5 Ways to Stay Sane Through The Holidays

The holidays should be the most wonderful time of the year, yet they’re the most stressful. Try these 5 smart tips and stay sane through the holidays.

The Holidays are here whether we’re ready or not. Maybe you are feeling the mix of emotions from stress to joy. Or you could be living in full on panic because your family is expected to stay with you and you have yet to prep. Don’t worry, you’ve got this and we have five tips to help you stay sane through the holidays.

Here are five realistic things you could be doing to make the most of this season. With the ultimate step, the one that didn’t make the list but is the most important, is to simply accept that the holidays are here.

Deep breathe.

Okay, you have this. No you more than have it, this year, you are going to crush the Holidays instead of letting them crush you and here are five ways you are going to do that.

1. Let it go

Regardless of if it is the Holidays or not, we could probably all take a stance to let more things go. Lets face it, when does life ever go as planned? Nearly never, am I right? Statistically over 90% of all expectations go unmet so either we are setting our expectations way too high or expectations are just a set of false beliefs or wishes.

Either way, the number one way you will make it with your mind and joy intact is choosing to let things go. Heck, why not just give up expectations in general and instead live in the moment?

So when flights get delayed, gifts get forgotten or your aunt gets you yet another ugly Christmas sweater, choose to shake it off and  stand firm where your two feet are. Most importantly, remembering the reason.

2. Do things that make you happy

The Holidays naturally come packaged with expectations, dates scheduled, parties and way too many commitments. Maybe you are someone who likes the hustle and bustle of the holidays,  if so, then embrace it. But if you’d rather be a Scrooge and prefer not to get all wrapped up in every party, gift and ugly sweater party than don’t feel guilty.

This season is meant to be joyful, not painful. In order to do this we have to allow a lot of give and take. Which, give and take becomes a lot more easy when you are feeding yourself with the things that bring you joy. Whether that be a night at home in front of the fire, starting your own holiday traditions or throwing a party. Take this year to do what makes you happy because we can assure you, the more joyful you are the more others around you will experience your joy.

3. Don’t overcommit

As mentioned above, the Holidays can be hard on the schedule. The weekends can fill quickly with what seems like an endless number of holiday parties you are expected to attend and the weeknights are packed with regular activities.

Instead of living in the rat race the holidays bring, take time before the hustle and bustle begins to set boundaries. Take note of times you have available and times that are sacred for you and your family. Don’t let yourself get worn down with a show and instead stay true to you and your needs.

4. Schedule solo time

Staying true to yourself generally takes solo time. Regardless of if you are introverted or extroverted, there is something so healing about scheduling time just for you every day. A quiet space, a white space, a space just to think, be present, learn and grow or rest so you don’t grow weary.

Make sure you mark non-negotiable time in your calendar just for you. This time, will allow you to be more and give more to others. We have to remember that the only way we can be everything we desire is to first care for ourselves including our bodies and our minds. So make this a priority and watch and see how this simple step can transform your life.

5. Write it down

Writing down commitments, meal planning and even gifts purchased or yet to purchase can help clear the clutter in your mind. It is a fact that our minds can only process and memorize a small faction of what it takes in throughout a day. By writing it down, you’re not only more likely to remember it but also keep a running tally that will help you not overcommit, stick to what makes you happy, save time and energy, help your budget and everything in between.

Writing, the physical act of taking pen to paper, is a critical step in our health through planning and taking action on necessary change but also on de-stressing our minds. So get a pen and paper, print off a week of the Nourished Planner, download this healthy meal plan and take back the holidays.

How to Do it All?

Are you looking for a good tool to house your meal plans, schedule, Christmas shopping lists, and to-do lists? If so, we’d encourage you to download our FREE printable weekly planning page from the Nourished Planner.

It has all of the tools you need to put these steps into action allowing you to experience your best holiday yet, sanity in check.

Remember, the reason for the season is something so much greater than our commitments, gifts purchased or how awesome that party is. So don’t let those things weigh you down. Keep them simple, realistic and most importantly enjoy the holiday’s for each moment.

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