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Deep-cleaning your Boulder apartment, making sure decorations are just right, finding a kennel for your pet as you travel, waiting in long lines for the perfect presents – all contributing factors to stress during this time of year. While we all love getting into the holiday spirit, there are definitely bits and pieces of the season that can make you want to pull your hair out sometimes. This winter, the key to keeping your peace of mind is to avoid dwelling on the small things. Think big picture, and don’t let a few mishaps bring you down if things don’t go your way.
There’s a lot to love about the holidays, so here are some quick tips to cut down on the anxiety and focus on all of the good happenings around you.
Schedule Time for Yourself
One of the things that can get overwhelming during this time of year is all of the visiting you’ll be doing. If you’re planning on locking up your one-bedroom apartment and heading home for the holidays, make sure you think about your personal stress levels along the way. Schedule time for yourself where you can have some quiet and peace of mind. While you don’t want to come across as too aloof, we think people will understand putting off their stories until after you take a power nap. It’s all about balance at this stage. Knowing yourself well enough to anticipate situations where you’ll be spread too thin is key to maintaining sanity as you’re surrounded by a dozen or so individuals who all want to catch up on old times.
Budget for the Occasion
A really difficult problem that many run into is overspending during the holidays. Many of us can say we’ve been guilty of this at some point in our lives. We completely understand, sometimes you just get carried away with trying to pick the perfect present for anyone on your list. However, one thing to consider is money’s effect on your psyche. Debt being one of the driving factors of stress overall, it’s crucial you create a budget for the season and stick to it. Nobody wants to have trouble buying groceries or paying bills because of excess spending on presents. Try making your gifts, or coming up with unique alternatives; it’s the thought that counts these days. Thinking outside the box can make the same impact, while allowing you to skip the headache of looking at your credit card bill in January.
Watch Your Diet
Now, we’ll be the first to admit that some things are just down right sacred. Holiday meals tend to fall into that category. Delicious food, thousands of calories, and consuming more than your fair share of gravy have all become time honored traditions that categorize this time of year. While it’s completely acceptable to indulge at the dinner table, be smart about what you put into your body. Food is fuel, and if your meals lack substance, you’ll end up not feeling your best. The key to any healthy regimen is moderation. It’s completely acceptable to have a few extra pieces of turkey, a couple of latkes, or another scoop of mashed potatoes. Where things get excessive is the meals leading up to, and after, those special holiday moments around the dinner table. Try eating lighter breakfasts, and focus on increasing your vegetable intake during lunch. In a nut-shell, if you plan to take full advantage of the holiday spread this season, make sure you also eat healthfully during those not-so-important meals in between.
Whether you’re heading out of your Gunbarrel rental for the winter, or hosting a joint celebration in your three-bedroom apartment, taking the time to think of a plan of attack can really cut down on holiday stress. Remember, this season is just as much about you as it is about who you surround yourself with. Simply shifting your priorities and being cognizant of your own mental and physical health can do wonders for your personal stress levels. This year, don’t sweat the small stuff. Schedule time to yourself, shop within your means, and eat a little healthier throughout the day. Focusing on these three tips will make a big difference emotionally – and remember – this time of year is all about the new memories you make. Here’s to another great holiday season.