Ep 84: How to Enjoy a Really BIGG Holiday

Every year we hear tips on how to take the stress out of the Holidays and every year we still feel stressed. This year why not try something different. 

This week I’m sharing tips on how to keep true to yourself and enjoy the holiday in a B.I.G.G. way.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why 25% of people get stressed about gathering with family.
• My powerful tool that helps you enjoy a B.I.G.G. holiday.
• The health benefits of stepping outside.
• The best gift you can give others – and yourself.

Schedule your Discovery Call with me today so we can craft a plan that will ensure you enjoy every minute of this beautiful season. 

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Transcript

Hey there! Welcome my friends. How are you doing? I envision you listening to this episode while sipping something warm all snuggled in with a favorite blanket. Maybe because it’s December. Now, I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I want some snow. We don’t have any yet and it just doesn’t feel right to look out my window and see dried leaves. I’m not a big lover of winter – I don’t like being cold and I don’t do any winter sports. But I have to say I do love how it looks after we get a few inches of powdery snow. It does tend to put me in the mood for the holiday season. 

This episode is going to be short and sweet. I’m going to talk about how to have less stress during the Holidays – notice I didn’t say stress-free. I want to be real here and give you practical ways to lower your stress during a time that can be loaded with it.

According to research by the American Psychiatric Association, one in four of us worries about spending time with family over the Holidays, especially when topics like politics or religion enter the mix. 

Every year we hear tips on how to take the stress out of the Holidays and every year we still feel stressed. 

This time of year brings visions of family togetherness, cookies and perfect gatherings. Our expectations are raised to a level that may not be achievable, which causes a lot of stress. This year let’s get real about our expectations and take charge of the kind of experience we want to have.

This year, have a B.I.G.G. holiday.

B = Boundaries

We all have experienced someone making a misstep with a comment or been in a conversation that went south fast. Instead of enduring the discomfort of that or diving into the egg nogg headfirst, be proactive. Have a discussion with your family about topics that are off the table for discussion in advance of the festivities and get everyone’s buy-in. 

If that’s not possible, have an exit strategy. Check in with yourself: Do you have the capacity to be part of this triggering conversation? If not, excuse yourself to ensure you have some space to yourself, head to the kitchen to help out – anything that will be a healthy alternative. 

I = Internal Audit

Holidays are synonymous with spending hours and hours with family, some of whom you haven’t seen in a while. Even for families who get along well, the cracks can start to show after days of being cooped up together. And family gatherings are a mix of different personalities, energy levels, ages – you name it. Make it OK for everyone to be themselves and do what they need throughout the day.

If you’re an introvert, then you probably get depleted of energy during these gatherings. Give yourself permission to find a quiet spot to take a nap or just be by yourself so you can recharge. Take a walk outside. A study from the University of Michigan showed that just 20 minutes in the great outdoors can lower cortisol levels by more than 20%, so it’s a good idea to head out for some fresh air as often as possible. And be sure to let people know in advance that when you step away for a bit, nothing has gone wrong. You just need to recharge your battery.

Know yourself well enough to do what you need to do so you can enjoy all the festivities. And keep breathing.

G = Gratitude

Yes, gratitude is back but in a different way. The Holidays can also be a time for missing loved ones who couldn’t travel and grief for those we’ve lost. It’s so important to acknowledge those feelings as well and create a safe space for those who may be feeling less than merry and bright. So often we feel like we have to put on a happy face. 

One way to help yourself and others is to turn the coin of grief over to the gratitude side. Feel gratitude for all the memories you shared with this person, the laughter, the tears, the travels – all of it. Share stories and recall silly times – that’s one way to bring them to life in the moment. Let’s normalize all the feelings that come with holiday celebrations.

G = Grace

This is one of my favorite words, so much so that I have it tattooed on my left forearm. It has so many lovely meanings. For this holiday let’s extend grace to the people we’ll be spending time with and give each the benefit of the doubt that they are all doing their best in the moment.

And for the women who pour so much of themselves into making sure their families and friends have a magical holiday, give yourself grace if you don’t get 10 kinds of cookies made or decorate your house like a magazine or give the perfect gift. Give the gift of grace and presence to yourself this year. It’s always the right size.

Go figure out what your B.I.G.G. holiday is going to look like and start planning. If you need help with this, you know I’m here for you. Schedule your Discovery Call with me today so you’re ready to ditch the stress and embrace the grace of the season. 

Oh and always remember: I believe in you.