10 Tips for Surviving the Holidays
Are your holidays becoming a holi-daze?
Trying to do and have it all has become a well-known holiday hazard, leaving
many frustrated, exhausted and pining for it all to just be over already.
But don't wish away a magical time of year–putting expectations into perspective
and taking time for yourself can bring back that holiday joy. Here are
a few tips to make your season merry and bright again!
- Schedule time for self-care! Regular exercise
and time for stress management are nonnegotiable. Devote some time to
your health and well-being. Take a walk, get a massage, meditate. Whatever
works for you, do it! You'll find yourself more relaxed and happier,
and maybe even more productive.
- Eat well. Moderation is the key. Plan ahead and be reasonable–there
will be an office party and treats abound. Maintain your normal healthy
diet and allow yourself small portions of special holiday treats. Do not
use alcohol or drugs for stress management.
- Set spending limits. Planning ahead
will help you avoid the stress that comes with over-spending. Decide what
you can spend–on gifts, food, entertaining, cards and all the trappings–and
work backward from that amount, allotting your resources. Time, too,
is a resource! Be realistic on how much time you have and want to
spend–on parties, visiting, whatever!
- Be reasonable in your expectations. The holidays are
a wonderful time of year–to see friends and family, celebrate and participate
in meaningful traditions. They are not, however, the be-all and end-all
measure of your success as a person or the joy in your life. Having unachievable
goals quickly leads to a bad case of post-holiday blues.
- Spread joy! Give compliments and smile. Appreciate those
who are helping and serving you. Take a deep breath when encountering negative,
anxious or rude people. Instead of getting sucked into their holiday stress,
be a beacon of jolliness.
- Reach out for support. Talk with "stable" friends
or family, clergy or mental-health counselors. Ask for help when you need
it.
- Remember to feel the wonder of the
season. Post
a small reminder somewhere where you will see it often. An index card proclaiming "Joy
to the World" or
that asks "Are you having FUN?" on the refrigerator or bathroom
mirror can be a good reminder.
- Stay in the present! Enjoy the people you are with–even
in a long check-out line–and make the very best of the situation that
you are in.
- Don't do it alone! Meet a friend for coffee and write
out some holiday cards or grocery lists together. You'll both accomplish
something and get to visit, too!
- Find the true spirit of the holidays. Ask yourself
what matters most to you and your loved ones at this special time of year.
Let go of the extraneous and you'll find you have plenty of time for the
things that really matter.
Remember, it's not important (or even possible!) to create perfect holiday
memories. That's for Martha Stewart and her minions to pull off!
Relax and take a sip of eggnog. Accept what you can do,
and then do what you can to make it all easier. Being less stressed will
make it possible for you and your family to enjoy and remember more of the
happiness that comes with the holidays.
–Donna Clayton Lawder
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