11 Ways To Stay Sane This Holiday Season

If you want Santa to bring you a tranquilizer this year, you are not alone. Many of us feel overwhelmed during the holidays. Reclaim your sanity with these simple strategies.

Just Say No

You can’t be everywhere at once. So be honest with yourself about whether you want to attend the party, mixer, gathering, cookie exchange etc. If the answer is no, remember that you’re not doing anyone any favors by showing up for their event when you don't want to.

Learn to decline gracefully by saying something like, “Thank you so much for the invitation, we won’t be able to make it this year. Enjoy!” Keep it short and simple, no explanation necessary. And come from a place of love when you say it.

Buddy Up

Practice the buddy system. Having a friend on call for stressful holiday situations is good planning. Whether in person, on the phone or via text knowing that you can reach out for support is a life saver.

Budget

Be realistic about how much you can spend on gifts. Then commit honoring that number no matter what. Finding the perfect gift for your brother or Aunt Sally that's within your budget can be a really fun challenge.

Self-Care

Prioritize self-care. Now is not the time to start missing therapy appointments, yoga classes or your daily meditation practice. If anything Tis’ the season to maximize self-care! We cannot pour from an empty cup. Ensure that your’s is full by making time for your regular wellness practices or try something new.

Limit Caffeine and Sugar

It feels good going down but it does not feel good when you're coming down.

There are extra temptations to eat, drink and be merry during the holidays. And when you’re running around the instant jolt sugar or caffeine provides looks like an excellent option. Unfortunately it masks the fact that you’re tired and eventually gonna crash. So instead of grabbing that latte or last slice o’ pie, SLOW DOWN, check in with yourself and honor what you really need.

Do One Thing At A Time

Feeling overwhelmed by all the shopping, cooking, schlepping this season? SLOW DOWN. Multitasking is a myth. You can’t be fully present and do two things at once.

Worrying about all the things you have to do doesn’t help either. Look at what’s in front of you and do that first. When you’re finished move on to the next thing. Before you know it you’ll have worked through your to do list. And by giving each task your full attention you’ll be confident in your work.

Alone Time

With the demands of travel, end of year wrap up and family functions your solo time can get lost. Ensure it doesn’t by preplanning dates with yourself. Schedule a yoga class, downtime to read or a visit to the museum. Setting expectations ahead of time alleviates misunderstandings and the likelihood of you loosing your cool.

Give Back

If you feel lonely, depressed or struggle mental health challenges being of service to others can help you experience connection, get you out of your head and improve your mood. It can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, calling a friend to see how they're doing or helping your neighbor shovel their driveway.

Giving back is one of the most effective ways to fill yourself up. So do something kind for someone else today!

Nature

There's something unexplainable about communing with Mother Nature. Studies have found that spending time in nature is good for your health, physically and psychologically. Invite the quiet in and make a date with nature. Even if you live in an arctic tundra, bundle up, go outside and let the beauty around you sink in.

Stop Comparing And Despairing

Social media is not reality. Looking at photos of everyone’s seemingly perfect relationship, job or family can make you feel like a loser. Remember that what people post reflects what they want you to think about them. Happy, harmonious, successful, well adjusted, you get it.

There's a back story to everyone’s feed that you’re not seeing which includes struggle, imperfection and humility - because that’s the human experience.

So remember this when you scroll. And if social media really gets you spiraling, STOP. Take a break and spend sometime in the real world appreciating your life!

Easy Does It

Whether the holidays bring excitement, anxiety, loneliness or a combination of emotions (which is usually the case) take it easy on yourself.

Intense emotions follow Newton’s Law that what goes up must come down. So expect to be a little sensitive after the whirlwind of the holidays subsides and take it easy.

Your ability to be gentle with yourself will generalize to those around you. Having love and compassion is what the Season is all about.

BONUS: The Backstreet Boys

Listen to the Backstreet Boys and reminisce about the wonder and joy you felt as a kid during the holidays (or just text this hilarious photo to your friends).