6 Strategies for a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season

Now that the holiday season is upon us, time can go by quickly as you run from here to there. The sheer quantity of family gatherings and extra social obligations, as well as shopping for and wrapping gifts for friends and family, can leave you feeling a little exhausted. But there are ways to take care of yourself during this fun but busy time of the year. Here are six strategies for a happy, healthy holiday season.

1. Set a Budget

While setting financial limits may seem overly cautious at first glance, it is one of the most important things you can do during this time of year. Set a realistic budget for gift giving that allows you to give everyone on your list a thoughtful item. It doesn’t matter if you’re working with thousands or just a few hundred dollars. Gifting coworkers doesn’t have to force you to take out a personal loan, especially when many corporate gifts cost under $10 each. Thoughtful items can be just as meaningful as expensive gifts when the recipient is able to feel your sincerity and warmth through the gift.

2. Stick to Your Desired Schedule and Activities

If you are an introvert, limit yourself to the number of parties you can handle. For some people, meeting the basic minimum "quota" of the company holiday party is more than enough, along with family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas. So before you feel obligated to pack your work backpack and take red-eye flights see everyone you know this season, take a step back and evaluate what you actually have time to do this season without making yourself frazzled. If holiday party season does have you stressed out, be sure to balance each festivity with some downtime.

3. Set Personal Boundaries

Individuals who have challenging times at holiday gatherings can set up personal boundaries to reduce stress. If there is a difficult person for you to be around, make efforts to stay cordial and to keep conversations about positive topics. Prepare yourself before you arrive at a potentially stressful party. Recite words of affirmation to yourself and focus on the positive things in your life. Setting boundaries like this during a time when you’re perhaps forced to cross paths with challenging people can help you get through the next round of holiday gatherings with a positive mindset.

4. Take Time to Give Back

It is often said that it’s better to give than to receive, and the holidays are the perfect time to put this principle into action. Give the gift of your time by volunteering with local charities. Many people post on social media about charities that address a cause dear to them. If you align with their sentiments, join the cause and give what you can. Even if you have just a few extra cans of soup that you know you won’t use, donating these to the local food bank during this time of year can help ease hunger in your area. When you give from your heart, the gift is an even greater one.

5. Give Yourself a Treat

While you’re spending time and money on everyone else, don’t forget about a little something for you this holiday season! Be sure to prioritize yourself from time to time with some moments of self-care. If you like to stay active, make room for going to the gym in your schedule. If you have been gifting everyone else nice clothing items but need new outwear yourself, then order an embroidered company work jacket for yourself. After all, it is a great act of self-love to receive a package from the most important person in your life — you!

6. Go Out and Do the Things You Enjoy

Enjoy the best of the season by getting out and taking part in fun activities that only come once a year. Go see that light show, attend your old high school’s Christmas concert, or visit an amusement park that has set up a special holiday theme. Get in the holiday spirit by making a warm cup of cocoa with friends and watching a seasonal classic movie. Go sledding, visit relatives, and eat out, taking each day of early winter in stride. When you enjoy the special opportunities of the season, you can create great memories that will make the holidays a time for health and happiness.

What would you like to do for yourself to have a joyful holiday season?