Staying Sane During the Holidays

The holidays can be stressful but there are lots of ways you can stay sane!

No matter how much you enjoy (or don’t enjoy) the holiday season, November and December come in a rush and bring all sorts of stress with them. There is so much pressure to be cheerful and enjoy yourself. But sometimes it just becomes too much and we need to take a step back and breathe.

Here are 3 ways you can stay sane and better enjoy the holiday season.

Take Time for Yourself

Taking time for yourself is so important. Going for a walk gives you time to think and focus.

Something you can do to really help you during the holiday season is to take time for yourself. Often we feel guilty for doing this, but really it can help you! According to Psychology Today “Solitude allows you to reboot your brain and unwind.”

During this season you have so many options for your alone time. Sit and make a list of things you are grateful for. Go on a walk in the softly falling snow. Or, if you want something more warm and snuggly, grab your fuzzy socks, make your favorite hot cocoa, and curl up by the window to watch the snow falling down.

Taking some time to be alone is really important for staying sane, especially during the holiday season. Find something that helps you think deeply and better understand and work through your problems.

Visit Family

Visiting family, or even those who don't have family is a great way to keep the holiday spirit.

Another way to help keep yourself centered during the holidays is to visit family. Home is where you can be yourself and where there are people who love you. When you visit your family you can relive special memories. Going home can also provide emotional support. Your family loves you and wants to help you out. Being home gives you the time you need to de-stress from all the regular craziness of your life.

If you can’t (or would rather not) visit your family there are always other families who could use your visit. Going to a nursing home or hospital to visit those who are away from family during the holidays can be really beneficial for you and for them. Visiting those who are lonely can help you keep from focusing on all your stresses and problems for awhile.

Focus on Giving

Giving is a great way to help you focus on what really matters.

Giving is the whole reason for the season. Focusing on giving can really help you keep your sanity during the holidays. One of the best things you can give is your time. When you give others your time it sends the message that you really care about them.

We are all unique and we all have different talents and skills. The best way you can help you, is by using those skills to help others. When you focus on others instead of yourself you can keep yourself centered and focused on the things that really matter.

The holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful! If you take your time to unwind and focus on what really matters you can make it through the holidays.

What do you do to stay sane during the holidays?