TIPS FOR MANAGING CHRISTMAS EXCESS
Christmas can be a wonderful time of year where we get to spend time with family and friends, enjoy the rituals of giving and receiving, participate in traditions, and eat, drink and be merry!
However, Christmas is also a time of busyness, increased stress, financial pressures, and often general excess. We tend to be going out more, spending more, eating and drinking more all at the end of the year when we might be feeling tired more. It can be exhausting and overwhelming at times.
If the holiday period brings on feelings of stress, perhaps it’s time to try things a little different. In addition to my colleague Jason’s tips around managing stress and staying more present over Christmas, I am going to share some ideas on how to manage excess over the holiday period.
Tips for dealing with stress related to giving gifts and financial pressures
There is a lot of pressure in our society to give wonderful and plentiful gifts to others. There are many reasons why this might induce feelings of stress, including financial and environmental. Perhaps you could consider:
- Trying out Secret Santa instead of giving gifts to everyone.
- Make a donation to a charity on behalf of someone.
- Consider a ‘family’ gift instead of individual presents.
- Gift an activity, such as a special outing to the beach and an ice-cream, or a movie night where your child can invite over friends to watch a movie on Netflix and make popcorn.
- Some quality time spent with a loved one can be more satisfying than a gifted item.
- Try to keep it simple.
- Make a budget, write a list instead of just walking around the shops, and stick to it!
Tips for dealing with stress related to busyness and excess
- Prioritise rest and relaxation.
- Schedule in time to have a break, so some exercise.
- Practice gratitude. Is there something you are grateful for?
- Look after your body, keep in mind your usual helpful behaviours regarding food and alcohol.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- Remember it is important and healthy to say “No” sometimes.
- Consider hosting a ‘bring a plate’ event instead of managing everything yourself.
Perhaps it might be time to re-think any Christmas tasks you dread or to let-go of traditions that don’t feel right for you anymore.
Keep an eye out for future tips from Prosper Health Collective to help you flourish and thrive over the Christmas period.