The holiday season is fast approaching, and while I love many parts of this special time of year, I also feel anxiety as my to-do list begins to grow.<\/p>\n
While my experience might be an anxious one, I know for others the holiday season triggers stress, depression, and sadness\u00a0– making this time of year anything but merry. Whether you find yourself alone this holiday season, having to choose between spending time with your family or your spouse\u2019s, or any number of work or life stressors, know this: there is a healthier way to navigate the holidays than to expect perfection and to overload ourselves with tasks and to-do lists.<\/p>\n
Setting ambitious goals and achieving them can be very satisfying and fulfilling \u2013 as long as they represent what we truly want. Why not take this month to explore what you love, what you don\u2019t, and what makes a holiday season a time of joy and peace for you? Set aside some quiet time, breathe deeply until you feel a sense of centeredness and calm, and ask yourself: \u201cWhat is my vision for a meaningful, joyful, and peaceful holiday season?\u201d Notice what comes up for you\u2026what calls to you. And let yourself be surprised! Often we think we know ourselves only to find out we are basing our plans and decisions on someone else\u2019s values and goals.<\/p>\n
Need a little more support? The following six basic stress reduction tips will help you avoid burnout during the holidays and create memories, not madness:<\/p>\n
For more tips and resources, check out a few blogs I have written over the years:<\/p>\n
Approaching the Holidays Mindfully<\/a><\/p>\n Navigating the Holidays Mindfully<\/a><\/p>\n Seize the Season! Ten Tips for Surviving Holiday Festivities<\/a><\/p>\n Protecting Eating Disorder Recovery During the Holiday Season<\/a><\/p>\n Six Holiday Stress Reduction Tips<\/a><\/p>\n And check out this TED Talk with Kelly McGonigal, it\u2019s brilliant!<\/p>\n