How to Stay Grounded During the Holidays: Rediscovering Your Joy
The holiday season can bring joy but also stress and unwanted anxiety. To stay grounded, I recommend the following:
Set Realistic Expectations – Let go of perfection and focus on what truly matters.
Prioritize Self-Care – Schedule time for activities that recharge you, like journaling, moving your body, listening to music, or reading.
Establish Healthy Boundaries – Set limits on time, topics, and obligations. Be realistic with expectations and communicate those criteria clearly.
Practice Gratitude – Focus on small, meaningful moments to shift your perspective. Sometimes the smallest wins are the most humbling and needed.
Create Your Own Traditions – Sometimes it is necessary to mourn the loss of certain traditions – death of a loved one, unforeseen circumstances, etc. – but in doing so you have the opportunity to find beauty in the creation of new memories. Redefine the holidays in ways that resonate with you.
Limit Overcommitment – Prioritize joy and allow downtime to avoid burnout.
Stay Present – Use mindfulness techniques to focus on the moment. We cannot change the past and future thinking often leads to rumination.
Seek Support – Reach out to friends, groups, or professionals if needed. Your worries are not an inconvenience. You are not burden.
The holidays are what you make them – embrace what brings peace and joy.
