4 Tips for Creating Your Own Holiday Protocol
The Holiday Season is Ramping Up!
However, the holiday season is not over yet. In fact, I would say it’s just now starting to ramp up!
The holidays used to be a really hard time for me. I would feel drained and exhausted, and I would dread its coming approach. I didn’t want to keep feeling that way. So, I made a change.
I created a holiday protocol. Or in other words, a structure to self-success. It’s a guideline that helps me to hold myself accountable and to have the best time while staying within my limits.
I want to share part of my holiday protocol with you so you can experience the joys of the holidays again! Feel free to adjust these as needed so they help support you.
#1 - Eating Right
There is so much junk food during the holiday season that is being made, shared, and consumed—sugar cookies, cheesecakes, pumpkin pies, varieties of candies, and much more.
To combat the overload of sweets I make sure I am eating well. I focus on nourishing my body and fueling it with the types of food that will give me more energy.
Now listen closely, I am not saying that you should avoid every sweet thing you see. It’s okay to indulge a little and enjoy these treats. What I am saying is that you don’t have to partake in every cake and cookie presented before you.
Listen to your body. Think about what you’ve eaten that day. Anything green and leafy? To feel our best, we need to listen to our bodies and give it the nutrition it needs to function, like veggies and fruits.
Remember, everything in moderation.
#2 - Movement
I love to exercise, and I do so regularly. When the holidays approach I really make sure I am exercising nearly every day.
It feels so good to move my body! I feel healthier and more refreshed to take on my to-do list. It gives me time to reset my mind and focus on one thing.
Exercising can look like whatever works for you. It can be running, Pilates, dancing, walking the dog, etc.
Not only does it help me physically, but it also helps to lessen my anxiety and depression. My niece told me that exercise also helps with her anxiety because it releases all the pent-up anxiety and nerves that occurs throughout her busy school and workday.
#3 - Activity Selection
During the holiday season and all the celebrations, countless events are going on. Family parties, gathering of friends, church, and work festivities. You might feel pressure to attend all of them or at least as many as you can. But you don’t need to.
Your time and energy are valuable. It’s a resource and you don’t want to waste it going to events that you don’t care as much about and then feel depleted for the activities you love most.
So, CHOOSE. Limit the activities you attend to the most important ones. Be intentional with your choice. Choose the ones that satisfy you. The ones that leave you feeling refreshed and full for the merriment of the holiday season.
#4 - Money Management
Now let’s talk about money. A huge part of this time of the year revolves around gifts, and the pressure can feel insurmountable.
I used to feel so overwhelmed and worried about gifts for my family. I was concerned that the love I received from them would depend on how much money I spent, even though I knew that thought wasn’t true. Luckily, I found a solution that has helped to ease my anxiety surrounding presents.
I inform each family member what their budget will be to set an expectation. Then I ask them to create a list of things they want that I can choose from.
As I purchase gifts, I track them on a spreadsheet I created. This helped me to stay accountable to my limit and it assured me that I was spending an equal amount on each person according to the budget.
Move Beyond Holiday Overwhelm!
You don’t need to experience overwhelm during the holidays. I invite you to embrace this season and the final month of 2022. Together you and I can make a holiday protocol that best suits your needs and your priorities. Book a call with me and let’s get started on helping you have a successful holiday season!