How to Enjoy the Holidays

The Holiday season is here, and although many look forward to some time off and spending with friends and family, a great deal of stress, obligation, and exhaustion can accompany this time.

So here are 3 steps to enjoy and be grateful during the holidays.

·       Step one – identify your intentions. An intention is a high-level focus for an event or situation.? For example, perhaps you get some time off and want everything off your plate to enjoy time with friends and family. An example of a work intention is – Prioritize my work and complete the critical to high items, so I have xx days/hours off during the break”. A personal intention could be focused on time with friends and family. An example of a personal intention – While with my friends/family, my full attention will be on the activity or conversation that is occurring at the moment.

·       Step two – self-awareness and management –Pay attention to how you are performing your intention and how it makes you feel. For example, if you are achieving your intention but are uncomfortable, or something is bothering then others around you will see your feelings or sense something is not quite right. Your emotions can display as words, actions, body language, tone, volume, etc. An example – if you need to complete items at work but are so stressed out because there is not enough time in the day to complete them, this can make others around you uncomfortable. Remember, others may be trying to get their work down to get away for a few days.

·       Step three – be realistic. Stay organized. Keep track of what you need to do and when you need to do it; don’t overcommit yourself socially. This time of year can be busy enough without adding unnecessary social obligations to your schedule. Pace yourself and say no when necessary.

Finally, remember that the holidays are supposed to be fun! Don’t stress out too much if something goes wrong or if things don’t turn out the way you planned them. Relax and enjoy spending time with your loved ones!