It’s here. The absolute busiest, most stressful time of year. Work is crazy, the traffic is even worse, you have a list a mile long of gifts you need to buy, and fuhgetabout the 27 parties you were invited to. Are they going to like the gift? Can I even afford to buy everyone a present? What about my boss? How do I tell Sharon I can’t make her party?
I know, I know, this time of year takes a toll on all of us. It’s supposed to be the most jolly time of year, but for some reason it’s the craziest season in everyone’s life. From students, to parents, to busy professionals, no one is immune from the holiday storm.
Before you burn out this holiday season, take some time to slow it down. Here are 3 little tips to help save your sanity during the holidays:
1) Work out! For a lot of people working out can be a huge stress reliever. Even if you do a quick 10 minute workout, it will help release endorphins, which trigger positive feelings in the body
2) Write down three things you are grateful for each morning (or night). Expressing gratitude, even if it is just in a journal that no one else will read, puts things into perspective. The act of identifying things you are grateful for helps to shift your focus, quantify things we feel positive about, and break the negative/cynical thought cycle.
3) Schedule time to be alone. Take a bath (if you’re into that kind of thing), read a book, meditate, go to the bathroom without being interrupted. Whatever it may be, take some time to be alone and relax before you go out and brave the crowds and traffic. Take some deep breaths and take time to zen out and relax.
Good luck out there. May the odds be forever in your favor.
