‘wrapping theme’ and has presents organized months in advance. The type who’s counting down the days until it’s acceptable to put up a tree, plays Christmas movies on repeat and decorates the house to turn it into a Christmas wonderland. My husband, well he’s more Grinch like. For so many though, regardless of where you sit on the Grinch scale, the holiday season can be tough. Family visits can prove taxing. Painful feelings may resurface, especially with the memory of lost loved ones or past difficult family circumstances. You may be saddled at this time of year with increases of stress, disappointment or anxiety. For some, the holiday season can be a time of loneliness, excess and heartache. Luckily, we have 10 tips to help you navigate through those trickier days.
1| Stick to your regular routine
As much as humanly possible, try to stick to your normal routine. A change in routine can increase your stress levels so working with what you know is a great way to help you through the silly season. Aim to go to the gym when you would normally, attend your regular scheduled meetings and try to stick to your normal diet. There’s comfort and safety in routine and that might be just what the doctor ordered to help you manage this holiday period.
2| Be realistic
It’s only natural to create an ideal image in your mind of what the holidays “should” look like — a beautiful tree, stockings hanging, everyone laughing and smiling etc. but often the fantasy that we create in our minds only sets us up for disappointment. Try to be realistic here. Remember that no one is perfect and that no one has the perfect family. Social media might play into this idealized state for you. If that’s the case, try minimizing your exposure to it or only follow those who make you feel good when you come across their feeds. If you do see seemingly perfect pictures of another’s magical Christmas remember, no one knows the reality of what goes on behind closed doors.
3| Aim for moderation
It is so easy to fall into the festive indulgence trap and whilst there is nothing wrong with enjoying these special gatherings (I know I certainly will be!) it’s about trying to find some balance. Bear in mind that drinking and eating might help ‘ease the pain’ of the holiday blues or that spark of social anxiety with all of the added social engagements, but it can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame. Try alternating your cocktails with water - not only will it help you stay hydrated and fresh, but it will help you balance out any pesky negative feelings that might creep in the next day.
4| Say no!
This is an important one to remember. It’s normal to feel pressure to attend social gathering after social gathering at this time of year. Add in kid’s concerts, work parties and family obligations and your schedule barely has room to breathe. It is more than okay to say no. Remember this is your holiday too and you are in control of what you agree to do.
5| Take time for you
For some of you this will be a no-brainer, but for others, the holiday season becomes all about everyone else. It is vitally important to remember to take some time out for you. Go for a walk, read a book, watch a TV show - do activities that enable you to reset, relax and have fun.
6| Sleep
This one sounds basic but when we’re busy and there’s lots going on, sleep can be impacted. Ensuring that you have good quality sleep will help you to stay balanced, recharged and less stressed. Try to aim for 7-8 hours per night and you’ll notice that you’re able to manage the holiday season with more ease.
7| Don’t be alone, if you don’t want to be
If you anticipate that you’ll be spending the holidays alone, and you don’t want to be, try volunteering somewhere, like a soup kitchen or an elderly home. Not only will you have company, but people will be so appreciative of you it will hopefully fill you with lots of warm and fuzzies.
8| Feel your feelings
The holiday season can bring with it a whole host of different feelings and for some it may be the first holiday after a loved one has passed. Remember that it’s OK to feel sad. It’s okay to feel however you’re feeling. And if you’re feeling up for it, you could create a beautiful tradition to honour their memory.
9| Anticipate obstacles
Take a few moments to reflect on previous holiday seasons and what caused you stress. Was it that you overcommitted to things? That you felt lonely? That you found a particular family gathering painful or stressful? Once you’re aware of your stressors you can plan how to approach them and hopefully avoid the same obstacles.
10| Stay in the moment
In all the chaos of the silly season, it’s easy to become frantic and not be present. So, I want you to try to do just one thing. Let go of everything else for a few minutes and really focus on your 5 senses. This can be a really great way to bring you back to the present moment in the midst of all the crazy and is particularly great to try when you’re doing tasks around the house, like decorating, listening to music, washing the dishes or taking a shower.
Everyone manages the holiday season in their own way, but I hope these 10 little tips and reminders help you to enjoy your best one yet. Wishing you a very, very happy and healthy holiday!
