10 Tips For Surviving The Holidays

  1. Keep your regular routine.

    • This will help you manage your day so that you are not overwhelmed or anxious.

  2. Throw guilt out the window.

    • You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. Take the time to explain to your friends and family. They should get it, and if not, you are at least beginning to set healthy boundaries.

  3. Don’t be alone, if you don’t want to be.

    • Many people feel like they are a burden so they spend their holidays alone. DON’T DO THIS. Call a friend, family member, or even a coworker. No one wants you alone during the holidays. If none of those pans out, go to your local shelter and volunteer.I’m certain that those in need will enjoy your company.

  4. Acknowledge your feelings.

    • The holidays bring about a lot of feeling that we may have been avoiding or did not know we had. Don’t linger in the feelings, take a deeper dive and try to understand why you are feeling the way you are and then do something about it. 

  5. Stick to a budget.

    • Delete your autosaved credit card information from your phone and computer. Only spend what is absolutely necessary. You don’t want to start the year with debt

  6. Create a “spirit of flexibility” around holiday get-togethers.

    • If you are the type to cancel last minute, then don’t commit. Do not feel pressured to always say yes to events. Sometimes you need time alone or time to rest and that is OKAY.

  7. Keep a deep breathing exercise on hand for when Aunt Carol asks why you’re still single.

    • You know it’s going to happen. Create a series of breathing exercises or woossah exercises to keep calm and prevent any unwarranted clapbacks

  8.  If you’re really worried about how you're going to handle the holidays, make a therapy appointment for as soon as you can.

    • They can walk you through steps to take to make sure your wellbeing is not being disrupted.

  9. Don't abandon healthy habits.

    • Don’t let bad decisions during the Holidays force you to have “Lose Weight” as a New Year Resolution. You won’t like yourself if you do.

  10. Set aside differences.

    • The holidays are supposed to be happy times. Don’t let petty squabble ruin that.

Briana Fountain