The holiday season is often the time of year for countless social activities, holiday shopping and visit with loved ones. This busy time can also include long to-do lists, lots of family obligations, overbooking yourself and all the related stressors of a hectic schedule! It is helpful to keep a positive attitude when things feel a bit chaotic, but it is also important to acknowledge that the stress of the holiday season is a real thing.
Whether your holiday season is filled with small children running around the house, college kids coming home insisting that they are “adults” now or you’re simply hosting a holiday party for friends, it can be a challenge to stay jolly during the so-called happiest time of year! That’s why it’s so important to gauge your mindset and make sure you’re taking care of yourself, too.
Here is a list of six tips for staying positive during the holiday season. The good thing is you don’t need to do all six to keep an upbeat spirit. Each tip can help you remain cheerful and thankful during the most wonderful time of the year. If one of the tips catches your eye, don’t keep it to yourself. Share these tips with your friends and loved ones so that they can also have a positive and festive holiday season this year and in the years to come!
Top six tips for staying positive during the holiday season
Begin a gratitude journal – A gratitude journal is a great way to remind yourself how lucky and fortunate you are during the holiday season. Write down what you are grateful for and think about ways you can thank your loved ones for the joy they bring to your life. Make it a routine to start or end each day jotting down what you’re grateful for. The neat thing about doing this is that if you do it every year, you can look back at past years’ gratitude journals to remember what you were thankful for then.
Get involved with a local charity – Spend a day feeding the homeless or passing out gifts to families in need. Seeing how others live or celebrate the holidays may help remind you how fortunate you are. You’ll also be able to put a smile on someone’s face, which may put a smile on your face, too. Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance partners with Firefly Children & Family Alliance and several other organizations who need sponsors to purchase gifts for kids in need. Check out a list of additional organizations in Indiana here.
Cherish the present – Everyone has their own traditions for celebrating the holidays. Part of what makes this time of year special are the traditions that are unique to your family. The not-so-Instagram-worthy pie might be the best pie of the year! The handmade macaroni noodle ornaments that are falling apart are more special than any store-bought decoration! Take a moment during the busy season to look around you at the imperfect parts that make this time special to you. Try to spend this season with family, friends and loved ones that surround you with joy. This is the perfect time to delete social media from your phone and actively live in the present. With the time you save from no longer scrolling through social posts, you could also pick up a book you’ve been wanting to read or write in your new gratitude journal.
Celebrate your goals this year and every year – Congratulations! You almost made it another year around the sun! Think about all of the amazing things you have accomplished. Maybe you got a new job, finished that home project you’ve been wanting to do, ran your first marathon, half or 5k, or learned a new skill. You do not need to become a rocket scientist or an Olympian to feel proud of your accomplishments. You woke up each day, fueled your body, experienced new things and so much more. Take a moment this season to take pride in your accomplishments!
Stay connected with family and friends – Reach out to family, friends and co-workers this holiday season. This time of the year is also the perfect excuse to catch up and reconnect with those you haven’t reached out to recently; if you can visit them in person, it’s even better! The joy of being together can provide support for yourself or loved ones who may be struggling. It’s as simple as a call to say, “hello,” which can make a difference for everyone.
Stay active – Don’t let the cold weather keep you stationary! It’s easy to get out of a workout routine during the holiday season, and as important as it is to relax and have fun, keeping a routine is good for your mental health. Bundle up and take a walk and enjoy the snowy views or find a new workout video you love online. This season could be the perfect time to find your new favorite way to move! If getting active is a goal for the upcoming year, get a head start! Check out some tips on starting the year off strong.
The importance of mental health awareness during the holiday season
The holidays can be a hectic season filled with family, food, parties, shopping and travel. For most, this is a joyful and exciting time. But for some, the stress, commitments, overeating and overspending that go hand-in-hand with the season can steal that joy. It is important to check in with yourself during these crazy times and make sure your mental health is being taken care of. If you find yourself in a dark space, go back to the tips above to start fresh and get some of that positivity back into your life during the holidays.