Steps to take now to prevent the Holidaze
Christmas seems to be coming earlier and earlier thanks to Amazon Gift Guides and Target seasonal displays. While I’m not a fan of decking the halls before Thanksgiving, there are some aspects of the holidays that can be pre-planned to prevent the dreaded “holidaze”.
The simple act of handwriting can increase activity in the brain similar to meditation, allowing the writer to slow down and be more present. Grab a pen and paper or journal and answer these questions:
What is your vision for an ideal holiday season?
Who are you with?
Where are you, what does it feel like?
What are some traditions that you want to carry forward? Are there any traditions that no longer serve your family that you’d like to discontinue or change?
Once you have a vision for what your ideal holiday looks like, you can begin to prioritize your energy and spending. It’s easy to get thrown out of alignment with our values when:
The kids need something other than sweats to wear
You volunteered to bring the craft to the holiday party at school
You need a random gift for your great-aunt because you “have” to get her something
You're hosting your family and roasting a turkey when you don’t even actually like turkey
You can avoid this trap by writing out two values that will serve as your guide through the season. Some examples: cozy, intimate, luxe, sparkly, generous, connection, jovial. Write your values somewhere that you will see multiple times a day. Before scheduling something, ask yourself if the commitment aligns with your values this season.
Get your calendar out and schedule the tasks that you know based on experience you will need to plan or shop for. Simply planning the to-dos that are a must and knocking out the ones that can be completed in advance will help alleviate stress.
Now the fun part! Going back to your vision, what can you do today to move you closer to making that a reality? Maybe it’s blowing up all previous traditions, calling a travel agent and getting an off-the-grid vacation scheduled! Or maybe you are giddy about your Elf on the Shelf and want to gift your family with your creativity and holiday magic every morning. This part looks different for everyone. Incorporating your vision into your plans not only sets you up for creating your most memorable holiday season ever, but improves your overall physical and mental health during a time that is undeniably one of the most stressful times of year. Your holiday should fill your cup, not leave you grinchy and depleted.
If you or someone you know could use some help with filling their cup, health coaching makes a great gift and is a lasting investment in your health and wellness.
