If there’s something the holidays are NOT known for, it is rest. Sure, we all look forward to joining family and friends in activities and gatherings, but oftentimes the calendar gets packed with commitments that leave little to no room for “rest.”
Couple that with the stress rearranging your schedule to meet deadlines around the holidays and all the annual clerical tasks that demand attention at the end of each year, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
It’s important to incorporate time for yourself as we head into the thick of the holidays. What does that look like? It can be an afternoon reading that book you’ve been meaning to read, a walk around the neighborhood with your dog, or a night cuddled up on the couch with the phone set to “Do Not Disturb” while you watch your favorite movie.
The more you try to fit on your plate, the less likely you are to be able to enjoy — and be fully present for — the events that mean the most to you.
Prioritize is the key word for the season. Ask yourself what gatherings are most important to you, and place those at the top of your to-do list. Take the rest of that list day by day and decide when the day arrives without putting pressure on yourself.
Remember, you alone are responsible for making yourself a priority.
Fair disclosure: Obviously, I say this not as a healthcare professional or a mental health advisor but as a normal person like you who sometimes needs a reminder that happy holidays don’t have to mean rocking around the Christmas Tree but can involve more silent nights to make up the most wonderful time of the year.