How to THRIVE this holiday season in 6 steps
The last 2 months of the year can be very stressful and overwhelming for many of us. High expectations and several activities on your wish list to do with friends and family can easily put overwhelm and anxiety in overdrive.
In order for this holiday season to be more enjoyable and less stressful, here are 6 tips to thrive instead of survive this holiday season:
1.) Let go of perfection. I’ll be the first to admit, this is hard. We all have been there. Scrolling through IG or FB and see everyone else's “picture perfect family.” Meanwhile, I’m over here just trying to get my 3 kids to sit still for ONE GOOD family photo. Can you relate? It can be hard for a lot of us to let go of perfection and lower our expectations but it does take a lot of pressure off yourself when you do.
2.) Plan wisely. Make sure to plan ahead when it comes to meals, gifts and holiday parties so you are not completely stressed out at the last minute. I can be a procrastinator at times as well but it definitely makes things more difficult when things are not planned well.
3.) Be realistic and know when to say NO! This is a tough one, but it is definitely NEEDED. I have so many things in the month of December I want to do with the kids but realistically I have to prioritize what is most important. When we say no to certain things it makes our lives less stressful and more joyful.
4.) Continue to exercise and eat well. Just because it is the most wonderful time of the year, doesn’t mean you have to stop working out. Make sure to plan your workouts weekly, just like any other time of the year! Continue to squeeze in as much exercise or extra movement throughout the day as you can. It’s great for your mental health, mood and energy levels! If you are not sure where to start, check out my IG page or Healthy Mama Huddle FB group where I provide plenty of FREE exercises!
5.) Watch your stress levels and quality of sleep. This time of the year is known for higher than normal levels of stress and anxiety. For moms, this time of the year can be extremely stressful. Keeping your stress levels low and getting adequate sleep is essential for your mind and body to function well. Sleep is one thing moms usually sacrifice in order to get other things done (and yes, I am one of those people at times).
6.) Make time for self care. It’s a busy time of year for everyone but we have to be mindful not to overload our body with stress. We all NEED to recharge and relax, even if that means in small amounts of time. Try setting aside 10-15 minutes at the minimum each day for self care, which can look different for everyone. I enjoy a pedicure, reading or journaling before bed.
I hope you take these tips to heart and can integrate them this holiday season (and really every season of life!). Remember to enjoy this time with family and friends and spend less time worrying about perfection.
