The holidays should be the most wonderful time of the year, yet they’re the most stressful. Try these 5 smart tips and stay just a bit more sane through the holidays.
Whether you’re ready or not, the holidays are here. You may be feeling the mix of emotions. Stress. Joy. Panic. But don’t worry, with a couple of simple strategies, you’re nearly sure to stay sane through the holidays.
Deep breath.
Okay, you have this. Instead of letting them crush you, you are going to crush the holidays, and here are five ways to ensure it.
1. Let It Go
Regardless of whether it’s 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. We are either setting our expectations way too high or those expectations are a set of false beliefs or wishes.
Either way, the number one way you will make it through the holidays with your mind and joy intact is choosing to let things go.
So when flights get delayed, gifts get forgotten, or you feel like your to-do list over runneth, choose to shake off everyone else’s expectations and only do what feels most important to you. Stand firm, say no, and remember the real reason for the season: Living in the moment to experience and celebrate more joy.
2. Do Things That Make You Happy
The holidays 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 that puts the Griswolds to shame. If so, embrace it. But if you’re more in the Scrooge camp, and prefer not to get all wrapped up in every party, gift exchange and volunteer opportunity, don’t feel guilty about it.
This season is meant to be joyful, not painful. It also is a lot of give and take. That dance of providing for others while reaping the feel good feels is a whole lot easier when you are feeding yourself the things that bring you joy. It might be a night at home in front of the fire, starting your own holiday traditions with family, or opening it all up and throwing a show stopper party. Take this year to do what makes YOU happy first. The more joyful you feel, the more it will infect others around you.
3. Don’t Overcommit
Your weekends can fill quickly with what seem like an endless number of holiday parties, shopping for gifts, and service projects, leaving weekdays to squeeze in the rest of your daily routine and all the leftover holiday to-dos.
Take time before the hustle and bustle begins to set boundaries. Take note of times you have available and times that are sacred to you and your family. Don’t let yourself get worn down by obligations and the flurry of the season. Stay true to yours and your families needs. Relax and enjoy!
4. Schedule Solo Time
Extroverts. Introverts. No matter what you rank on the Enneagram scale, there is something so healing about scheduling “you time” every day. A quiet space to think, be present, and rest. These are the keys to recharging that shine inside of you.
Mark non-negotiable time in your calendar where you focus on yourself and your needs. Exercise. Reflection. Tub time. Binge watching all of the Hallmark channel holiday movies. Set aside time just for you. Doing so allows you to be more and give more when you’re with others.
5. Write It Down
Clear the clutter in your mind by making a list of the commitments, the meals to plan, and even the gifts purchased (or yet to purchase). It’s 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 what you have to do, but also keep a running tally to help you avoid overcommitting, stick to your plan of what makes you happy, save time and energy, help your budget and everything in between.
So lay all out on the page. It doesn’t have to be pretty or organized. Just let it flow, then prioritize to get the most important things done, and let the rest of it go. It’s time to take back the holidays.
How to Do it All
The Nourished Planner is the best tool we’ve found to house meal plans, schedule dates, Christmas shopping lists, and to-do lists. Of course it is because we created it.
We’re looking forward to taking this year’s best habits into 2020 with the newest planner.
Give it a try yourself and 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.
If you want to start planning, goal setting, and goal-reaching, check out the Nourished Planner here.
Here’s to a very happy holiday season.
Heidi & Alexa
P.S. Our Black Friday sale begins early next week! Stay tuned for more details on our biggest Nourished Planner sale of the year.
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