For many, “stress” is a word more associated with work than vacation. As the holiday season approaches, it can be easy to get lost in the rush of it all and lose sight of your well-being. Some ways that can help you maintain balance and prioritize your well-being over the holiday season are listed below.
Set boundaries with friends and loved ones.
You cannot be everything to everyone, especially during the limited time afforded by a school break. Take time to reflect on what you can be and want to be for others, then kindly set boundaries around what you can and can’t do. That might mean physical boundaries (“I will need time to go for a run every day”) or conversational ones (“I will not be talking about politics at the table”). Breaking patterns and setting healthy boundaries can be difficult, but with compassion and consistency, you can establish them and feel more balanced.
Establish (or maintain) routines
We’re all tired of hearing about the importance of good habits, but things like good sleep habits, regular meals that are as nutritious as possible, and getting at least the minimum of daily exercise do make a difference when it comes to our physical health and our sense of well-being. Need help establishing a healthy routine? If you’re a Cigna national plan member, reach out to a Cigna health coach to get started.
Set realistic goals
The holiday season is no time to be a hero in terms of exercise or weight-loss goals. Remember, the holiday season is a time for celebration. With busy schedules and so many extra temptations, this is a good time to strive for weight maintenance instead of weight loss.
Build a holiday budget
Assess your current finances. How much can you afford to spend over the holidays, working only with the funds you have available in a holiday-dedicated savings account or from money you can afford out of your paychecks between now and then? Then, take that dollar amount and divide it among all known expenses: gifts, holiday meals, decorations, parties, attire, end-of-year tipping, travel, etc.
Make sure you stick to your budget by tracking every holiday-related purchase. It’s okay if you spend more than you intended on something, as long as you make up the difference by spending less on something else. If you need help with budgeting, our free financial tools can help.
Spend time outside
With shorter, colder days, it can be tempting to hunker down indoors. But spending time outside has many health benefits. Exposure to sunlight can help you get your daily dose of vitamin D, and spending time in nature has been found to help combat symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you’re prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the mere act of being outside in natural light can help ease your symptoms.
Connect and reach out for support.
Holidays have different meanings for everyone, and some occasions may be associated with uncomfortable situations and drudge up difficult emotions. If you’re struggling with celebrating the holidays and taking care of your mental health, you’re not alone. If you feel safe turning to your family or friends for emotional support when you’re struggling, they may be an invaluable resource. If you think that professional therapy may be of use, you can access free and confidential support that is available 24/7 through the Confide/EAP, including text- and video-based therapy at your convenience through Talkspace. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it’s one of the bravest things you can do.