Tis the season to be jolly! But, this jolly holiday season also comes with a range of activities that can leave us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. 

Are you a holiday season over-achiever, or does December send you into complete cruise mode?

If you’re the over-achiever you may be the type who gets a rush from perfecting the Christmas table setting, putting their hand up to organise dessert, perfecting gift gifting, buying matching family PJ’s (insert long breath out) AND somehow manages to still say sane and enjoy the festivities… 

Sound familiar? Good news, this is not a bad thing! But, it can mean you’re the type who also needs to prioritise time to relax and unwind amidst the chaos. 

Here are 10 ways to look after yourself this holiday season 

1. Get rid of expectations 

Remove the guilt associated with not meeting expectations. Whether that be family expectations or your own, the festive season is a special time for reflection, family, love and joy – embrace it!

If you are unable to be with family this year, try to focus on the time you can spend with them virtually, or the time you can spend with friends or a partner. 

2. Go with the flow 

If you are usually an avid planner,  try to ditch the schedule and let yourself fall into holiday time. It can do wonders for your mental health! 

3. Set boundaries

If you feel like you should say no – SAY NO! If you wake up one day just exhausted and in need of a chill day, but your bestie or sibling asks you to go out to that house party down the road – prioritise yourself and decline. 

4. Schedule in time for self-care activities 

In between the long lunches and family engagements – schedule some time aside to do things you would usually do that make you feel relaxed. For example, going for your morning run or taking a bubble bath at the end of the day!

5. Take care of your physical health 

Try to still fit in a couple of sweat sessions throughout the holiday season. Whether it be a gentle walk along the coast or a sweaty gym sesh, it will make you feel empowered and strong. 

6. Let go of the need to control 

Let go of the desire to control everything, and enjoy the spontaneity that is, being on holiday.

7. Take time to practice gratitude for family 

If you can be with family this year, soak it up. If you aren’t, practice gratitude for what you do have to be grateful for this year. Sometimes it can take reflection to see and appreciate what you do have. 

8. Take a nap!

There is nothing quite like an afternoon nap in the holidays! If you are someone who doesn’t usually get this divine luxury, give in to it! Turn off those lights, shut the curtains and get some zzz’s. 

Making time for rest will make a world of a difference to your mental health during the holidays, and for when you return to the normal day to day life after the new year. 

9. Go easy on social media 

Taking a mini hiatus from scrolling hours could be what the doctor ordered! 

Imagine the hours you could be present with friends and family if you tried to minimize your screen time by an hour or two a day! 

10. Get your creative juices flowing! 

Start a new book, do some colouring-in or get outside in the garden! Being creative can slow down our heart rate and decrease stress levels – yes, please! 

At the end of the day, take this season to embrace love and joy, and enjoy the special time celebrating with loved ones. Do what makes you happy, and embrace going with the flow!

We hope these 10 ways to look after yourself this holiday season come in handy! If you need more support, listen to our Happy Pod episodes on Spotify, or get in touch to be involved in our happiness programs for the new year.