1. Make definitive plans with a trusted friend or family member.
Sometimes we feel that because it’s Christmas we’re obligated to endure gatherings that stress us out. What if you could have it both ways; both being there for obligatory holiday functions and opting out for stress free merry making?
You can absolutely do this.
Here’s how. Make a date with a friend. Plan to make dinner, exchange gifts, or go to the movies. Buy tickets in advance and when you arrive at your holiday gathering let the host know how glad you are to be there but that you also have other plans that will require you to leave.
It’s ok to have both.
2.Think about your goals as you head into a party or gathering.
Holiday food is one of the biggest challenges we all face. With Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and New Years it feels this time of year is designed to make us unhealthy.
Holidays should be enjoyed. Of course it’s totally ok to partake in good drinks, cookies, and wintery foods. But be careful that enjoyment of these things doesn’t amount to a permission slip to over indulge.
Remember your goals, what you want, what you want to feel like, and where you’re headed in life.
3. Focus on self-care.
Brush your teeth, drink a liter of water first thing, take time to pause and meditate in the still and quiet of the morning.
Read a book, take a bath or long shower, slow down and watch your favorite Christmas movie. Sip hot coffee, tea, or cocoa under a canopy of twinkling lights.
These are all things that fill your reserve tank. Winter is a time of slowing down which is exactly the opposite of what comes naturally in this world. Give yourself permission not to rush through this weekend. Give yourself permission not to hurry to the finish line of this year.
Slow down and fill your tank. When you take the time to care for your needs first, you’re actually doing a huge service to those around you. You’re not looking for others to meet your emotional or physical needs and it helps take the pressure off of everyone including yourself!
4. Be bad.
It’s ok to let people down a little.
All too often I see, women especially and some men too, trying to be all things to all people; overcommitting because it sounds easier than it really is.
I watch people I know sacrificing mental health for the sake of pleasing people who really don’t matter to their daily lives while letting down those who are closest and most important to them. Of course, all people are important. But who is more important to you? Gladys, who shows up to bible study every other week or your mom who you haven’t a real uninterrupted moment with in a while?
Be bad.
If you said that you were going to bake a dozen cookies for the church gathering, so what? What would happen if you bowed out and said you couldn’t? Would everyone hate you? Gosh no. It’s ok to back out of commitments sometimes. Particularly non-important ones. No one will care and no one will hold it against you. And if they do, that’s unfortunately, not your problem. Be bad.
5. Not my pig, not my farm.
This is a great saying I learned from a co-worker several years ago.
Though decidedly southern in tone the point of this saying is centered around the concept of detachment.
Detachment is neither loving nor unloving and it’s the one I struggle with the most! The spirit of detachment can be easily summed up by the saying If it’s not yours, don’t own it. During the holidays we’re surrounded by family with strange dynamics that can bring us back to old habits. Detachment is the best gift you can give others and yourself.
Don’t fall for the hook and don’t allow yourself to be drug into an unhealthy cycle just because it’s Christmas. Stop carrying other people’s disappointment. Can you enjoy yourself even if someone around you isn’t? Good indicator of your level of detachment.
6. Don’t abandon your wellness routines.
Go for a walk in the park, or a jog with the puppy. Get out of the house no matter how cold it is and enjoy the feeling of being unplugged and in nature.
Do the same things you always do and try not let the holiday routine override your wellness routines. Take your E3Live, stay hydrated, eat a healthy breakfast, and do your stretches.
You’ll feel so much better for keeping with your healthy habits.
7. Stay present!
With all the activities and festivities it’s easy to default to auto pilot.
It’s easy to let yourself be carried away with the current of holiday cheer or perhaps miss the point of the holiday all together. It’ll be over before you know it. Don’t miss the opportunity to soak it all in and savor every little gold leafed moment.
Of course, getting a little carried away isn’t a bad thing, but remaining present in your mind and heart helps bring you back to the ‘now’ which only increases your contentedness and gratitude for how great life really is.
I hope these tips help you remain calm, centered, and healthy this Christmas. Let me know what your personal tips are by leaving a comment that way we can all benefit from your wisdom!
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