Holiday burnout sneaks up on me in the middle of the season. I’m the one in my family that plans the seasonal menus, keeps everyone on schedule, and looks at every gift option ever. With all the mental work that goes into doing all the things (plus all the other things), I forget to work at recharging myself. When that happens, I’m drained, exhausted, and, on wait … forgetful.
This pattern has been playing on repeat for a while, so this year I’m changing it up and giving myself a gift. Here are five ways I’m slowing down and creating space so I can enjoy the magic of the season too.
1. Taking Time-outs
The holiday rush can rush me right out of my mind. Therefore, I’m putting myself in time-out before my brain and body sink below the “empty” line. I’m grabbing some time to rejuvenate by taking a walk or epic showers that (oddly) last as long as an episode of my favorite binge-worthy program.
2. Enlisting Backup
My husband may have trouble finding the cheese in the middle drawer under the bottom shelf in our refrigerator, but he’s certainly capable of helping me with a little holiday planning. Because it is the season of giving, I’m giving him some seasonal tasks to accomplish. I mean, who doesn’t love a little extra grocery shopping? Maybe there’ll be some benefits too — such as learning where the cheese lives in our refrigerator.
3. Breathing Breaks
As my seasonal to-do lists get added to my normal to-do lists, I wonder how I’ll get it all done. That’s when I remember to breathe because breathing deep calms nerves and reduces stress. In the moment, I don’t always feel like using this grounding technique, but after taking my three deep breaths, I’m better able to face what lies ahead.
4. Letting It Go
In those massively stressed-out moments, checking to see what really needs to be accomplished, what can be moved to a different time or day, or tasks that can be simplified is super helpful. This frees up space in my brain and releases the pressure of making it all happen.
5. Managing the Expectations
It’s no secret that the holidays are overwhelming and stressful. Rethinking my expectations and knowing these feelings can be part of the process keeps frustrations on the low side. Remembering that it’s OK when cake recipes fail and stuff gets forgotten helps the season stay a little brighter and a little less burnt out.
