Tips to Keep Joy in Your Holidays

by Sandi Anderson CHTP., KT., RM., HT

The holidays can be a joyful yet hectic time that requires both intention and action to maintain balance and peace. Remember: breathe. You’ve got this, and you can do it! The key to a joyful, happier, healthier, and more zen-like holiday season is having a plan to avoid last-minute stress.

Take a look at these holiday tips to help you create lasting, joyful memories with less stress.

Set Your Holiday Mood

Begin by clearing your space. Clean your home, take down clutter, and make room for holiday decorating. Update your playlist with favorite songs to inspire festive feelings. Keep decorations simple—choose a few favorite items to display, such as a collection of mismatched ornaments in elegant bowls or miniature Christmas trees of various sizes. Add twinkle lights and candles for soft, warm lighting on window sills, cabinets, or your mantle. Setting this inviting atmosphere helps you create new joyful memories.

Get Picky About Parties

Plan your social engagements in advance over several weeks. Choose the parties and gatherings you really want and are able to attend. It is OK not to accept every invite you receive. Preplan shopping events, errands, and cookie baking—make a schedule to help. Remember, this doesn’t have to be a one-person-show, and you can share the list of tasks with others. Make time to see friends you have not seen in a while, and catch up with nearby friends another time. The best times happen when you stop to share them.

Make Enough Time for You 

Taking time to hit the gym or go for a walk are just two examples known to decrease depression and anxiety, and lower overall stress levels. And, yes, make sure get enough sleep. Additionally, practicing meditation can create a peaceful head space and elevate your mood and well-being, while helping fight stress and curb cravings. Taking self-time increases your ability to hold the positive vibes of joy in times of stress.

Make New Traditions

Be willing to change dates or times in order to gather everyone together. Instead of baking for months, create a cookie exchange, where each participant bakes enough of their two favorites to share with others. Everyone’s budget needs a break this time of year, so set a dollar amount that fits and stick to it—make it a game to see who can be the most creative. Memories are made from what we create and share together, like “Christmas in June” or “lasagna for Thanksgiving.”

Eat Healthier

Stress can trigger mindless eating and cravings of unhealthier foods. For your self-care, try out new healthy recipes, and cook with wholesome foods and nourishing ingredients. Eat a high-fiber and protein-rich snack before you head out to the parties—this will help keep your blood sugar levels stable. Feeding the body well increases its ability to create positive energy to enjoy!!

Sandi Anderson CHTP., KT., RM., HT;  Mother & Grandmother, Life & Soul Coach, Intuitive, Teacher, Energetic Healer and “Midwife” Mind, Body and Soul. Sandi Anderson lives in the Chippewa Valley and maintains a private Holistic Healing practice “Empowering individuals on their journey of change in Body, Mind/Emotions and Spiritual growth.”