The holiday season can be a wonderful time of feasting and gathering, shopping and wrapping, baking and giving. The colorful lights, the cheerful music, and the rhythm of the bells on street corners can help lift our mood as we scramble to locate that last gift or discover the perfect ingredient for a new dish. But the holidays can also be a time of tremendous stress, as we add new items to an already full to-do list and strain the monthly budget to its limit. Here are some helpful tips for restoring inner calm, peace, and joy after the season is over.
Make Yourself a Priority
With so much focus on others during the peak of the season, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves and how we are feeling. Coaches in particular give so much of themselves and their time to clients – it’s time now to recalibrate and ask yourself what you need. It may be that “alone time” has been scarce due to the regular rotation of parties or houseguests. Whatever the reason for overload, now is a good time to reserve just 20 minutes each day and do something that helps you replenish, such as taking a short walk, reading a chapter in your favorite book, or savoring a cup of your favorite tea. Also, pamper yourself for a few weeks – get a massage, take an Uber or Lyft to run errands, order dinner or groceries in, or simply say no to a few requests until your equilibrium returns.
Re-establish Healthy Habits
Often our habits become disrupted during the holidays. For example, our otherwise wholesome diet might be derailed by the constant presence of cookie platters, candy tins, and seasonal treats. Perhaps your routine visits to the gym have been interrupted by the demands of hosting out-of-town guests or you haven’t been able to get a good night’s sleep for weeks due to an overburdened schedule. Whatever the reason, now is the time to commit to returning to your pre-holiday healthy lifestyle. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep will go a long way in helping you restore inner calm.
Make a Plan
Did you overspend your budget or pick up a few extra pounds? Don’t beat yourself up – simply sit down and make a plan to get back on track. First, sit down with your calendar and reclaim your days. Now that the rush is over, reserve plenty of “down time” for yourself. Next, if you need help managing your diet or developing a monthly budget, find an app that is compatible with your cell phone and computer. This can be an easy and effective way of staying on course and it will free your mind from worry. And for some people, the accountability of an app is a big help. Knowing you have a plan and are working to fulfill it brings great relief.
Be Patient With Yourself
Calm can return to your life, but it probably won’t happen overnight. As you focus on yourself, make a mental commitment to cultivate healthy habits, and develop a workable plan, you can restore order and a sense of control over your life. If despite your best efforts, however, you feel persistently sad, anxious, hopeless, or irritable don’t hesitate to seek support or professional help. Your best life is just around the corner!