The holiday season is upon us and in full effect.  Taking steps now to take care of yourself will prevent regrets later that can impact your mood and health.  Creating self-awareness and having a plan before you engage in holiday activities will allow the experience of joy without the post-slump.

Socializing:

Whether it be with family or friends, parties and gatherings can create unusual amounts of stress this time of year.  Think of a game plan prior to attending your party or family gathering.  A coach doesn’t arrive at the big game without reviewing plays with the team right?  Ask yourself, who will be there?  How can I foster a sense of warmth with others?  What areas do I feel tense about?  Do I need to set a boundary or limit with someone?  How can I avoid past or typical pitfalls or triggers?  Recite a “mantra” about your intention before you arrive.  Also, it can be stressful to attend every gathering you are invited to.  It is acceptable to decline in advance, but tell your host you will not be there; not showing up is non-assertive on your part and can leave people feeling badly.

Nutrition:

The way we feel is heavily influenced by what we eat and drink.  Even if you are typically a healthy eater, the holiday season presents frequent challenges.  Some ideas to typically a healthy eater, the holiday season presents frequent challenges.  Some ideas to consider are to eat a portion of nutritious food before you attend a party.  

Don’t restrict yourself, but plan to take smaller portions of highly indulgent food.  Decide in advance on a designated driver and how many alcoholic drinks you will have if you are not driving.  Alternate drinks between non-alcoholic and alcoholic or choose drinks that are fun, but not alcoholic, such as spritzers, or other flavored add-ins.  Be prepared to say NO.  People can be pushy about “perceived enjoyment” when it comes to food and alcohol.  Tell them you just had some of what they are offering or that you will have one of those next.

Budget

Yes, budget.  Say it together now: “BUDGET.”  One of the highest reasons for stress in general, as well as things that lead to divorce is financial stress.  Create a shopping list and take time in advance to put thought into gift giving.   What about this person is unique?  What hobbies do they enjoy?  What interests do they express?  Do they have any needs?  Ask someone who knows this person for gift ideas and avoid buying things that you like or interest you.  This will help foster the joy that comes from the spirit of giving and will help you choose something based on meaning rather than on the cost of the item.  Decide on a spending limit for each person.  Make an envelope with cash specifically for holiday spending.  If you tend to shop by “one for me, one for you” then make a separate cash envelope to spend on yourself and stick to it.  Following a plan will decrease your guilt and leave you with an optimal holiday experience.