The holidays are many people’s favourite time of year, but the season also comes with the potential for major stress.
Between social commitments, family squabbles, gift-giving responsibilities, and preparing for everything, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and get off track from your normal routine.
Instead of getting stressed out by all the pressure, make a conscious choice to enjoy yourself more and worry less. Keep reading to find out how.
Set an Intention For the Season
This should include what you want to do and how you want to be. For example, you may want to go on vacation or choose to be more present during the holidays.
Have Realistic Expectations
People tend to put added pressure on themselves during the holidays to get the right gifts, the right decorations, the right outfits, etc.
Setting unrealistic expectations only leads to disappointment and FOMO (fear of missing out). Instead lean into JOMO (joy of missing out) this season. Appreciate the moment you’re in and don’t worry about the rest.
Feeling relaxed and happy is always going to feel better than perfect and pressured.
Make a Holiday Fun List
Write down the holiday activities that are most important to you and refer back to it throughout the season. Keep it to around five items, although you can include more if they are small and easy to accomplish, or fewer if they are loftier and require more planning.
Be Creative with Scheduling
Get your calendar ready and make a note of all your “can’t miss” activities so you can keep in mind what’s coming up and how much time you’ll need to prepare.
Don’t try to get all your errands and to-dos done during primetime hours. If you want to bake cookies, try doing it on a Thursday night or a Sunday morning instead of busy nights like Friday or Saturday.
Create a Calm Environment
During this time of year, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with bright lights, decorations, and loud festive music, so be sure to keep your personal space a bit calmer.
When you’re at home, play soothing music (even if it’s still seasonal) and try to set the mood for relaxation with candles and some greenery.
Remember that the real meaning of the holidays is to spend time with those who matter most to you. As long as you are nurturing your loved ones and yourself, what more do you really need?
Find more great tips on the COVE™ blog now.
