Simple Ways to Maintain Peace, Balance and… Sanity During the Holidays
The holidays are filled with gratitude, togetherness and relaxation. But between work, family expectations and packed schedules many struggle to maintain balance during the holiday season. Excessive eating, drinking and spending, along with struggling to maintain boundaries can lead to feeling overwhelmed and burned out as the new year approaches. Here are some self-care tips to help you and your family have a happy, healthy holiday season.
Nourish your body
Our eating, sleeping and exercise routines can fall off the wagon during the holiday season. Maintaining healthy wellness habits can help you enjoy the fun (and chaos) the holiday season may have in store.
Stay hydrated. This will keep you looking and feeling your best and will flush extra sugar, salt or alcohol from your system (bye bye, toxins).
Eat on your regular schedule to keep your blood sugar steady and avoid becoming overly hungry.
Move your body at least once a day. Go for a walk, swim, bike, yoga, lift weights. Find something that turns you on and go for it!
Strive for 8 hours of sleep.
Treat Yo’self! Allow some indulgences but make them the exception not the norm. Plan your splurges.
Create Time for Self-Care
Extra stress, unrealistic expectations or even sentimental memories can bring on the holiday blues. Many people choose to numb painful emotions with food, alcohol or busy themselves with work. While this might provide a temporary distraction, these emotions will return and may become more intense.
Allow some time and space for you. Breathe, meditate, go for a walk
Schedule a massage or a facial (or both!)
Journal
Confide in a close friend
Find a therapist who can help you unpack those feelings, thoughts and emotions
Practice Saying “No”
It’s okay to say no to travel plans or holiday events if they become overwhelming. It can be hard at first, especially if you are used to taking on… well, everything. If you feel guilty saying no, try to remind yourself how much more present and peaceful you will be when you are not thinking about the next five events you have to attend!
Identify your needs and get comfortable with prioritizing you and your family over others expectations of you.
Pay attention to how people are really affected when you say “no”. We often have a harder time saying it than others do accepting it.
Notice how others do it. Learn to confidently yet graciously set boundaries.
Create Your Own Traditions
Much of the stress and pressure around the holidays center around what we should be doing or what has always been done. Trying to preserve family traditions and expectations can lead to conflict, feelings of resentment and disconnection. Talk to your family about what's important and what will deepen your feelings of love and connection.
Keep simple, meaningful holiday traditions.
Focus on gratitude and adjust expectations.
Be intentional with how you spend your time.
Seek Help if needed
For many, the holidays are filled with dread and obligations to people who may not have been very supportive of you throughout your life. Don't let anxiety and overwhelm steal the joy from your holidays. Reach out for support, and let's work together to make this season a time of growth, connection, and self-discovery. Your well-being matters, and I am here to help you navigate through it all.
Click the link below to schedule a free 20-minute consultation call.