How to Navigate the Holidays Without Losing Your Cool

Image by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi - Pexels

Can you believe it? The holiday season is upon us. It feels like the year just vanished, doesn't it?

But let's be honest, the holidays can be a mixed bag. For some, it's all about excitement and joy, while for others, it can bring a sense of dread, like that first Christmas jingle on the radio.

We all know the holiday season can magnify family dynamics during gatherings. It adds stress with extra activities, and for some, it accentuates feelings of loneliness and isolation. And when you toss work into the mix, it can become quite the juggling act!

So, how can you navigate the holiday season without losing your cool? Here are three practical tips:

1. Carve Out 'Me' Time

This is especially important if you're dealing with stress or strained relationships. It sounds simple, but it's often seen as a luxury we can't afford. The key is giving yourself permission to take some time for yourself, and then actually doing it. 'Me' time can look different for each person – it could be a walk in the park or an hour with a good book. For me, it's essential to spend time in prayer and read my Bible every day. It gives me a calm center from which to live my life.

Anyway, the crucial step is to carve out time for yourself. If you must make arrangements with family to ensure it happens, do it!

2. Practice Deep Breathing

Have you heard of the Coherent Breathing? It involves deep breathing with the goal to extend the length of both the inhale and exhale breaths to around six seconds each. It's proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and related problems. I was skeptical at first, but I tried it, and it works. It helps clear the mental clutter, allowing for clearer thinking and a greater sense of calm. It's part of my nighttime routine that helps me fall asleep faster!

3. Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

This tip is good for everyone, especially those who might be feeling lonely. As someone who is single, I've found that being grateful for the little things, even during challenging times, can help me navigate the holidays with a more positive outlook.

Notice that I used the word "practice." It's not always easy to be thankful, especially when faced with difficulties, but the act of practicing gratitude can shift your perspective towards a more positive one.

All of these tips can help you, whether you're dealing with stress, isolation, or a combination of both.

In any case, I wish you a wonderful holiday season, whatever you're celebrating – whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply the joys of life!

# # #

If you'd like to check out our brand-new website, click here!