Guest post by: Wendy Cuba-Danca
The concept of time can be so riddled with anxiety during the holiday season that it would seem that our best gift we could get for ourselves is more of it. So this year, instead of rushing around and trying to get it all in, let’s talk about making the most of it by finding out what is really important to us and ways to really enjoy it. Here are some important questions to start off by asking yourself how you would like to spend your holiday season:
- What is really important for you to do this time of year?
- Who do you want to spend your time with?
- How will you fill your time with things you love to do?
- Where will you spend your holiday season?
- What do we need to give up this time of year so we can be present and enjoy this holiday season?
- When will you start planning your holiday season’s schedule to fit these things you want to do?
Once you have decided on what is really important to you, do your best to fill in your calendar with the things you that mean the most to you, be sure to practice your ‘no’ skills when it comes to overloading your calendar. Do only what you can handle and try your best to make the most of this holiday season. Here are a few tips to make this holiday a little bit less stressful:
- Seek support when you need it.
- Vow to make some changes during a less stressful time of year.
- Share the holidays with ex with as much generosity and harmony as you can conjure up. It will be the best gift you give your kids this year.
- Find someone struggling more than you are and lend him or her a helping hand or sit in a sacred place of worship or attend services. These acts will remind you of the real meaning of the holidays.
- Be financially responsible by not overspending during the holiday season. It will increase your stress and leave you feeling anxious for months afterward as you struggle to pay the bills.
- Grieve if you have lost a family member, friend or relationship. Create an altar with pictures of those you love, light candles, play sacred music and allow yourself to cry, remember and heal.
- Forgive – forgive all those from your life that you love to hate. Forgiveness is the salve that heals a broken spirit.
These tips were taken from 10 Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues written by Elizabeth Lesser
