Take Charge of Your Health - Keeping the Holiday Magic
Joy comes to us in ordinary moments.
We risk missing out when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.
-Brene Brown
The holidays are most often a time of love, joy, and celebration; however they can also bring added levels of stress and anxiety. Planning, travel, shopping, decorating, cleaning, cooking, baking, and entertaining family and friends can be a bit overwhelming, so we thought we would offer some tips to maintain your sanity and savor the joy of the season.
Think about your objectives for the holidays. How do you wish to spend your time? Who and what are your priorities? What are your favorite, “must do” activities for the holiday?
If you face some family disagreements, put them aside for the holidays and keep things light.
Consider what can you do to make sure you do not overdo, overcommit, overspend, or overconsume? Come up with a plan.
Try to stay present in the moment. If you are rushing around too much, you may miss the magical moments of the holiday season with your loved ones. Be careful not to set unrealistic expectations or take on more than you can manage.
Plan some simple but special activities with children – whether that be baking and decorating cookies, making a gingerbread house, creating homemade holiday cards or ornaments, donating toys to a local community center, or watching your favorite holiday movies together with popcorn and hot chocolate in hand.
Practice gratitude – Tis the season to consider all the things we are thankful for. Being appreciative can actually improve our health and our relationships.
Lighten your load of responsibility. For example, if you are hosting meals at your house, ask your guests to bring an appetizer, salad, side dish, dessert or a bottle of wine or champagne. It adds to the fun. Think of errands family members or friends can assist you with. Perhaps they can walk the dog or help wrap gifts. People like to feel helpful during the holidays.
Keep moving; exercise is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. Keep up with your exercise routine or take a daily walk.
Music lifts the spirit – Put on some Christmas music while you are decorating the house or doing your chores!
Develop a budget so that your gift shopping stays within the limits of what you can afford. Think about homemade gifts, a Secret Santa program where you exchange a gift with one person, or bake/make something as your gift to family members and friends.
After a super busy day of holiday preparation or celebration, plan a “down day” where you and guests can take a breather and just relax together. Perhaps some board games?
Do your best to get plenty of sleep. And try to keep the kids on a schedule of going to bed at their usual time to avoid grumpiness the next day.
Remember finding time to relax may be the best gift you give yourself this holiday season. It is ok to say no if you are feeling overwhelmed with expectations or obligations.
Try not to worry about everything being perfect!
If you are alone for the holidays, you could be feeling lonely or isolated. A good remedy may be to reach out and volunteer for a community organization or local nonprofit. Offering compassion and giving back can really help lift your spirits and provide you with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
If you have lost someone in the past year and miss them over the holidays, share some of your stories and memories of them and consider donating to a local organization in their honor.
Don’t forget to be mindful of the basics: get your vaccinations in advance of the holidays, don’t drink and drive (or let others); monitor children and their safety closely; and be especially careful with potential fire hazards -- from the stovetop, space heaters, candles, or the fireplace.
The world feels upside down right now for many of us. Take a break from listening to the news or social media. Holidays are the perfect time to calm your mind.
Consider and reflect upon your accomplishments in the past year and consider your goals for the coming year.
PS: Don’t forget the mistletoe.
Thanks for joining us this year...However you spend your holiday season, may you find moments of peace and joy to savor.