8 Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress and Overwhelm
Feel more peace and joy this December and beyond
The holidays are supposed to be a time of peace, love and joy, yet for many of us, they only add to our stress.
Overwhelm may be created by your endless to-do lists and holiday shopping, gatherings with family and friends, office parties, and other social events. This is especially true if (like me) you are an introvert and big social gatherings cause feelings of anxiety.
Feelings of overwhelm, stress, and anxiety can also be created by not having family or friends around and feeling lonely or isolated. As we get older, grief and loss are likely part of the picture as well.
Whatever the reasons for your feelings, the good news is that you don’t need to keep feeling that way because there are solutions that really work.
Over the years I’ve changed the way I approach the Christmas season. I no longer strive to create a “perfect” holiday and have let go of many long-held traditions that didn’t seem to be important anymore. While we’ve kept some family traditions (i.e., one of my favourites is filling stockings to be opened on Christmas morning), many have been changed or discarded altogether.
Here are 8 of my favourite ways to feel calmer and experience more peace at this time of year.
Take time throughout the day to notice, pause and breathe:
Self-awareness and noticing that you’re starting to feel overwhelmed is the very first step in creating calm. We’ve been socialized to believe that busier is better and we wear “I’m so busy” like a badge of merit. Take time to notice your thoughts and feelings at frequent intervals throughout the day, perhaps once every hour, and check in to see how your nervous system is doing.
It only takes a few moments to pause and breathe. If you do this frequently and before you feel like things are out of control, then 3 long, slow breaths will likely set you back on course.
As you’re taking a break to pause and breathe, it’s a good time to check in and and ask yourself these questions:
How am I feeling right now?
What do I need right now?
If you’re doing something that you really don’t want to do, ask yourself if it’s really necessary for you to continue. Is it something you could let go of, or ask someone else to do? If neither of those options is possible, how can you make it easier for yourself, or perhaps more fun?
Make plans to do something you really want to do each and every day. If you want to be your best for others, it’s important to fill your cup as well. Always leave a little bit of time in your day just for you.
Do you have a long to-do list? Look at your list and pick the top 3 things, and then put everything else to the side. By keeping your list to 3 things, you’ll ease your mind instantly. For even more relief, get rid of one thing on your list. There, doesn’t that feel better?
Go for a walk. For me, walking is a magical cure for stress and anxiety. Dress appropriately for the weather, put on a good pair of winter boots and take a walk in your neighbourhood. If you’re walking through your neighbourhood, look at all the Christmas lights and breathe in the crisp, wintery air.
Look for the glimmers in each day. Glimmers are those little moments of joy or magic that may appear right before us and often we’ll miss if we don’t look carefully. What about that great cup of coffee you made for yourself this morning, or the sunlight peeking through the trees, or a phone call from someone you weren’t expecting to hear from?
Glimmers are all around us and you’ll find them everywhere as long as you look.
Get creative and play. Have some fun! Daydream a little and remember what it was like to be a child at Christmas. What are some of your favourite memories? Get out your journal and write them down. One thing I love to do is read a favourite book tor watch a favourite movie that gets me into the holiday spirit.
Finally, if you’re an introvert, you’ll need lots of space in your calendar for time just for yourself. Connection with others is important, yet alone time is crucial if you’re an introvert to rest and recharge. You don’t have to say yes to every single invitation you get (it’s true!), but if you do, then make sure there’s space in between just for you.
Self-care is always important, and during the holiday season you may have to be even more diligent in giving yourself the time and attention you need. Take the time to look after yourself. It’s well worth the effort!
May your holiday be filled with peace, joy and calm.
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I’d love to hear from you so please send any comments or questions to me at sharon@sharonashtoncoaching.com. Feel free to share this email with anyone else who may be interested.
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