BLOGMAS 2020 Day 1

This Holiday Season has definitely been different from previous ones. There are no big parties or Christmas festivals. Many businesses are having to close their doors or limit hours because the demand is just not as high. There also happens to be a pandemic going on. With your kids at home and trying to balance every thing at once…life is crazy. This can all lead to added stress which is something you don’t want this time of year. This list will give you ways to survive the Holiday Season.

Tip 1: Maintain Contact with Friends and Family during Quarantine

We may not be able to have in-person parties or travel to family this holiday season, but this gives us more reason to connect virtually. Have a holiday dinner together by cooking the same means and enjoying them together on zoom. Share your favorite recipes with loved ones and try new traditions from other families and friends. Staying in contact with the most important people in your life can really help with your mental health this time of year.

Have a stress free holiday season!

Tip 2: Plan Ahead

Your first step for a stress-free holiday season is to plan ahead. Make the Christmas/Holiday food menu now. Get your holiday shopping out of the way or make a list of what you need to get. When I list everything, I find it is easier to accomplish those tasks. I love to use good ole pen and paper. I also love the feeling of checking off those items. This is such a good way to survive the Holiday Season.

Tip 3: Make a budget

Make a budget….and stick to it. I know it is hard but sticking to a budget will create some relief in your mind. Overspending can create extra stress. Help yourself and your financial situation by not spending more then you should.

Tip 4: Prioritize me time

This doesn’t have to be for an hour and it doesn’t have to be a fancy massage. Just taking 15 minutes to read a book..or anything that constitutes as something special for yourself will work. Try writing down at least 5 things that you’re grateful for during the 2020 holiday season. Spread extra positivity and gratitude by letting people know that you are grateful for them.

Tip 5: Find time to exercise

Staying healthy should be a priority everyday. This winter season, exercise is even more important. With the winter flu season and corona virus it is important to keep your body healthy. It is great for your body and a big stress reliever. Double-win.

Keep yourself healthy physically and mentally.

Tip 6: Be Kind to Yourself

Be kind to yourself and listen to your body. I am currently 16 weeks pregnant with my first baby and I get tired easily. I constantly have to remind myself to take it easy and that rest is ok. The key for me is to find ways to cope during the Holiday Season. If you don’t feel like shopping in the stores stay home and order online. When you are tired, sleep in. If you want that cookie with your afternoon coffee…eat it. If you don’t want to cook tonight. Get some pizza to throw in the oven and take the pressure off yourself.

Tip 7: Remember what the holidays are really about

Go with the flow. Safely hang out with family, decorate for Christmas, bake and eat all those yummy cookies, play in the snow… and just have fun.

The holidays are a time to focus on the positive, amid quarantine and Covid. Even though quarantine is not ideal, there’s still plenty of positivity to focus on. Focusing on positivity is a big way to protect your mental health.

Stay Safe and Healthy Everyone.