How To Find Your Holiday Happy Place

The holiday season is a joyful time of year — especially now that vacations, family gatherings, and social engagements are making their way back into the picture. But the downside is that a busier schedule may come with unwanted stress. Here are some tips for having a calmer, more enjoyable holiday experience:

Don’t Wait Too Long to Deck the Halls

Holidays have a way of bringing out our procrastinating tendencies. We are all guilty of it! This year, try to break the vicious cycle of having to run around at the last minute, dealing with holiday traffic, shopping for gifts, baking, and preparing for parties. Do your best to plan ahead: Budget gift money, who you’re buying for, what you’re buying, and whether it needs to be shipped. Start early and do a little at a time so you don’t get slammed in December.

Make a List and Check It Twice

Part of planning is making lists. Lists are vital to staying organized, and research shows they can help with stress. Lists help us determine what is a high priority and what can wait. But what can easily be forgotten is to list things that are good for you too.

Divide your list into those things that will make others happy and those that will make you happy. Perhaps a massage or facial is something you would like, or maybe it’s even simpler than that — a nap or setting aside time to read a book. Remember that doing things that make you happy may make you kinder and more patient and generous with others.

Calendar Your Way to Happier Holidays

The good news is technology has given us numerous ways to organize our time. Preparing your calendar for the holidays is imperative in limiting stress. Start by blocking the obligations you know about. For instance, if you’re going to spend Thanksgiving with family in another city, block out more than just the days you’ll be away to give yourself some time to rest in between, and to leave time for packing, errands, arranging pet sitters, etc. You’ll definitely want a buffer of time between vacations and parties. You’ll need it!

Rock Around at Your Own Pace

Here’s where everyone needs some help: saying no! It won’t be long before invitations for holiday activities will pour in, and let’s face it, many of us are excited to start “getting back out there”. Use your calendar to limit social obligations, and do only what is realistically possible and what you feel comfortable with. It’s easy to overcommit and stress out trying to do it all. That’s when it’s important to take a helicopter view of your calendar and decide what makes the most sense. Maybe you have invitations to three parties in one weekend. Pick one and have a blast.

Slow Down That Sleigh Ride and Avoid Multitasking

While most do this with regularity, research has proven that multitasking is not only ineffective but also may be harmful to your brain. Slowing down and focusing on one thing at a time might help productivity and protect your brain from overload. A constant barrage of information may lead to chronic stress, which peaks during the holidays. Do yourself a favor by being aware when you’re doing too much.

Run, Run, Rudolph

Holidays breed casualties when it comes to healthy eating and exercise. If you’re already an avid exerciser, research shows that stopping your workouts for even a week can bring on depression and fatigue. Exercise can elevate your mood and reduce tension and confusion. During the holidays, make it a point to keep an exercise routine intact.

With food and alcohol, it’s tougher. Being conscious of what you’re putting in your mouth can help you choose healthier foods instead of impulsively eating party snacks that are filled with unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt. Another strategy is to take smaller portions of those comfort foods we love. Remember, a little eggnog goes a long way. (Try our no-egg eggnog. It’s delicious and alcohol-free!)

Welcome a Silent Night

Meditation is a great way to regroup under stressful situations. There are numerous phone apps offering five-minute meditation sessions. Try it first thing in the morning or right before bed. It’s a way of clearing your mind and allowing deep breathing. Research shows that meditation may reduce depression, improve sleep, help manage pain, and improve self-esteem and concentration.

As we enter the holiday season, we hope these tips help keep your heart merry and your spirits bright.