5 Tips to Help You Enjoy the Holiday Season Mindfully

With the Holiday Season upon us, many might be feeling burnout already. It’s likely to have filled up schedules with lots to do, gifts to buy and maybe a busy social schedule as well! It can be easy to become overwhelmed by all of the business, while also trying to find moments of calm and cheer! We thought it might be helpful to put together some tips on how to find joy, while focusing on your own wellness, throughout the season!

1. Commit time to your own wellness routine

With all of the changes to the regular routine, you might find your wellness routine disrupted. Its ok if it has to change a little bit, but don’t let it get too off course in order to fit other things in! Whatever your needs are during a regular week, such as a balanced diet, finding play or movement, journaling or meditating, try and meet them during the busy ones too. Prioritize self-care time devoted to you and your own self-care needs!

2. Say “No” to invites, or plan to leave early 

Do you feel both grateful for all the invitations you’ve received, while also stretched a little thin? Remember, it’s perfectly ok to decline, or even leave a party early, to prevent feeling like you’re running on empty.

3. Make a Gratitude List

Showing gratitude for even the seemingly little things, material or otherwise, can have a powerful effect on our attitudes and feelings. Try with a small goal of three things per week and see how it grows!

4. Set a Budget! 

If finances are a worry for you, but you appreciate gift giving, try and find creative and meaningful ways to give gifts without putting yourself under the financial burden.

5. Remember It’s okay to not be okay (yes, even during the holidays)! 

There seems to be this notion that everything goes perfectly to plan, and that everyone is all smiles and filled with joy during the holidays. This can be true for some, but it’s also not realistic nor is it always the reality. This season, let’s remember that its always ok not to be ok, and that even this “supposed to be” happy time is filled with ups and downs. Whatever you need, and whatever the season may look like for you, its okay.

About the Author

Madison Mastervick, MSW Intern, is an MSW Intern here at the Growth and Wellness Therapy Centre focused on working with children and parents.