Unwinding during the holidays seems like an oxymoron doesn’t it?

At the time of writing this, the holidays are shaping up to have some semblance of normalcy to them this year. In 2020 we did virtual Hanukkah and Christmas and we all felt some sort of longing for the usual.

I do think that’s true, and I am very much looking forward to some normalcy like we had for Rosh Hashanna and Thanksgiving this year. However, I am very much not looking forward to the typical commitments that are implied. You know, the ones you don’t want to go to, but go anyway? Yeah.

Post Pandemic – An Excuse To Reset

COVID gave us a pandemic that has shaken many of us and sent our anxiety through the roof. More importantly, I think that the pandemic gave us an excuse to reset. So as we approach normalcy in the post-pandemic world, let’s focus on highlighting ways we can offload additional anxiety.

I think COVID anxiety is enough on its own, right? Exactly.

Carve out some me-time every day

That looks different for everyone. Self-care means something different to everyone. For example, I love to run and I know plenty of people that HATE running and would definitely not consider that self-care or me-time. 

Find the things that work for you – reading, yoga, meditation, going for a walk, watching a movie, working out, bubble bath – you name it. Do something every day for you and allocate a certain amount of time each day. 

Jenny from Jenny in Neverland has a post about habits that manifest self-love and self-care.

I am currently out of books to read, but I love to carve out 30 minutes every day before bed to read and calm my brain so I have an easier time falling asleep. And if I want to hide from the world, I pop myself in a hot bubble bath for 30 minutes. 

Say No To Things That Don’t make you happy

Especially after a tough year where so many of us were unable to see family or travel, it can seem daunting to turn something down. What happens if we go through this again? I haven’t seen so and so in almost two years? 

It doesn’t matter. If you’re not fully into whatever is going on, don’t feel pressured at all. Instead of overwhelming yourself, or overbooking yourself, turn something down but make plans to see that person after the holidays once the craziness settles down. 

Set gift rules

Lots of people were laid off – temporarily or permanently – throughout the pandemic. Many of those people may still not be in a financial position to buy all the gifts this year.

Honestly? I love to shop but buying gifts for people is exhausting. I hate to buy things that people may not want, just as much as I don’t like to receive gifts like that (I hate clutter) and I find it incredibly taxing on my mental health some years. 

Agree to buy kids in the family gifts, and maybe do an adult gift exchange so you only have to bring one gift. 

Limit Time With People That Don’t Bring You joy

Just because the holidays are all about family, doesn’t mean you always have to see them. Now, that sounds harsh, but hear me out on this one. 

As I’m writing this, it’s nearly US thanksgiving and the memes about family politics are in abundance. Set yourself up for success this year, and opt-out of seeing those that you know have to talk at you about things that they believe in, and always turn into an argument. 

Set your boundaries. See other family members (and friends for that matter) once the holidays are over. There’s just something about this time of year and people voicing their ignorant opinions. 

Wanna make it easier? Not vaccinated; no gathering. 

Take Time Off Of Work

There’s no time like the present, especially if you have kids. They’re on Winter break, so it’s a great reason to take time away from work. Unless of course going to work is your escape 😉 

I personally never took time off over Christmas (I would work remotely if need be on the 26th) so that those with kids could take time off if they wanted. 

Conclusion

The holidays are difficult in many different aspects. I know that I am super excited to get together with my famjam for our Christmas usual but rarely do we have issues within but it has been known to happen. I won’t get more into that to protect the privacy of others, but I’ve been known to just walk out of a room mid-conversation to avoid losing my mind. 

After a crazy couple of years, we’re all in a position to want to do everything but can’t do everything. And that’s okay. You shouldn’t commit to everything just because “last year was so crazy”. 

Focusing on self-care now will lead to less holiday burnout. Boundaries; we can suck at setting them, but they do wonders for us when we do.