With the holidays upon us, it is important that we make the most of this time of year. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all that we must do – buying gifts, cooking meals, traveling, cleaning, social events, etc. It’s easy to lose focus of what is important, which is spending time with those we love and making memories.
5 Ways to Make the Most of the Holidays
- Reflect on What’s Important. First things first – you must know what’s important to YOU! This may change from year to year, but make sure you prioritize whatever is most important to you this holiday season. Maybe it’s seeing extended family, friends, or spending extra time with your children. Whatever it is, make sure you identify what your top priorities are this season, so you can focus your attention and time towards them.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle (as much as possible). A quick way to ruin the holidays is by getting sick. Do what you can to stay healthy – wash your hands often, wear appropriate outdoor clothing when traveling, get your vaccinations, and stay home if you aren’t feeling well. Stick to your exercise routine as much as possible and continue eating healthy to keep your body in tip-top shape this season.
- Manage Your Stress Levels. This is an important step in staying healthy. There are many ways to manage stress, but some examples may include getting plenty of sleep, carving out time for self-care, staying active, deep breathing, deep-breathing exercises, and talking to someone about your stress, if needed.
- Stick to Your Budget. Holiday spending can certainly cause financial stress, but it doesn’t have to. Set a budget and stick to it! Track your purchases and spending. Start buying early to spread out the expenses a bit more. You may also consider making some of the gifts or giving experiences instead of physical gifts.
- Adjust Expectations. Manage your expectations this holiday season. Often our greatest disappointments lie in our expectations. Remember what is truly important to you, like getting to spend time with family, and let the smaller things go. Be clear about when you need the most, and try to be flexible about the rest.
Happy Holidays!