With the holidays around the corner, it seems like good cheer and holiday fun is all around us; that, however, does not ease the stress that comes with the holidays ahead. Ensuring you can get the gifts you need to your friends and family, overseeing personal spending, and trying to relax amidst the chaos, makes the holidays not only lovely and lively, but downright overwhelming!
Instead of focusing on what the holidays should mean- family, friends, love, and laughter- we focus on the things we don't have- financial stability, a partner, or anything else that may be plaguing us. We don't find time to find gratitude for our health and well-being but instead focus on all the things wrong, so this holiday season, i challenge you to the 5 rules to adhere to from My Therapist Says.
Plan, Plan, PLAN: If you plan ahead, you’ll win instead! Planning your budget, your schedule, your routine, and your to-do list will ease the burden of the overwhelming amount of work that comes with the holidays. There’s no shortage of stressors, especially during a busy season, so alleviate some of the pressure by at least having a plan and even if you happen to deviate from it, you still know where to go, what to do, how much you can spend, and who to see!
(Source: E!)
The Art of No: Saying ‘no’ will be your ally and your confidant during the festive season! We often take on more than we can carry, burdening ourselves with the stress that comes with attending too many dinners, dinner parties, work events, or anything else that may be adding unnecessary stress in an already trying time. Say yes to the things you actually want to do and the people you actually want to see!
Don’t Forget to Breathe: Finding time for yourself, your mind, and your body is of the utmost importance. You should have a system down for being able to channel some tranquility, even in the most unlikely of places! And yes, I do mean your annoying step-mother’s house!
Share and Care: Sharing how you feel and being honest with your family and friends is important at any time, but during the holidays, it’s a great way to bond with loved ones, be there for eachother, and forge new friendships for the years ahead. Being kind and empathetic for those spending the holidays alone or currently dealing with a loss; being present for friends nursing internal troubles; all the kindness you can spare will go a long way with those suffering in silence.
Be Real and Have Fun: Be realistic about what your expectations are, and have fun! Once you know the reality of things, and acknowledge that, there is nothing stopping you from enjoying yourself and allowing the festive season to envelop you like your favorite throw on a cozy, Christmas day! We all tend to dwell on things, and that’s okay- but remember to tae time in between to appreciate what you have, who you have, and most of all, appreciate yourself!
Monday Mantra
Your Monday Mantra to start this week is:
I emit love to all who meet me, all who now me, and all who need it.
Song of the Week: My Only Wish - Britney Spears
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