5 Simple Steps to Empower Yourself This Holiday Season
With the holiday season quickly approaching, a mix of emotions may be at the forefront of your mind. The holidays bring with them a hustle and bustle of activities, events, and gatherings - many that you really look forward to and a few you may be less than excited about. Whether the holidays are your favorite time of year or not, it is entirely understandable that this season can feel overwhelming and draining for some. With a proactive approach to the season and a positive outlook, I hope to empower you to celebrate the holidays intentionally this year. What could it feel like to actually transition smoothly into the new year with less guilt and a sense of personal satisfaction?!
Before the holidays come and go, it’s important to acknowledge your priorities for the next few weeks and assess your internal dialogue surrounding the season. You can learn a lot by asking yourself these two simple questions:
What are my personal and family priorities and traditions that I definitely want to experience?
What decisions do I typically regret after the holidays?
Certain reservations or everyday struggles you feel each year may also be rolling in. I’m breaking down five common struggles that many women face during the holidays and offering realistic tips on how to approach each challenge positively, intentionally, and in a way that will empower you to live the life you want this season.
1.I consume too much food and/or alcohol during the holidays.
Can you relate? In reality, many traditions and gatherings that happen during the holiday season revolve around food. If you’re in this boat, try enjoying your favorite foods and drinks, but not overindulging. It may sound simple, but the results are real. Leave treats as treats, not something you need to eat every day for 2 months. Instead of hoarding leftovers at home for yourself, try sending them home with your guests. Not only will you share the food and make sure everyone is taken care of, but you won’t be tempted to eat them yourself for the next few days.
2. I overcommit during the holidays.
Does this sound familiar? If so, start by writing down a list of your personal priorities and favorite family traditions. What do you really want to experience this holiday season? Maybe it’s planning out time to shop or what your favorite Christmas movies to alleviate the last-minute panic. Whatever it is, commit to prioritizing those activities in your calendar first. Learn to create space for the things you want to enjoy, and don’t be afraid to say no to things that don’t spark an interest for you.
3. I spend too much money during the holiday season.
We love a good gift-giver, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank and buy for everyone. The first step is to decide on a dollar amount that feels good to you. Most people skip this step. Then they wonder why they are left with a feeling of regret each year when the reality of the credit card balance shows up! While it is fulfilling to give to others and let them know they’re thought of, gifts don’t always have to be material items. Try giving the gift of your time to those who need it most. How many of us have been disconnected from real live interaction lately? Handwritten letters that include favorite memories along with a photo album are a grandparents’ dream! If you know your way around the kitchen and love to cook, you could even share the gift of food this season. How many busy families would love such a thoughtful and helpful gesture? Get creative but stick to the budget you have set.
4. Family relationships are too stressful and overwhelming for me during the holidays.
Family get-togethers and relationships can be incredibly complicated and hard to navigate during the holidays. If this is an area of heartache or stress for you, first, know that you are not alone. Relationships can be tricky. Try intentionally choosing to see the good in people and the life experiences that you’ve shared. Remind yourself of these reasons before the party starts! Learn to observe the interactions you’re experiencing without being controlled or inundated with negative emotions when you’re around family or those who may be a point of conflict in your life. Choose to be present the best you can without feeling the need to react or respond to all of the frustrations that may arise during your time together.
5. I don’t workout enough during the holidays.
Remember the basics and take each day one at a time. If you can intentionally choose to move your body every day, you are taking a step in the right direction. However, you may need to adjust the frequency or the duration of your weekly workouts for a few weeks to be more realistic for this busy time of year. Consistently find a way to engage your body, whether in a structured workout at your local gym or simply committing to your daily morning run. It’s better to do less than nothing at all. Look to your exercise routine as a way to improve your physical and emotional health. Prioritizing this habit will support you as you release added stress and regain clarity around what really matters this holiday season.
Whatever your personal struggles tend to be, don’t give up! You can do hard things. Life is not perfect, and your expectations shouldn’t be either. Stay positive, yet realistic, and remember that you have the power to make your own choices this year. When you start to notice the easy complaints rolling off the tongues of others (like any of the five listed above!), remember that only you can create the changes you crave. When you choose to be intentional about where you spend your time, energy, and money this holiday season, you will experience more joy in all that you do.
If the holidays still feel like a time when you need support and guidance, connect with me to learn more about holiday planning and how accountability coaching during this season can work for you.