‘Tis the season for…. stress?! It may be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ but the holiday season definitely comes with stresses. All of a sudden your diary is booked with parties, catch-ups, errands, gift shopping to do, and everything is just so overwhelming. Well, it doesn’t have to be like this. Don’t be a grinch and follow our tips on how to stay sane this holiday season:
- Breathe – Just. Breathe. Still stressed? Take another deep breath. Repeat this step for as many times as you want and try to be really mindful of your breathing as you do. It’s my go to trick whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed!
- It’s okay to say no – Know that it’s perfectly fine to say no. Say no to that extra helping in the buffet. Say no to the next glass of wine when you’ve had enough. Say no to invites if you’re calendar is already full. In this indulgent season, there’s no harm in saying no.
- Presents don’t have to be expensive – Ever heard of the expression, ‘it’s the thought that counts’? I think there’s definitely some truth behind this. We don’t need to get the most lavish and expensive presents.
- Spend quality time – Because at the end of the day, the gift of presence is still better than a lot of presents. So make sure that when you are at parties or gatherings that you are fully present in the company you’re with. Try and avoid being on your phone too much and appreciate the moments happening right in front of you.
- Set aside time for yourself everyday – even if it’s just 10 minutes to sit down with a cup of tea, a bubble bath, or going for a quick walk. Whatever it is, make sure that you set some time aside for yourself everyday. The 10 minutes it takes to just relax and do something nice for yourself is so important. Take advantage of the summer season with the sun being out for longer!
Hope these tips are helpful and if not, I highly recommend tuning out and watching a holiday film or two. Watching ‘Love Actually’ never fails to give me that extra Christmas cheer when I need it the most! Wishing you a safe and wonderful holiday season.