"Tis the season" stress

Managing “tis the season” stress

The Christmas season can be a stressful one. The biggest cause of the stress is the expectation around Christmas, the joy, the magic, and the connection.

We have expectations of others, for them to be someone different at Christmas than they are the rest of the year.

These expectations put a lot of pressure and stress on the season and the people around you.

Christmas is the title of a day or season or festival. The reality is we have to bring the joy and the magic and make it whatever it is we want it to be. We can create the Christmas we want and allow others to do the same.

Joy comes from within, if we are not seeing it in our outside world, it’s because it is not inside us. Our outside world reflects our inner selves. So, what is dimming our joy, are we setting ourselves up for failure by having too high expectations or striving for the all illusive perfect Christmas.

Getting caught up with the to do lists, shopping, decorating can be overwhelming, so taking care of yourself during this time is key.

Here are some tips to help you have a stress-free Christmas:

1. Continue with your self-care

Keeping up with your self-care practice around Christmas is so important, as the busyness builds, your meditation time, your exercise routine will help deal with any stress that may arise. Make a self-care appointment, a massage, or a relaxing therapy, so you can enjoy the build-up instead of dreading it.

2. Know your spending limit

Money is one of the biggest causes of stress at Christmas. Set a budget that is comfortable for you and stick to it. Any temptations that you have to overspend, take a breath and ask “Is this necessary?”

3. Learn to say “No”

Take time to enjoy what is happening around you and the experiences that come with the Christmas season. It’s ok to say no to any added responsibility that may be piled upon you. Be discerning about invitations, choose the ones you will enjoy and decline the rest. Set healthy boundaries, if there are places and people you wouldn’t spend time with during the year, then don’t do it at Christmas.

4. Be realistic

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to create the perfect Christmas. Focus on what makes you happy, if you’re happy it has a ripple effect on the people around you. Family gatherings can have a tolerance limit, know that, and don’t overstay if you’ll start to feel stressed.

Christmas is what you make it, so prepare in advance mentally and physically. Allow it to be what you want it to be. Choose wisely where you spend your time and energy.

If you would like to prepare for the Christmas season with an Energy Reset or Sound Bowl therapy contact me at www.geraldineryancoaching.com