The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and excitement while we spend time with friends and family and take time to appreciate the things we have. At the same time, the pressures to make sure everyone is happy and that the turkey is cooked just right can bring overwhelming amounts of stress and anxiety to this cheerful season. To reduce the chaos, Vincent Mays has consulted many individuals on ways to overcome stress and anxiety during the holiday season so that they can enjoy themselves and take part in the warm, holiday spirit that surrounds them.
Slow down
Yes, there are umpteen things to get done and plan for. The shopping and entertaining alone can take a toll when you are already running tight against a packed schedule and spending budget. Don’t let it get to you or bother you though- a little bit of organizing and prioritizing can ease things for you. Just breathe deeply and tackle them one by one instead of going in different directions at the same time. Plan, shop for gifts, organize and everything falls into place- and most importantly stick to your budget. Whatever happens don’t go overboard, or else you’ll have a financial tangle too on your hands.
Curb Your Expectations
Every individual has a notion of how holidays should be- but if you’ve planned something, don’t give up on that. Trying to meet ‘others’ expectations’ is only asking for trouble. Focus on what you and your family want- it’s easy to have a good holiday without it turning into a nightmare. You need to plan for this too- get together and decide on the kind of fun you are looking forward to and how you all can go about making it happen. Delegate tasks so that everyone ends up doing something and you don’t end up doing it all.
Learn To Say No
A common problem Vincent Mays has found in many of his clients is the inability to turn something down and simply say “no”. When you’ve already planned something for you and your family, don’t accept invitations that will make you alter your plans. It’s not possible to be in a hundred places at the same time and still feel in the moment. Scratching out something on your list is sure to upset the rhythm of your holiday.
Take time off for yourself
You need a breather, even if it’s just spending a couple of hours alone. Listen to music, read or just catch up on your sleep. Clients of Vincent Mays have spoken on how amazed they feel when they are able to clear their minds and feel refreshed simply by taking some time to be by themselves. Remember, it’s your holiday too so you just need to throw the guilt out of the door.
Let Things Ride
It’s so easy to get caught up in family discussions and debates that are sure to boil over and spoil the holiday mood. Stop analyzing and dissecting, don’t put pressure on yourself and just accept people as they are. Walk away from differences and criticisms and take them on later. Don’t let anything spoil your holiday mood.
Take Things In Your Stride
Holiday crowds can be annoying, the traffic is insufferable, the lines are long everywhere you go- they’re baits, just don’t bite. Laugh it off, relax and accept everything as an inevitable part of the whole. After all, you just have to put up with all that for a short time only.
Watch What You Eat And Drink
It’s so easy to overindulge and then feel sluggish. So eat healthy, get some exercise and energize yourself. A cookie here and there, a slice of pastry are not going to harm you but be sure to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Physical health and fitness ties directly with your mental health and fitness and can help improve your mood.
Volunteer
If you do find yourself with some spare time, volunteer in facilities- helping people and bringing good cheer will bring you feelings of warmth and happiness. It is always nice to be amidst people during the holidays. At no time should you let the holiday blues creep over you. Just focus on what you’re doing now rather than on what you did yesterday.
For more mental fitness tips, be sure to connect with Vincent Mays on Quora. In the meantime, have a wonderful and stress-free holiday season.
Leave a Reply