Celebrating the holidays can sometimes feel like an endless marathon that is high on expense, time, and activity and low on happiness, calm, and relaxation. Add the possibility of family conflict, Aunt Ida’s fruitcake that may be a re-gift from 1960, and kiddo meltdowns in line for Santa, and not even Calgon can take you away. Make the choice to balance your holiday season this year with some fun activities and common sense reminders that we tend to forget in the chaos!
Stay flexible – this sounds so simple, but on our massive to-do-list and jammed calendar, we have not left any room for shifts. Changes. Flexibility. The kind of flexibility that won’t have you throwing mashed potatoes at the guest that announces none of your holiday meal will work for their new vegan lifestyle.
Prioritize – what are the things that absolutely-must-get-done and politely decline everything else. Seriously. You can do it. Suggest to some friends and family that a January get-together outside of holiday chaos may even work better.
Delegate – do you know why St. Nicholas is so jolly? Because he has elves and reindeer. Find some and start delegating.
Find the Sun – yes, it’s winter in many places, but find yourself a little spot of sunshine to breathe and boost your mood. If the weather won’t cooperate, check some of the day spas in your area to see if they have those lovely sunlamps.
Laugh more – holidays is about joy, community, family and friends. Pick the events and people that make you laugh and feel all warm and fuzzy to increase our holiday happiness quotient and decrease stress.
Simplify – Martha Stewart causes anxiety. Step away from the Pinterest, the tablescape, and the flower arrangement obsessions and create new traditions that are simple, less stressful, and make you a happy host. Try a potluck instead of making everything yourself!
Resist Couch Potato Syndrome – exercise increases serotonin levels, relieves stress, and gives us a way to work out frustration. Shout “ho, ho, ho” as you kick the punching bag. We won’t tell.
Avoid Overindulging – the holidays offers lots of sugar and alcohol as part of the festivities. Resist the urge to eat 12 gingerbread men even when you are listening to the same cringe-worthy story for the tenth time. Alcohol can inflame stressed family situations and cause a hangover the next morning. Space out your holiday cheer and drink lots of water.
Maintain a Gratitude Practice – focus on the good every single day and that keeps stress away!
From all of us at Fire Power Seminars – May your holidays be fun, nourishing, happy and stress free!
Karen PfefferKaren is passionate about sharing powerful programs on communication, empowerment, team building and transformation. With a father from Kansas and a mother from Puerto Rico, Karen has a unique cultural mix that has inspired her to challenge stereotypes and “push the envelope” at every opportunity. She co-founded Fire Power Seminars with Connie Phelan in 2006 to empower individuals, organizations, and companies to achieve more than they ever thought possible.