As the holidays quickly approach, your mental to-do list is already growing. Meals, decorations, parties, gifts and much more are all running through your head. This plunge into busyness and hectic schedules doesn’t have to ruin the so-called joyful time of the year. Jennifer Wegmanna Health and Wellness lecturer at Binghamton University, State University of New York, has some tips to help you avoid holiday stress and enjoy the season.
Step into the moment
Don’t get caught up in a holiday whirlwind that moves so fast that you can no longer enjoy it. Lose the constant worry about what’s next and the preoccupation with finding just the right gift or presenting the perfect holiday meal. Could have, could have, could have destroyed your holiday season. Instead, be attentive and present. Choose to be intentionally present and mindful. Breathing exercises are a great way to ground you and help you enjoy the moment. Although simple, a very effective breathing exercise is to stop and take a few deep, diaphragm-filling breaths. So the next time you find your mind fixated on your to-do list, take a deep breath and look at the good things in your life.
Adopt an attitude of gratitude
There is great power in gratitude. Holiday worries and busyness can cloud and cloud our brains, causing us to forget what we are grateful for. Gratitude is choosing to look for the good in life, both within and without ourselves. Taking time to practice gratitude has been linked to a more positive outlook on life, better sleep, and less psychological pain. Practicing gratitude can look different for different people, so whether you keep a journal or post gratitude photos, find what works for you. Make sure you take time in the coming months to think about the people and things you are grateful for. Consider expressing that gratitude to others in your life.
Set healthy boundaries
The holidays often offer virtually unlimited possibilities and potential obligations. Parties, concerts, work events, school events, gifts – the list is endless. During this season, it is healthy and necessary to set boundaries. This will help protect your physical and mental health, while maintaining the important relationships and connections in your life. Before the season gets into full swing, take a moment to think about what matters most to you during the holidays. Focus on those things and give yourself permission to say “no” to the extras. You can be kind and considerate, yet firm and decisive. Try to aim for a middle ground that allows you to connect with friends, family, and coworkers without getting burned out by all the holiday festivities.
With these three tips you can make the holiday more fun and stress-free. However, these practices don’t have to stop at the last holiday party. Take these simple steps to create more balance and health in your life all year long.
Source: Binghamton University, State University of New York
References:
https://alternativemedicine.com/lifestyle-2/building-blocks-healthy-lifestyle/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10393216/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25736389/
https://www.binghamton.edu/decker/research/profile.html?id=jwegmann
https://alternativemedicine.com/wellness/happiness-in-your-2021-plans/