This time of year can be fun and exciting. As the holiday season rolls around, we can also feel the pressure of more spending, additional calendar entries, richer food – all leading to an unhealthy feeling. Let’s revisit some tips for “sleighing” the holidays, as the youngsters might say.
You could go to a wellness retreat, starting at $6,500 … or you could review the following suggestions:
- First things, first. Take care of yourself!
We can get quite caught up in the holiday spirit. We want to say “yes” to every invitation, activity, event, and seasonal only opportunities. I get it. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Still, as throughout the year, taking care of your physical needs is important. We push ourselves to meet the self-imposed (or other-imposed) deadlines, putting our own needs aside. At our age, it is acceptable to prioritize the need for rest.
I find my list has a lot of “carry overs” because I get tired before the end of the day. When I push myself to do “just one more task” I end up overexerting and feeling exhausted. Most of those tasks are not as important as they seemed at first. A little exercise is invigorating and helps reduce some of the stress your body is experiencing.
Good physical health leads to better mental health. Make a plan. Set priorities. Participate in only those things you really want to do. You’ve earned the right to say “no”!
You don’t have to say “no” to all the rich and yummy food that appears this time of year. Again, make healthy choices. Eat a cookie and a piece of cake and enjoy every morsel. Just follow your preset quality and quantity goals to avoid overindulging.
- Know the stressors.
Be aware of your limitations: Not only your physical but also financial. Set a budget and stick to it. If you are as I am, Christmas brings out the uber generosity. I want to pay the repair people extra for their trouble. I want to buy the grandchildren everything they want. I want to treat friends to coffee, lunch, and cocktails. But I also have to remember that the income I have is the income I have. No more is coming in and I’m not looking forward to an annual raise. As my children and grandchildren get older, they actually want less. They, too, have budgets. Keeping the spending down helps them to feel less pressure.
- Set boundaries.
The year has been somewhat contentious. Holiday gatherings are not the appropriate places to have political or other controversial conversations. Even when it is someone else broaching an uncomfortable subject, you can arm yourself with “topic-changers.” Be prepared to tell a story about a funny childhood memory, or a new food you tried. Ask about their further holiday plans or a recipe they might have made as a contribution to the buffet. On occasion, someone may push the topic, even after you have attempted to steer away from it. Be prepared to say some like “I would appreciate it if we didn’t discuss this right now” or “let’s find a lighter topic to discuss.” Other people at the gathering will appreciate your ability to set the stage for pleasant interactions.
- Do something meaningful.
Meaningful is different for each of us. You may engage in a walk. Visit a neighbor. Call or Zoom a distant friend. Write holiday cards. If you are lonely or missing a loved one who has passed, you might try an adult coloring book or journal your feelings.
Non-profits especially appreciate volunteers this time of year. Helping a registered organization reminds us that with all of our aches and pains and occasional sadness, we are still fairly well off and have a lot of blessings.
Sit back for a moment. Relax. Think of three things you for which you are grateful. Then put a smile on your face and take in a breath of cold December air. Enjoy the holiday season. Spring is just around the corner!
Silver Sage Sisters 