Learn three simple strategies to create more joy in your holiday season.
Do you start feeling anxious at the mere mention of the upcoming holiday season? Does your stress level go from zero to overwhelming before it even begins?
According to a survey of 2,434 Americans, 52% said the holiday season is stressful for them. Another survey of 2,000 participants concluded that “Festive Burnout” begins for 36 percent of Americans before mid-December, with another 17 percent saying it sets in before December first.
Do you dream of more time authentic connection? Are you ready to stop over-spending, over-scheduling, and over-committing and enjoy a more meaningful experience? Try these simple strategies before the chaos ensues:
First, decide your holiday vibe:
Do you love the rush of going to every event and decorating every square inch of your home, inside and out?
Or, do nice relaxing evenings by the fire with soft music and your favorite people sound more your speed?
Perhaps it’s something in between, or a timely get-away.
Whatever it is, choosing the vibe and tempo you want to experience, and using that as a measuring stick for what fits and what doesn't, will help eliminate stressful decision-making.
Second, decide your holiday hang-outs:
Do you prefer to be at home with just your closest family members?
Is a big raucous family gathering your jam?
Or, do you like to dabble here and there with an escape plan if you need it?
Wherever you prefer to be, knowing and focusing on the location will be helpful when you’re looking at travel times, preparation, etc. (And, whatever your mode of transportation - don't forget the snacks!)
Third, decide your holiday budget:
Consider charitable giving, family gifts (and office gift exchanges, secret Santa, teacher gifts, etc.).
Include additional grocery costs, as well as dining out and happy hour meet-ups.
Think outside the box for ways to celebrate that are more experiential and can be scheduled at a date and time that is a little more manageable.
Here’s a little inspo to get your creativity flowing… how about an afternoon visit to an escape room, lunch at a little bistro, maybe a movie? Wouldn’t it be fun, instead of shopping and wrapping up gifts, to chip in together and go somewhere with your friends or family after all the hustle and bustle? The possibilities are endless.
Approach the holidays with an understanding of your expectations, desires, and hopes, and you are more likely to be relaxed (at least relatively), happy, and satisfied in the end. Doesn't that sound nice?
Want to know more about intentional time- and stress-management?
Join us Tuesday, November 15th at 7:00 pm for
“Time Machine Tune-up: intentional planning for the season ahead,”
where we’ll be discussing more ideas and tools to make this a truly happy holiday season.
And, because we don't want to contribute to your stress,
This one-hour event is just $10
($25 off the regular price!)
Love and Rad Vibes,
Di and LaDeene
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