The holidays are both a wonderful and awful time of the year. There are celebrations and joy but also struggle and stress. The holiday hustle and bustle is no joke and it leaves many of us overextended, exhausted, and depressed.
Why not get a jump start on your goals for next year? Make healthy goals to get you through the holidays and set you up for success in the new year!
How to have a happy and healthy holiday season
Photo by Jim Lukach
01. Say no
Say no to overextending yourself in 3 key areas- in your energy, finances, and diet. When you overextend yourself, you use resources you don’t have and create a deficit that you’ll be paying for well into the new year. Say no to overcommitting, overspending, and overeating.
Need tips on how and when to say no? Sign up for my newsletter and get instant access to a recording of my Compelling Confidence webinar, including how and when to say no.
02. Adjust your expectations
Most holiday stress is self-imposed when we try to create a perfect holiday. How about aiming for a perfectly pleasant holiday, even if it’s not perfect?
Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.
03. Practice self care
Taking good care of your mental, emotional, and physical health is important to enjoying a happy and healthy holiday! The better you care for yourself, the more energy you’ll have, the less stress you’ll feel, and you’ll be less likely to get sick during the holidays (or immediately after).
Here are some self care ideas to get you started.
04. Be kind
Kindness is practice we can all benefit from- even the smallest act of kindness will improve your attitude and your day. If you really want to have a magical holiday season, be kind every day. (That includes being kind to yourself!)
“Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” ~Ian Maclaren
05. Reach out for help
Millions of people struggle with depression every day and it only seems to intensify during the holidays. If you’re struggling, reach out. If you aren’t struggling, share depression and suicide prevention resources for those who are.
Where to get help:
| US Suicide Hotline | 800-784-2433 |
| NDMDA Depression Hotline – Support Group | 800-826-3632 |
| Suicide Prevention Services Crisis Hotline | 800-784-2433 |
| Suicide Prevention Services Depression Hotline | 630-482-9696 |
06. Let go
Let go of something you’ve been holding on to. Let go of a to-do, a dream, an expectation- anything that’s keeping you from enjoying each day to the fullest.
07. Forgive
Forgive yourself or someone else this holiday season. Chances are you’re holding a grudge against someone. Practice forgiveness.
“Forgiveness is not an act after the fact, it is an attitude with which you enter each moment.” ~David Ridge
08. Don’t take life, or the holidays, too seriously
The spirit of the holidays is generosity and fun- don’t take life too seriously!
09. Keep it in perspective
Like all things, the holidays are temporary. Don’t lose focus on your goals, your health, or your happiness. Stay on track with healthy habits!
10. Be grateful
Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving! Gratitude is a wonderful way to lighten the mood, manage expectations, adjust perspective, and just plain be happy!
I’ve got 42 ways to be grateful!
11. Take what you like and leave the rest
Enjoy all the holidays have to offer, and let go of everything else. You don’t have to go toe-to-toe with your uncle’s political ranting, you don’t have to get offended by your neighbor’s choice of holiday decor, and you don’t have to invite every argument you’re invited to! Enjoy the holidays and leave it at that!