Your Ultimate Guide to Stress-Less Holidays

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It's common to discuss the positive feelings that breaks and holidays bring, but today, I want to delve into a different aspect.

The anxiety or stress that might arise during these times.

It is important to ensure a smooth transition from our busy schedules and deadlines to family and social events, savoring the joy of waking up without an alarm (which is my favorite part)!

I personally find it very helpful to set plans early and manage expectations, particularly when it comes to special events.

While embracing the beauty of spontaneous moments and going with the flow is wonderful, having an initial plan or setup is crucial.

Follow the simple yet effective steps to ensure a good transition plan.

This does not only make you feel better but also lets you enjoy the holiday season with a relaxed and refreshed mind!

(Who would say no to this?🧐)

1. Transition smoothly and wrap-up pending work, delegate responsibilities.

2. List your triggers and how to deal with them as they could be meeting with specific members of the family or friends.

3. Communicate your preference and know that it is normal to say no—you don’t have to be present at ALL events.

You can choose what suits you, show up and leave when you feel tired, or maybe when you prefer to do something else in the rest of the day, that aligns with your own values and priorities.

4. Set boundaries in social events too. Being with family doesn’t mean that you have to share every single detail.

They don’t need to know about your salary, your relationship, your plans, or comment on your body weight—whether you've gained or lost weight. You can simply say, ‘I prefer not to talk about this now. How about you tell me about…’ and shift the topic.

5. Finally, notice any grief or sadness that could arise. Celebratory moments can often bring feelings of sadness—for missing someone, losing someone, or simply not having what we used to have before. 

Don’t limit yourself to 'how I should feel' and 'why am I feeling like this.' You cannot always control what emotional baggage might arise, but noticing it and deciding what to do next is crucial and always within your control. 

If it gets heavy, which I understand, communicate it with someone you trust. Having a safe space to share our difficult emotions is really helpful, especially during these times of celebrations.

🙌I am curious, what are you planning to prioritize this holiday?

Take home message: 

There's no right or wrong answer. 

Your holiday priorities could include self-care, quality time with loved ones, moments of reflection, outdoor adventures, connecting with friends, or navigating and processing emotions like grief✨

If you find yourself struggling to notice or cope with difficult emotions, don't hesitate to reach out and send me a message or an email on kindmindbydana@gmail.com 😊

Yours truly,

Dana Berri

Kindness is not just a virtue, it's a way of life. 

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