It is the most wonderful time of the year - it's December, we’re in the home run of the year, things are winding down, the finish line is in sight and there’s also so much joy and festivities at this time of year.
However, it is also commonly the most stressful time of the year, let’s face it. There are end of year work deadlines, planning and preparing to be done for the new business year or the new academic year, there are exams and finals and then gift shopping, work parties, family commitments, community projects and volunteering - when you start to write it all down it gets very overwhelming very very quickly.
So let's take a step back and reflect on how we can manage our own expectations of ourselves at this time of the year, as well as the expectations of others and ultimately how we can keep the various cups in our wellbeing cupboard topped up during the Christmas chaos so we avoid entering the new year feeling burnt-out!
12 ways to keep your cup topped up this holiday season...
- Plan. Write lots of lists, create a visual calendar, add all your invites to your Google Calendar, maybe even set up a festive Notion template! Just make sure you know exactly what's happening when so that you don't double book or over-stretch yourself!
- Delegate! Look at all those lists and deadlines and share the load; don't take on everything alone.
- Move your body. Put on a yoga video, go for a brisk walk during your break, or book a fun gym class - find a way to move your body often in a way that feels GOOD!
- Rest when you can. Repeat after me: rest is productive! You won't be able to do all the things if you don't make time to rest so that you have energy to show up for those things.
- Say no. It's tempting to say yes to every event, invite and get-together at this time of year, but you are only one person so say yes to the things that matter most and no to anything that will be too much!
- Define your non-negotiables. What your priorities for the season? What deadlines must you meet or what events do you really want to attend? Sit down and define your non-negotiables and rank your to-do lists by priority so that you can figure out what you can cancel or post-pone.
- Lean into joy! Stress is unavoidable in the countdown to the new year, but there is also plenty of joy going around. Lean into the joy and use it to help you move through the more stressful moments.
- Set gentle end of year goals. Instead of pushing yourself to end the year strong, choose to be gentle with yourself and your needs.
- Make space for alone time!!! Find balance between all the gatherings and parties by making time to recharge your social battery!
- Spend time outdoors. Fresh air is good for the body and the mind.
- Practise mindfulness. Your presence is the best present!
- Show yourself compassion! You can't please everyone, so focus on finding and choosing what feels good and right for you right now.
want more holiday self-care tips?... Listen to this episode of Fill Up Your Cup podcast...