5 ways to keep calm this holiday season

While the terms “holiday, and festive” may evoke thoughts of joyous times spent with family and friends or taking a much needed break, often the added stresses of everything that comes along with holiday season can lead to anxiety, fear and an empty bank account. All of which ends up snowballing into the new year.

While it may seem important to manage your to-do list, it’s far more important to manage your mental well-being. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed this holiday season, take a break from the usual fast paced activities and keep calm.

Here a few ways to help you keep calm over the hectic holiday season:

1. Set some boundaries

What’s often anticipated as a wonderful time of the year, can end up being a stressful time of the year. Family gatherings and the lead up to festive events can be overwhelming. This season give yourself a gift, and set some boundaries well in advance of the major festivities. Get out your calendar and plan out your events. This is where you’ll be able to see if those commitments are realistic or not. Communicate clearly with family members, and well in advance, as to what you can and can’t commit to.

2. Make a budget and check it twice

We’re all familiar with the jingle that “Santa is making his list and checking it twice,” and it makes sense to do the same with your Christmas budget. Head into the New Year with a fresh new you, and not a stressful-and-broke new you. Add an additional column to your “gift” and “grocery” lists, and assign the approximate costs of these items in the additional column. Make those budgets, and check them twice, and be sure to stick to them!

3. Take a 10-minute festive break

The best gift you can give this Christmas is yourself! It may be the busy season with lots of social events to attend — and plenty of giving to go around, but it’s important to also give back to yourself. Get some much needed rest — being a busy time of the year, our minds are busy, our bodies are busy, and we’re constantly thinking of what needs to be done before the big celebration arrives. If exercise is not on your regular routine, now is the best time to start. Clear your mind by enjoying some time outdoors. A quick 10-min walk breathing in the crisp fresh air is a great way to clear your mind. Yoga, or simply 10 minutes of stretching can reduce stress and keep you sane during the colder months. It’s not only great for your mind. It’s great for your body too.

4. Health eating, healthy mind

For many, the holiday season is not just getting together with family and friends, it’s also a celebration of food. You don’t need to select between only eating healthy or only indulging in delicious treats, the best option is always a balance. Eating a healthy diet is important for both emotional and mental health. Have your cake, but don’t forget to eat the vegetables too.

5. Take a “socials” break

Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health. Taking a break from social platforms at this time of the year, and being present is the best present you can give yourself and others. Instead of reaching for your device — reach for a good book. You’ll be calming your mind, and enriching it at the same time.