Holiday Drama Survival Tips

It’s the holiday season! And that means holiday drama. Do you experience any of these drama-triggers around the holiday season?

• Pressure to finish projects
• Anxiety about budgets or taxes
• Traffic and long lines
• Guilt about not measuring up
• Desire to please everyone
• Spending time with people whom you don’t enjoy
• Awkward holiday work parties
• Conflict between getting more stuff and a desire to simplify
• Wishing things weren’t so complicated

Here are some tips for surviving (and maybe even thriving) this holiday season.

Open up and be honest

This year, share your real feelings with someone who will listen without judging you. It’s OK to have not-so-positive feelings around the holidays. Sharing them with someone will help you feel normal and realize you aren’t alone.

Say No

Boundaries are more important than ever during the holidays. This year is the time to say no to one or two things that only cause you drama and stress.

Quality time

Focus on the gift of quality time with the people in your life who matter most; grabbing a cup of coffee, taking a walk, going to the movies together, or just hanging out. Making relationship memories is priceless.

Exercise. Outdoors.

It’s easy to slack on exercise during the holidays, yet it’s one of the most important things you can do to build your resilience to drama. Even better, do it outside and get the added benefit of fresh air, sunlight, and a new view on things. Even better, do it with a friend.

Serve someone else

Share holiday spirit with someone you don’t know. Volunteer opportunities are everywhere this time of year. Not sure where to start? Try VolunteerMatch.

Sleep

In the Northern hemisphere the days are getting shorter and the nights longer. Hibernation instincts are setting in. Give in to your instincts and get some good sleep. Good sleep helps you fight off energy vampires.

Alone time

All of us need downtime without distractions and demands. Some people need solitude more than others. Whether curling up with a good book, taking a walk alone, or spending time wandering in a museum by yourself, alone time is a great way to destress.

What works for you? Will you share your holiday drama survival tips? Post your comments on this article.

Copyright Next Element Consulting LLC, 2017

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