If you are reading this, I’m sorry that the vacation season is something you feel like you need to “survive.” Unfortunately, this is the mindset of most people.
That’s because our society tells us that we need to cook the best dinners, throw the best parties, and buy the best gifts. Newsflash: this time of year has nothing to do with any of those things. Instead of trying to please others, remember that this year is the season to enjoy.
Although managed to get through the vacation stress free seems impossible, there’s a way to reduce your stress and enjoy this special time of year! If your to-do list is already leaving you pulling your hair out, fear not! Here are six ways to stay sane through the end of the year:
Learn to Say No
There will at all times be pressure to say yes. Yes to the dinner party invitation. Yes to that Black Friday Deal You cannot miss it. Yes to your mother, because how could you probably say no to her? But here’s the reality — every thing you say yes means you say no to something else.
For example, if you said yes to that dinner party invitation that, if you are being honest, your schedule just does not allow for, you are saying no to a much-needed night of sleep, extra sleep, or simply the ability to rest and recharge. your PJs.
The pressure to say yes only increases during the vacation season. There are more family obligations, great deals to be had, and vacation parties to attend. But for the sake of your sanity, learn that it is okay and Healthy to say no.
When the next choice appears, ask yourself these three questions:
- Do I have the physical capacity to do this?
- Do I have the emotional capacity to do this?
- Do I have the financial ability to do this?
If you answered no to any of these questions, you have the answer.
Take the Sabbath
Historically, taking the Sabbath meant observing a day of rest from work. During the craziness of the vacation season, taking the Sabbath might not be such a bad idea. As humans, we have limits. We are designed to rest. In fact, one day of rest a week might just be all we need to stay sane through December 31st.
When deciding what your Sabbath will be like, it does not must be all day. That could be one night a week or a few hours on a weekend morning. Once you have decided what your Sabbath will be, then set parameters for what your Sabbath will be like. During the vacations, maybe your sabbath means not shopping, cooking, or vacation planning for one full day every week at all. Maybe that means taking a break from social media for an afternoon. The key here is to identify what activities cause you stress and then promise not to do them on your Sabbath.
The key is to set your Sabbath and then protect it! Even if only for this season.
- go to sleep
Do you know you sleep will most certainly suffer during the vacations? In fact, the stress and anxiety this time of year creates is to blame. The worst part is that having trouble sleeping only causes more stress. God, what a pickle.
While there are short-term consequences of sleep deprivation like forgetfulness (aka burning Christmas cookies), difficulty focusing, irritability, and dizziness, there are more serious long-term effects of sleep deprivation. Some of these include an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. All of this to say, it is vital to protect your sleep.
Sleep is so important that you might consider gifting it for Christmas. Your mother already has a thousand candles but I’m sure she would die to close her eyes better. Whether that means giving him a soothing night to himself or in fact buying him a new mattress (because let’s face it, he is most likely 20 years old), we frequently underestimate how valuable a good night’s sleep is to our physical, mental and emotional well-being. emotional health. My advice to you—do not just prioritize sleep this season, consider gifting it to someone else.
PS Did you know mattresses are now compressed and rolled in a box? EXTRAORDINARY. Who would have thought you could in fact wrap a mattress?!
Call your confidant
When stress gets the better of you, it is easy to work quickly, even on the smallest things. If there is a situation that you just cannot get past, work it out with someone you trust whether it is your mother, sister or best friend. Processing your emotions verbally can help you move on. This will certainly stop the situation from getting disproportionate in the future. God only knows, nobody wants to sit through a tense Thanksgiving dinner.
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Breathe
Did you know that deep breathing has been shown to lower blood pressure and lower heart rate? It is because conscious meditation promotes a relaxation response in your body that calms you down.
When you end up in a panic frenzy or overwhelmed by all of your tasks, stop and just breathe. Inhale for a count of four and exhale for a count of eight. Do this five times or until you feel calm.
Find a quiet moment every day
Speaking of feeling overwhelmed, finding time to be quiet each day helps combat feelings of stress. In fact, silence helps focus your mind and body in the present moment rather than getting caught up in everything you must do.
Contrary to popular belief, you can find silence anywhere. Maybe it is on your morning commute. All you must do is turn off the radio. Maybe sitting in the wee hours of the morning with a cup of coffee in hand. Maybe even step away from your desk for 10 minutes to go for a brief walk.
No matter where it’s, keep your mind focused on the present moment and resist the urge to let your mind wander in a million directions. If you find this difficult, bring awareness to your breath or the weight of your own body. Even five minutes of silence is worth more than you think.
Hopefully, these tips will let you enjoy this time of year rather than sticking around. Most importantly, do not forget Why You do the things you do—because you love your family, you understand the importance of community, and realize how blessed you are. Don’t let the busyness of the vacations bury the meaning of the season.
