Let’s not sugarcoat it. The end of the year and the holiday season can be fun wonderful, but it can also be really stressful and emotionally overwhelming.
Whether it’s wrapping up tasks at work, preparing for final exams, gearing up to see family, decorating, shopping, or sightseeing, as the end of the year approaches chances are you have a pretty ambitious to-do list. On the other hand, if you have lost a loved one, have been ill, or have been feeling lonely or down lately, holidays and expectations around holidays and gatherings can be overwhelming and mentally exhausting.
So, here are some ways to help you manage stress and overwhelm this holiday season:
Watch and listen to movies and music that you like. And no, it doesn’t have to be holiday-themed, unless you want it to! The point is to feed your senses with things that bring you joy. Whatever those things are. Pull up an old playlist, have a movie marathon, whatever.
Learn about tradition, and then feel free to create your own. Educating yourself about traditions, whether your own or those of other people and cultures, can be really enriching. Then, observe what resonates with you and maybe you start to develop some of your own traditions.
Make a plan with realistic goals. Chances are you already know this time of year can be bonkers because you have experienced that before. So, simplify. Plan ahead for shopping, cooking, to-dos. Leaving things to the last minute breeds frustration, anxiety, and overwhelm. And equally as important is to not make an overly ambitious to-do list. It’s human nature to underestimate the time things actually take. The answer is to take on less. If you set unrealistic goals, you will feel stressed out in trying to achieve them and if you don’t deliver then you feel like shit. Set realistic goals. Run your to-do list by a loved one and ask them, “am I taking on too much?”
Practice mindfulness. See where you can save money, reduce waste and be more environmentally conscious. In taking care of yourself and the world around you, you will feel better and more connected.
Try a new recipe! Again, don’t be overly ambitious here. Find a recipe that excites you and you feel you can make. When you make a new dish you will feel proud of your work.
Continue your workout routine. It’s normal for your routine to get thrown off this time of year with work and holiday functions and that massive to-do list you probably have. But, that doesn’t mean you let your workouts fall to shit until the new year. Do what you can, when you can, but stay as committed to your regular workouts as possible. Exercise is a phenomenal stress management tool.
It’s ok to say “no”. Only go to gatherings and events that you really want to. Don’t take on anything extra right now. Remember, when people invite you to something or ask you to do something, they have no idea what is already on your plate. Only you know what’s on your plate. And if your plate is full, say no.
Get outside. This time of year can be really beautiful, so get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature, as often as you can.
Observe what stresses you out. Take note of the things that felt really stressful for you. Make a mental note, or write it down so you don’t forget. Then, next year, revisit it while you are making holiday commitments. You can learn from the past, you don’t have to repeat it.
Honor whatever the holiday season and end of year experience is for you. Do what you enjoy, with whom you enjoy it. Prioritize your well-being, and keep that going in the new year.
Want to know our favorite activity this time of year? Ice Skating! Check out the public session schedule at a skating rink near you and enjoy a fun winter activity.
Comment below letting us know what tips you are going to try.