With the holiday season approaching, many emotions may be on your mind. The holidays bring a hustle and bustle of activities, events, and gatherings. And whether the holidays are your favorite time of year or not, it’s understandable that they can feel overwhelming and draining. With a proactive approach to the season and a positive outlook, I hope to empower you to celebrate the holidays intentionally this year.
Before the holidays come and go, it’s important to acknowledge your priorities and assess your internal dialogue surrounding the season. You can learn a lot by asking yourself these questions:
1. What are my personal/family priorities and traditions that I definitely want to experience?
2. What decisions do I typically regret after the holidays?
I’m breaking down five common struggles that many women face during the holidays and offering realistic tips on how to approach each positively, intentionally, and in a way that will empower you
1. I Consume Too Much Food During the Holidays.
In reality, many traditions and gatherings revolve around food. If you’re in this boat, try enjoying your favorite foods and drinks as you celebrate, but not overindulging. It may sound simple, but the results are real. Leave treats as treats, not something you need to eat every day.
2. I Overcommit During the Holidays.
Start by writing down a list of your personal priorities and favorite family traditions. What do you really want to experience this season? Whatever your list includes, commit to prioritizing those activities in your calendar first. Learn to create space for the things you want to enjoy, and don’t be afraid to say no to things that don’t spark an interest for you.
3. I Spend Too Much Money During the Holidays.
We love a good gift-giver, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank and buy for everyone. The first step is to decide on a dollar amount that feels good to you. Most people skip this step. While it is fulfilling to give to others and let them know they’re thought of, gifts don’t have to be material items. Try giving the gift of your time to those who need it most. Handwritten letters with favorite memories and a photo album are a grandparents’ dream! If you know your way around the kitchen and love to cook, you could even share the gift of food. Get creative, but stick to your budget.
4. Family Relationships are Too Stressful During the Holidays.
Family get-togethers and relationships can be incredibly complicated and hard to navigate during the holidays. If this is an area of heartache or stress for you, first, know that you are not alone. Intentionally remind yourself to see the good in people before the party starts! Choose to be present the best you can without feeling the need to react or respond to any frustrations you may be experiencing.
5. I Don't Workout Enough During the Holidays.
If you can commit to moving your body every day, you are taking a step in the right direction. However, you may need to adjust the frequency or the duration of your weekly workouts during this busy time of year. Consistently find a way to engage your body by sticking to the basics, through a gym session, daily morning run, or quick workout at home. It’s better to do less than nothing at all. Prioritizing this habit will support you as you release added stress and regain clarity around what really matters this holiday season.
Whatever struggles you face, don’t give up! You can do hard things. Life is not perfect, and your expectations shouldn’t be either. Stay positive, yet realistic, and remember that you have the power to make your own choices. When you choose to be intentional about where you spend your time, energy, and money this season, you will experience more joy in all that you do.
Check out more life tips from Holly Mann at freshhabits.net!
