Practical Survival Tips for Staying Sane Through the Holiday Hustle

By: Kathy Kent Toney, CEO & Founder of Kent Business Solutions

Image by freepik

Wow, it's hard to believe the holidays are already upon us! Where did the year go?

For a lot of people, they look forward to this time of year. But for many, it’s often the worst of times. The first Christmas song on the radio can cause a sense of dread in the bravest hearts of some people.

As we all know, the holiday season can magnify family issues during get-togethers. Others don’t have loving families or friends to surround them, and they feel lonely and isolated. Some may feel stressed because of so many added activities to their plates. And when you throw in work responsibilities, it can be a lot to handle.

So, what’s a person to do to successfully navigate the holidays without losing their mind?  Here are three tips to help you do just that:

1. Permit Yourself to Carve Out Some “Me” Time

This idea works great for those who feel stressed with too many responsibilities or have strained relationships. It's easier said than done!

Sometimes, the root issue is that we believe it's an unattainable luxury. In those instances, the solution can be as simple as permitting ourselves to carve out this time and then actually doing it. Doing so looks different for each person. It could involve a run through a park or reading a book at a coffee shop.

I suggest you arrange with your family members, significant other, etc., to do this and follow through.

2. Breathe Deep

I recently ran across the power of coherent breathing to reduce stress. It's allowed me to fall asleep faster, which is a welcome benefit to calm my sometimes overactive brain.
Here's a quick primer on how to do it:

1. Notice your natural breath pattern.
2. Get comfortable and place a hand on your stomach.
3. Breathe in and out for four seconds for a minute.
4. Increase breath duration to five, then six seconds.

As you go through this exercise, avoid forcing or trying to take in more air; as you lengthen your breaths, it will naturally adjust. Finally, keeping your hand on your stomach will help ensure you breathe deeply from your diaphragm, not shallowly from your chest. 

3. Practice an Attitude of Gratitude

This approach is helpful for everyone, especially those who fall into the feeling-isolated category. Since I'm single, I've found that being grateful for the little things, even the lonely times, can help me better navigate difficult times.

Notice I said "practice." It's not easy to be thankful amid challenges, but if you can practice being grateful, it can transform your outlook into a more positive one.

# # #

I hope these tips can help you in some way, whether you fall into the stressed out, isolated, or both categories. And if things in your business are stressing you out, I'd love to chat with you! Click the button below to get something on our calendars.

In any case, I wish you the best holiday season, be it Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa!

---

Click the button below to set up a chat

Let's Chat!

---

---