Tips To Surviving The Silly Season

 
Christmas is an exciting time of year for many, but for others it can be extremely stressful. If you are one of these folks (and don’t feel alone, plenty of people feel this way), peep our guide below on how to maintain your wellbeing over the holiday period. 
 
Plan and prepare
Jotting down important dates and having a clear idea of what your Christmas is going to entail will help you feel organised and allow you to prepare for what’s to come. You’ll also be able to identify when you’ll have downtime between events to recuperate (if social gatherings aren’t your scene) and to plan other activities that you enjoy. Remember, the holidays are about having fun!

Keep the peace

If there is tension in your family or friend group, suggest separate celebrations to prevent unwanted conflict. Hostile energy can ruin a gathering and will only contribute to your stress. Apply this logic to yourself as well. Don’t feel bad turning down an invite to an event where there is bad blood. Though we always recommend trying to resolve issues and letting go of grudges, we understand some situations cannot be remedied in which case it is more than okay for you to decline the invite. You’re happiness matters and you’re allowed to

Jingle-ball on a budget

If money is tight, be sure to make a budget to avoid financial burden in the New Year. Though you may want to spoil your loved ones rotten, understand that splurging on gifts when you really can’t afford to will only contribute to stress later down the track.

Spread the cheer and volunteer

Volunteering your time to help out at a soup kitchen or other charitable organisation is a great way to maintain good mental health over the holidays. While it not only gives you something productive to do, you’ll be socialising with others which is almost guaranteed to lift your mood. Volunteering can also help us to adopt a new perspective on life and teach us to be thankful for the things we do have, as there are so many people who go without. And besides, nothing beats that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you give back.

Not a people person? Why not volunteer at an animal shelter!

Reflect on achievements and set new goals

Reflect on the year and be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how small. Then take some time to set goals for the New Year. This will get you excited for the future and keep you motivated.

Manage your stressors

If you’re feeling like the weight of the holidays is getting too heavy and need some immediate relief, try a quick grounding exercise or simply focus on your breathing. Both of these strategies can ease your body and mind almost instantly, and can be done anywhere at any time. Find out more ways to manage your stress here.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Having a support system will make a world of difference when you’re feeling sad or overwhelmed. Connect with friends and family when you need a little extra and talk about what’s on your mind. 9 times out of 10 you’ll feel so much better for it.

Focus on the basics

We often underestimate the power of basic healthy living. Keeping active, eating well, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep and practising gratitude are all powerful ways to improve our overall wellbeing and your body will love you for it.

 
Run your own race
Got a mate that has all of their Christmas shopping done and dusted by October? Good for them, but that might not be you and that’s totally okay. Everyone runs they’re own race and comparing yourself to others will only bum you out. Focus on you and move at your own pace.
 
Avoid overindulgence
Though it’s tempting to go ham on the Christmas ham and drink in excess over the holidays, try your best not to overdo it. Stuffing yourself silly only leads to feeling sluggish, just as drinking too much can lead you to make decisions you may later regret and likely leave you with a hangover. 
 
Photo by Maria Brauer on Unsplash