“‘Tis the Season to be Jolly”, so why is it that this joyous time of year can create so much stress and burn-out, even in the jolliest of us? As if our lives weren’t busy enough, we have now entered the season of holiday partying, cooking, baking, gifting, wrapping, and being pushed and pulled from every conceivable direction.
It is a joyous time, indeed, regardless of what holiday you celebrate. So what is the answer to surviving it and, in fact, enjoying it without locking yourself in a closet, hiding under a pillow, or bah-humbugging yourself into not caring?
The TUNG Brush and Gel team has a few pointers for you that might help!
Avoiding Holiday Burnout
- Remember that you can’t do it all! You are only human, so there is no way you can balance everything in your everyday life with everything coming up in the holiday season. Take time to set priorities for yourself and write them down. By organizing what needs to be done you will be able to accomplish more than being frantic. Learn that you CAN say “no” sometimes, too. You don’t have to attend EVERY event or party to which you are invited. After all, some down time will help you too!
- Delegate some tasks. Perhaps your spouse or partner can do the addresses on your holiday cards while you write them out. Or maybe someone can pick up the groceries for you while you clean up the kitchen (or vice versa).
- When it comes to gifts, keep an eye out for sales and think about how much easier some online shopping might be for you. If you are organized (see #1 above) you will be able to pace yourself so everything isn’t done at the very last minute. And if you have to send gifts to friends or family out of town, why not have the online vendor wrap them and send them directly for you with your gift message. You will not only save time, but also the stress of post office lines and the worry about timely delivery!
- In the summer, we take the time to slow down and smell the roses. How about taking the time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season? Take a stroll or drive to see the lights or attend a holiday event or parade where you are the observer rather than an active participant.
- Get some sleep! When you think you are getting tired, stop and remind yourself that tomorrow is another day, and that if you get a good night’s sleep you will be refreshed and ready to complete or take on a new task.
The holiday season is that magical time of year where family and friends should come first, where joys are celebrated, and where the promise of a new year is upon each of us. Take the time, enjoy the magic! 🎄
