The holiday season is wonderful and fun, but it can also be very stressful, and for some people, quite depressing. If you're among those who suffer during this time, we hope this guide will help you enjoy it.
Focus on the meaning of Christmas: depending on your beliefs, this can vary. Perhaps it's a time of religious significance, or maybe simply tradition and family. Whatever meaning you give it, try to avoid letting external elements, and the beliefs of others, affect your values.
Control your expectations: Many of us imagine a movie-like Christmas - or a social media Christmas - with spectacular food and perfect outfits, but the vast majority of us decorate and dress up as best we can with the little time we have.
Feel free to look to magazines and social media accounts you like for inspiration, but don't feel like you're the only one who doesn't spend Christmas in a spectacular living room. Behind those images are professionals making sure everything is perfect.
Get organized: Having a plan and executing it in advance will help you feel more at ease. For example, if you want to give gifts to all your loved ones, don't leave the shopping until the last minute, because there simply won't be enough time. If you want a four- or five-course Christmas Eve menu, make sure you have all the ingredients you need a few days in advance, so you can dedicate that day to cooking. Personally, I like to set the table the night before. Not only is it one less thing to do on the day of the party, but I can also give it more attention and make it as beautiful as I like.
Stick to your routines: Between lunch and dinner, nougat and shortbread, don't forget to maintain your healthy lifestyle, whether it's daily exercise, supplements, or green smoothies. We all enjoy a couple of pieces of marzipan, but nobody wants to feel bloated or constipated.
Go for a walk: Even if it's cold, and even if you have nowhere to go. Take some time every day to walk, meditate, and get some sun and fresh air. This way you move your body, calm your mind, and help prevent seasonal slumps.
Be mindful: Your values are important, so make sure you're upholding them every day. If you prefer DIY gifts, don't stop just because you feel like you're saving money. If you prefer not to wrap gifts because you're concerned about the environment, don't wrap them just because that's how it's "supposed" to be done. Staying true to your values will help you reduce stress.
Communicate with your loved ones: Even if you're with them every day, it's easy to not express what you feel. Talk about what you'd like to do this year, about old traditions, about what you miss, and also about the good things. Listen to your loved ones too, and get to know them a little better. Listening, and feeling heard, is comforting.
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