This time of year there is so much going on. A lot of it can be fun and enjoyable things, from festive traditions and Christmas parties. But there can also be a lot of stress, planning out travel, gifts, budgeting, and if you're a parent, making sure the kids have all they need for school fairs and nativities. When it is like this, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Our minds can feel so full and busy, and a little like a raging storm.
When you feel like this, it can feel so out of hand; like the storm is impossible to tame. However, there are chances to feel some calm, even with all of the holiday chaos.
One of the first things that you need to remember is that it is fine to have conflicting emotions. You might be really enjoying choosing gifts for family members, but feeling really stressed with the other tasks on your to-do lists. You can be looking forward to Christmas but dreading interactions with some family members. This is normal and it is important to acknowledge those conflicting feelings that you have. Acknowledge them, and then find a moment to rest and recharge, which can then help your mind to ease.
So when life gets busy, here are some of the ways that you can keep calm and keep yourself as grounded as possible.
Finding calm in the busy festive season
Slow things down and keep things simple
We can be used to juggling a lot of different balls in life, never more so than at this time of year. Even more so when it is a time to start to wind down, before all of the fun that new year and new beginnings can bring. We can often feel like we’ve taken too much on, and if this is the case, you need to look at ways to simplify your life. If you’ve made plans to see family all over the country over the holiday season, but really, it is overwhelming you and stressing you out, change the plans. Travel for half of the time, invite people to you, or meet halfway.
You should also take some time to think about what you really want to do and what really brings joy at Christmas, and what can stop. Traditions can be great, but not if they cause you a lot of stress, money, and anxiety. When you’ve done these things, you’ll be in a better position to start your to-do list all over again.
Unplug
Technology can be so helpful, but too much won’t be helping, especially with an already overwhelmed or frazzled mind. If you’re not someone that finds it easy to disconnect from social media and phones and screens, then make sure that you set yourself timers or limits. Even just half an hour less a day can make a difference, especially if it's normally glued to you.
Seek balance
Making balance in your life something of a habit is so important, and even more so now. When you have this way of thinking, it can be a good thing to use and ‘fall back on,’ especially when things are busy or difficult. If you’re busy, then make sure that down time is scheduled. If you’re stressed, make sure you allow yourself some time for self-care. Then you can allow yourself some peace, in and amongst the chaos.
If you are finding the overwhelm too much, and feel like your mental health is hindering your daily life, then sometimes, a little more help will make a difference. At The Wellbeing Therapy Hut, we offer affordable and accessible counselling, so no matter your situation or where you’re located, we can help with our integrative and client-led focus.
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