The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
For many people, the holidays are their FAVORITE time of the year. There are parties to go to, people to see, gifts to buy, and the chance to see loved ones. But for many more, the holidays feel downright terrible.
For those of you that just aren’t feeling that joyous, first know you’re not alone. There are plenty of people that find the holiday season can be over-stimulating stressful or even depressing. There are some things you can do to help from feeling this way, and perhaps even find your own version of Joy this holiday season.
Here are a few ideas we would like to share with you:
Do and Don’t.
Find the one thing you actually enjoy doing over the holidays and absolutely commit to it. If you don’t have one, make it your mission to find one. Go see some holiday lights, take a stroll on the river walk or walk through The University of the Incarnate Word. The lights there are breathtaking. Even if it’s as simple as eating a meal at your favorite place, do it this month. Relish it.
If there are things you have been doing that you dread or don’t even enjoy, don’t do it. For example, if you bake 20 loaves of bread for all your neighbors and coworkers, but resent the countless hours doing so, don’t do it. This year give yourself a break and commit to removing at least one “Don’t “ from your list.
Laugh, uncontrollably.
With the availability to stream or watch so many movies or series online, binge watch nothing but funny. There are dozens of funny feel good holiday movies, and endless more comedies out there. See them! Make it an event, and special occasion and laugh until you cry. You would be surprised at what a few hours of laughter and lightheartedness can do for your overall mood and spirit.
Volunteer.
We talk about this frequently, but it’s because volunteering is a great vehicle to gratitude. Gratitude can change your mindset and help you see all the good in the world, especially now when it seems there isn’t very much of that in the news. It’s also a great way to meet new people and have new experiences. If nothing else, at least the service you provided while you were doing something, like wrapping gifts for children, will lift the spirits of someone else in need.
Stay connected with us next week as we share even more on this topic.