While the holidays are often a time of fun and frivolity, many of us forget that some people do not enjoy the holiday season due to the extra stress it places on them. Because of the artificial ideal around the holidays — the concept that this period is ‘supposed to’ be about family, togetherness, kindness, generosity, and gratitude – the stress of loneliness, over-commitment or familial strain becomes particularly acute.
There are ways, however, that you can make the holidays more enjoyable even if you find it stressful.
A great place to start down the path of holiday cheer is to recognize the things that trigger holiday stress before they show up, and be fully equipped with ways in which to deal with those triggers.
Trigger #1 Buying Gifts
Shopping for gifts for friends and family can be one of the most stressful parts of the season. Changing your perspective can be one of the best ways to beat the stress before it occurs.
Think about what gift you could give someone that would create a change in their world. Focus on making gifting fun, rather than resenting the act itself.
And if you’re stressed out financially, get creative. Consider giving homemade gifts, or speak to your friends about giving to a charity instead. Those that truly care about you will be grateful for the thought and the time spent.
Trigger #2 Long Days and Busy Schedules
The additional activities of the season can really start to wear us down. Events for our kids, office parties, family get-togethers – all of this leaves us running around trying to accommodate everyone and may leave you feeling as if you don’t have time for you, which is a must.
Even if it’s just for 30 minutes a day, try to go out in nature, take a bubble bath, read a good book, dance, or whatever is fun for you and relaxes you. Choose for you first, then you’ll experience more joy with the activities you have to do with others.
Trigger #3 Unhappy People
Ever notice that people tend to be more cranky leading up to the holidays? Ever tire of going to gatherings with people that you work with or people that you call family that are generally just unhappy? Not so much fun for you. Don’t spend your time only with the cranks.
Write down the names of five people that put a smile on your face. Make plans to hang out more with these people during the holidays. In fact, call them and schedule it in your calendar. You’ll be amazed at how that will de-stress you and give you the energy to handle the other (less-happy) people you are obligated to be around during the holiday season.
Dain
P.S. For the full article in Better Homes & Gardens, please visit here.
P.S.S. And it’s that time of year again, when I have a Global Energetic Synthesis of Communion (ESC)! I would love to have you join. You can find out more information here.
