Lightbulb plugging itself into the wall
I love Christmas. So, for me, the holiday season is one of the most wonderful times of the year! I love to buy gifts for others, and if I could get paid well to be a professional gift wrapper, I would be all in! While Hannukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa may have us celebrating into the New Year, ‘tis the season also for stress and overwhelm.
With an endless list of errands in sight, here are strategic ways you can prevent and avoid the holiday blues …

 

5 Tips to Boost Your Energy


#1

Prime your brain for what's coming ...


Set an intention to stay organized. Most overwhelm comes from a failure to plan properly. When we purposefully intend to set realistic goals, it makes it all the sweeter when we accomplish them on time!
Have a lot to accomplish? Write it down. Add it to your physical or digital planner. Set a reminder in your smartphone. Stay organized. It will make it easier to see when you are trying to do too much or are over-committing. You will thank me later!

#2

Cultivate and maintain healthy relationships.


Instead of hopping from one holiday or office party to the next, prioritize how you will spend your time. You can’t be all things to all people. So, spend time with loved ones, cherish the weekend with your children, visit family, call your friends. But, also learn when to say no. If going to three get-togethers in one week is going to leave you exhausted and feeling haggard, skip it! You have the right to choose how you spend your time and with whom. Life is too short to waste your energies and efforts with people who leave you drained and unfulfilled. So, carve out time for those who make you smile and limit contact with those who, well, don’t!

#3

Take care.


Hydrate. Exercise. Don’t binge. Plan your meals in advance. Get a good night’s rest. Spend some quality time with Y.O.U.R.S.E.L.F. Incentivize your health and wellness by making it fun. Hate HIIT or crazy cardio? Dance in the comfort of your living room to your top-five songs! Go for a walk with friends during your lunch break. Or, start and end your day with meditation.
However you calm and relax yourself, do it! And, do it consistently, even if only for five minutes a day. It will make a huge difference to your daily routine.

#4

Volunteer.


According to the Nonprofit Source “only 25% of the adult population volunteer their time, talents, and energy to making a difference.” The truth is, it is so easy to get caught up in the commercialization of the season or to get distracted by the busyness of life. However, I think it is extremely important to find the time to contribute to others in small ways.

Both of my parents always stressed the importance of giving back to my local community and doing things that extended beyond myself. Now that I am an adult, I am so glad they did. Whenever people are stressed out and overwhelmed by all the things they have to do in life, one of the first things I ask them is, “When is the last time you volunteered?”

Nothing teaches you to be humble or to prioritize what matters most in life like spending the day cleaning a women’s shelter or serving soup to people less fortunate. We take so many things for granted most of the time.

The best remedy for an overwhelmed life? Take your eyes off of yourself and your cares and start serving others. In no time flat, you will realize just how good you have it! Plus, as an added bonus, volunteering improves our mental and physical health, decreases depression, and heightens our overall satisfaction in life and social well-being!


#5

Create a space for fun.


Wear an ugly sweater at home. (Did you know that being cold can cause your energy levels to plummet?) Sing carols in your pajamas. (Music can not only keep your spirits bright but can also prevent stress and anxiety. Score for the shower singers!) See—and wear—red! (Just looking at the color red can boost your energy levels. Wearing it? Skyrocket your confidence and inspire poise under pressure. Mall Santa, I see you!)

Create joy by celebrating life’s little moments …