Holiday stress statistics show that up to 69 percent of people are stressed by the feeling of having a 'lack of time,' 69 percent are stressed by perceiving a 'lack of money,' and 51 percent are stressed out about the 'pressure to give or get gifts.'
Unfortunately, many people dread the holiday season and would prefer to avoid it together. According to a survey, 45% of those people living in the United States would choose to skip out on the holidays, rather than deal with the stress of it all.
Amid maintaining work productivity, family relations and shopping for gifts, it is easy to get overwhelmed and forget the true meaning of connection, especially during the holidays. Anticipation of expectations and meeting with certain family members can stir-up anxiety, depression, and trepidation, and "Goodwill to All" can often be challenging to achieve, perhaps compromising your own mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
1. Set a Powerful and Clear Intention
It is easy to get swept-up in the positive but also in the negative components of the holidays, including other people's businesses (having nothing to do with your own) personal, worldly, or familial drama and situations. When you deliberately set a clear intention of what you value most and "choose" to experience, you differentiate between what you are willing to accept honoring your authentic values, versus just being swept-up in the energy or other people's emotions, having little to do with you. Trying to not take things personally and keeping to your intentions like patience, peace of mind, open-mindedness or setting healthy personal and time boundaries, will guide and assist you in staying true to your values and not over-compromise yourself, or getting lost in other people's way of living or experiencing the holidays.
2. Mindful Responsiveness Instead of Reactivity
The holidays and family gatherings can easily stir-up old unresolved hurts and drama. When you're choosing to stay in touch with how you truly feel, this will empower you to also be more authentically mindful with your responses toward others, negating conflict, and that maybe encroaching on your personal boundaries. Perhaps they are having expectations that are not realistic, and this may even be expectations you have of yourself. When you choose to stay mindful instead of mind-full, this will help you to pause and take a deep breath before you speak and empower you to listen-in more closely before you proceed, enabling you to pivot to a better choice of words or action much more quickly. Not just for others but including yourself.
3. Say "NO" to Superman or Superwoman Overdrive
Thinking that you must be all things to all people puts you at a disadvantage, and really does not allow for a win-win situation. It is important for you to reflect on "why" you are wanting to impress in such a way that depletes your budget, or your energy at the cost of your own well-being. Remember, that the true gift is in your ability to be AUTHENTICALLY PRESENT and is not necessarily based on everything you do. Let your loving presence be felt and notice the difference in how you feel during your interactions, and quality time spent together with those you love.
You are a human-being and NOT a human-doing robot on autopilot (but it can be easy to forget), and your value derives from this. Become aware of your motivations and how you may set yourself up to people-please and fulfill obligations. Choose intentionally and deliberately what you wholeheartedly agree to do and set yourself FREE of anything else. Your reward will be greater relaxation and peace of mind during the holidays, and that will also be the gift you will be able to share with all those you love.
To find out more about the "Power of Intention Meditation and How To Set Them," please enjoy this video: https://youtu.be/Uursz8zaFgI
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!