How to Keep a Positive Attitude During Stressful Times…
The holiday season is a time to relax, enjoy family and experience the blessings of our lives. Unfortunately, the holidays can also be incredibly stressful and upsetting. I can hear you, “are the holidays over yet? The difference is in choosing a peaceful perspective and working to make your holiday a time of joy and renewal.
Be honest with yourself when it comes to spending time with family and friends. If there are people in your group who are simply toxic, wouldn’t it be better to avoid them or limit how much time you spend with them?
Even the people you enjoy being around can cause you stress and anxiety at times. With that in mind, decide before the holidays arrive what you’ll be doing and stick to it. Choose to decide your schedule for yourself, rather than letting others dictate your holiday plans.
You Really Don’t Have to Do It All
Do you assume that you have to do everything to ensure the holidays are perfect? If so, ask yourself, “Why do the holidays have to be perfect, anyway?” How can you enjoy a fun filled holiday season, even if it’s a little imperfect and messy? Some of the best and most endearing memories are those brought about by imperfection.
- Figure out a game plan ahead of time. If you think through your holiday plans beforehand, you can create a richer experience by focusing on the activities that mean the most to you instead of getting distracted by all of the busyness around you.
- Ask people to help you and enlist them in the holiday cheer and goodwill. Most people will be happy to help. Everyone could pitch in and do their share. Gently, but firmly, request the assistance you need.
Many times, family and friends mean well, but they just keep doing things the way they always have. If you’ve always done everything, they’ll expect that each year. It’s time to make the change, and start getting the help you need to make the holiday great while remaining happy and productive.
Remember the Less Fortunate During the Holidays
There are people all around us who struggle through life. Help the less fortunate know that they’re loved and cared for. If you’re religious, you can pray for them. You can visit sick children, bring cheer to elderly adults, and donate money, time or items to charities that you care about. This can really help you to put things into perspective.
It’s not always about what you get, but often about what you give, that really matters during the holiday season. If you keep that in mind and give what’s in your heart, you’ll be well ahead on the happiness scale, even when things get stressed.
Keep the Big Picture in Mind
Attitude is the one thing you truly have control over. People may aggravate you and stress you out, and things may go wrong, but you can control how you respond. Pay close attention to how you’re reacting. If you see that you’re getting stressed and upset, take some time to regroup and recharge so you’re ready to face the holidays again with peace and joy.
When you focus on the big picture, and what really matters, stress over the trivial things will melt away, enabling you to fill your holidays with meaningful memories of the season.
Wishing You All Happy Holidays and May The New Year Bring You Many Blessings.
Christy