Minding the Gap
It’s that time of year again where we’re heading into another holiday season. It can be a joyous month, but can also be a driver of stress. When some hear the word holiday it can bring up feelings of anxiety, sadness, and overwhelm. From financial obligations, to unpleasant memories, the loss of someone dear, purchasing and wrapping gifts, cooking, spending time away from home, or hosting friends and family, it can feel like too much.
How can we manage what happens between the highs and lows of everyday life and the holiday hustle? By minding the gap and making a plan. The following are tools you can use when you’re up against holiday stress.
Minding the Gap Blueprint
Plan ahead - have a strategy in place to maintain your boundaries.
Manage your calendar - make a point to keep track of your obligations which includes scheduling time for you.
Make self-care a priority - listen to your body. Go the extra step to do something just for you, like a bath, a meditation, coffee or dinner with a friend, a walk in nature, yoga or restorative exercise. Do something that helps calm and relax your busy mind and body even if it’s five minutes.
Keep finances in check - determine your budget and commit to staying on track. Get creative with your gift giving. Perhaps a new tradition of everyone doing less (such as drawing names with cousins or friends, or scheduling a game or movie night at another time during the year to celebrate).
Honor lost loved ones - reflect on special memories or honor them in some way. If you’re unable to spend time with friends and family, consider volunteering to make someone else’s holiday memorable.
Don’t be afraid to say no - respectfully decline any holiday gatherings that you know will cause you heartache and disappointment. If it’s impossible to avoid, then use your blueprint to create a plan for the day. I often set positive intentions around the day that help create a better experience.
The key to a less stressful and more enjoyable holiday season is by consciously minding the gap. With planned strategies in keeping the highs in tact as often as possible, and managing the lows as quick as you can, will help make the holiday season more enjoyable and less painful. I want some of that. How about you?
xoxox…..Sheryl