10 Tips To Overcoming Overwhelm In The Holidays

Reduce Stress, Anxiety And Overwhelm This Holiday Season

Life is busy for most of us, however at this time of year it can really crank up a few more notches and if we’re not careful we can find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and in danger of burning out. 

 Trying to keep up with work or school, commitments to family and friends, household duties, pet needs and fit in exercise and self-care while still managing your budget can be very challenging.

There is a tendency to become swamped by expectations, both your own and the expectations of others.  We feel pressure to  create a perfect 'Xmas advert' experience but we are doing it without the aid of the budget, crew and photo-shop.


With that in mind I thought I’d compile a list of 10 tips to help you manage stress and overwhelm this holiday season:

1. Manage expectations and don’t overdo things. Particularly if you have kids, set their expectations according to your budget, and if possible let them earn some money doing chores to help out so that they can buy themselves something they want and learn a little about the value of money in the process.  Don’t fall into the trap of buying tonnes of stuff that will be forgotten by January (except for the nasty reminder on your credit card statement).  Start with a list of what you think you will need, then see how much you can reduce it.  Go back to it the next day and see how much you can reduce it again.  Stick to it!  This way you cut down on the aftermath of pantries full of unhealthy  foods waiting to cling to your hips and cupboards and toy boxes full of items that were not really needed or wanted. Recognise unrealistic expectations for what they are, and don't bend yourself out of shape trying to meet them.
2. The busier you are the more important it is to take 10. Mindfulness helps calm the body, still the mind and restore clarity.   Studies have confirmed that it will reduce your stress and anxiety levels, improve your memory and focus and boost your resilience. 10 minutes will make a big difference. It may not be easy at first, your mind will wander all the time and that is fine, just gently refocus it when you notice it happening.  I recommend the Headspace App to all of my clients, this provides 10 x 10 minute sessions.  Go easy on yourself, you will most likely be terrible at it at first! Perseverance is key.
3. Have a to do list and action a few of the quick and easy items to get the ball rolling thus creating a sense of accomplishment.   This gets you into action mode, then use this momentum to tackle the bigger items.  
4. Know yourself.  Don’t overcommit to things that will exhaust you.  It’s ok to say no or to postpone items that aren’t urgent until things quieten down.  Some social catch ups can be combined to save you time. You don't have to be all things to all people.
5. Send your inner critic on hiatus and instead cultivate a kinder inner dialogue. Overwhelm and stress can make us feel as though we are failing at life (you're not!), so an encouraging inner voice will be far more productive than one that’s even more demoralising. 
6. Don't  try to do several things at once.  By focusing on one task at a time you will get more done with fewer errors. Multitasking is an inefficient drain on mental energy.
7. Allow for 8 hours sleep.  Create a nice relaxing environment in the bedroom, avoid screens for an hour prior to your desired sleep time and use that hour for winding down. Sleep in a quiet, dark room.  If you have trouble falling asleep practice 4,7,8 breathing i.e. inhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of 7 and exhale for a count of 8; repeat this allowing your body to relax until you drift off to sleep.
8. Make sure to eat properly.  A couple of hours  menu planning and preparing sets you up for the week and can save you time, money and unwanted calories.  When you organise yourself in this way you are less likely to give in to temptation as you have fewer choices to make (and use up your will power resisting) during the week. By ensuring you eat nutritious foods you keep your energy levels high  and generally feel better
9. Drink plenty of water.  Rushing around can lead to dehydration.  Dehydration slows the metabolism and may result in headaches and exhaustion. 
10. Take mental health breaks throughout the day — listen to your favourite music, stretch your body, take deep breaths, go outside to eat lunch, call a friend for a quick chat, pat the dog, do a puzzle; whatever represents a nice mental circuit breaker for you to interrupt the build up of stress.  Spotify playlists of songs that make you feel good to listen to in the car or at home can really lift your mood and recharge you for the day.

I hope these tips have been helpful and wish you all the best for Xmas and the New Year.  What is your goal for 2019?
Mine is to learn the guitar... 

#anxiety #stress #overwhelm #depression #loneliness #holidays #xmas #christmas
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