The holiday season is in full swing. It’s a jolly time for all, right?
Well, except for those in charge of doing all the necessary preparations. Mostly, it’s the women in the family that end up doing all the work. Although the situation is not the same in every household, research has shown that the holiday season is much more stressful for women than their male partners or family members.
It seems like your to-do list grows bigger and stronger every day. Shopping for gifts, cooking, baking, and cleaning your house is enough to drive you mad. On top of that, you still have to work. Christmas no longer feels magical. In fact, it feels stressful and annoying. Still, you can choose to bring the magic back. All it takes is taking care of yourself while caring about others.
Here are some of our suggestions on how to do just that.
It’s kind of you to try to please your family and friends. Still, it doesn’t mean the holiday season should be all about others. Get excited about Christmas and New Year by doing things just for yourself. Make a list of things you would like to experience or try.
Bake the cookies you wanted to try for ages or start getting your house in order by organizing your stuff first. The result will be the same, but you’ll feel like you’re not being left out.
With so many things to do, it can be overwhelming to even glance at your to-do list. But, if you break down your goals into steps and start taking them on time, you get a head start.
The key is to do something that contributes to your goal each day. If your goal is to do a lot of baking and cooking, first think about everything you’ll need. Dedicate a specific time for grocery shopping or gathering all the necessary kitchen utensils. In case your goal is to travel, make sure to check what you need to do beforehand to have a stress-free vacation.
Everything is achievable if you take it one step at a time.
People love holidays because they remind them of what’s important. Family and friends, love and appreciation. But it’s easy to forget that when you’re running around just to get everything done. Take some time out of your busy schedule to get in the holiday groove. Play corny Christmas music, learn a new carol, or watch Home Alone for the hundredth time.
In fact, do whatever works for you. It will help you relax and enjoy doing the work.
If you think you won’t have the time to do everything, make it easy for yourself. Sometimes you just don’t have the time to bake 5 types of cookies or make a 4-course meal for Christmas dinner. Hop to your nearest store and buy some cookies or a side dish. Even better, swap them with your guests! If you’re making gingerbread cookies and your guests are making a different kind, feel free to swap some! It’ll be easier for both of you!
To avoid getting chewed up by the holiday mayhem, try to stick to your everyday routine. Well, at least as much as possible.
Routine gives you stability and something to rely on. When you don’t have that, your life can become a chaotic mess. In no time, you’ll become a mess, too. So, don’t feel bad about doing your morning rituals, going to the gym, or whatever makes up your everyday life. Understand how important these seemingly mundane things are for your mental health.
It might seem obvious. You know you should relax. But are you really doing it? If you’re like most people, probably not, especially during the holiday season. Make a conscious decision to spend some time relaxing. A good time to that would be just before you go to bed but try to find out what time works best for you.
Taking a warm bath, reading, meditating, or journaling are just some of the proven methods that will help you relax in no time. Check your Bellabeat app for special, relaxing meditations, DIY self-care recipes and take some time for yourself.
And remember, in order to care about others, you first have to take care of yourself!
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