Ways to recharge during the holidays

The holidays are upon us, which is wonderful in so many ways, but it can feel a little overwhelming at times. While spending time with family and friends can be fun and joyful, it can also leave you feeling exhausted and drained. If the holidays have you feeling stressed out, here are some ways to recharge and enter the new year prioritizing your physical and mental health.

Ways to recharge during the holidays

spend some time alone

Family driving you crazy? take a break. Seriously, no one ever tells us it’s okay to take some time for ourselves, so usually the thought never even crosses our minds. However, sometimes that’s just what we need to stay balanced and fulfilled throughout the holidays. There are many ways to give yourself some time. Take a nap, read quietly in your room by yourself, go for a walk or run alone, do some yoga, meditate or write in a journal. Whatever helps you start over is a great way to make time for yourself amidst the chaos of the holidays.

Schedule reset time

If you know that the holidays can be triggering and overwhelming for you, set yourself up for success and plan your time to reset. Schedule a manicure or massage at a certain time or day so you can free up some “me time.” This can be before or after a trip or reception if you know you will need to reset. Or better yet, book it in the chaos if you can, so you have a reason to escape it all for a while.

allow yourself innocently

We are all our own worst enemies in this regard. How many times have you wanted to do some self-care but didn’t stick to it because of guilt? Mom guilt and all kinds of guilt are so real, so inescapable. Know that by spending this time on yourself, you will be able to bring out the best in yourself. How powerful is it to set an example for your children or other loved ones in your life? We can help break down the stigma that self-care is selfish by modeling how self-care is necessary for our mental health.

Prioritize sleep

The holidays often mean late nights out celebrating and early mornings checking off our to-do lists. Lack of sleep is one of the top ways to exacerbate any negative emotions. It can leave us lashing out at our loved ones, feeling drained, and developing a negative self-image. Try to go to bed earlier at night, and later if possible. This will help you cope better with stress.

take a break

Everyone has different responsibilities and obligations to work over the holidays, but if you can find time to disconnect, do it. Taking this time to spend with family and friends is very important. That way, when it’s time to come back in the new year, we’ll feel refreshed and ready to start over. Set up an “out of office” automatic reply, and if possible, don’t check your email on vacation. It’s amazing what a little time to decompress does!

Do a Social Media Detox

Over time, we often find ourselves picking up our phones and spending hours scrolling through Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok. This doomsday roll often leads to feelings of separation, sadness, loneliness, and comparisons that are inappropriate at any time, let alone the holidays. Plan to take some time off so you can enjoy your family and friends without this silly distraction.here are some more Tips to turn off your phone.

set boundaries

We all have our boundaries when it comes to the holidays, and sometimes things can get lost in the madness. Decide what’s most important to you before the holidays and talk to your partner, family and friends to make sure you’re on the same page. If you want to leave the party at a certain time, make sure this is clear to your family. If you only want to spend a certain amount on gifts, you can have a conversation about that too. Putting these things out there from the start helps avoid disappointment or arguments when things go wrong.

refuse it

I know a lot of people struggle with this, but it’s all about putting yourself and your family first. You don’t have to say yes to everything about the holidays out of fear of hurting someone’s feelings. Review your calendar and prioritize what’s most important to you. If you can’t make it to their party, let people know early on so they can plan too.

Stay with family and friends

If you’re struggling over the holidays, know you’re not alone. For many, this is a complicated time. The overall feeling of joy and love in the air often makes people feel alone in times of sadness or stress. Talk to someone you love and trust, and you may find that they share similar emotions. It’s also good to connect with others and show them you’re thinking of them during such a beautiful season that’s also been challenging for many.

do something for the needy

Sometimes taking the focus off of ourselves and thinking of others is a great way to help us escape our holiday dread. With so many people struggling in our world, the holidays are the perfect time to volunteer your time, money or resources to help those in need. Whether you’re volunteering at a food shelter, donating to a worthy cause or helping organize an event in your area, there’s a lot you can do to help those in need.

reflect on your year

December is a great time to reflect on our year. So often we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays that we forget how quiet, calm and thoughtful December can be as we approach the solstice and New Years. Take a moment to think about your year. What have you accomplished? What makes you feel most alive? What is missing in your life?

remembering loved ones who have passed away

When feelings of sadness arise during the holidays, we are often too busy to stop and take the time to honor them. Holidays often evoke old memories and traditions from the past, connecting us with those who have passed. It is important to take some time each season to honor and remember those loved ones we miss this time of year. Talk about these special people with family and friends—it can be helpful to share these memories with someone who understands or can empathize.

What are you going to do to recharge your batteries this vacation? Let us know in the comments below!