How fast did this year go? Someone once told me that the reason why it feels as though the years go by quicker each year is because the ratio of 1 year in comparison to the amount of years you’ve been alive gets smaller and smaller so it feels like time is moving faster. I’m sure responsibilities increasing and life becoming busier at different stages in life also has something to do with it. The silly season is almost upon us. Every year we tell ourselves that we aren’t going to overcommit or over extend ourselves or go out of our way to please others. How successful are we at this? When it comes to preserving your energy for the holiday season, it could be helpful to consider the following:
Try to stick to your usual routine, even if you’re on holiday. Yes holidays are meant to be relaxing, but if our routine in terms of food, water, and body movement are all out of whack, then we more likely to feel out of sorts.
Manage your boundaries by being selective in who and what you say “Yes” to. It’s easy to over-commit yourself without even realising.
Set a budget. There’s nothing more stressful than financial stress especially during the holidays where it can get expensive by way of travel or gift giving.
Talk it out. Speak to a trusted person who is going to be validating and talk it out when you’re feeling stressed or tired.
Set realistic expectations of others to avoid disappointment.
Plan ahead of a big day you know is coming up so that you can feel organised and enjoy the day as opposed to rushing around at the last minute and feeling stressed before the day has even begun.
Make sure you get adequate sleep, water, and movement in for your body to rest and recover.
Know that you can excuse yourself when people get too loud at a gathering or if things get too overwhelming.
Know that you can change your mind and you do not have to justify yourself.
Make sure you schedule in some “nothing” days where you potter around the house, go for a walk, visit your favourite coffee shop, read a good book, listen to music, or just sit in nature and be present.
Navigating the silly season can be stressful. These tips are listed here to help you manage and navigate the waters. Sometimes, difficult family, friendship, and/or relationship dynamics can make this time of year really difficult. If you are finding that you need support with this, give our team a call on (03) 9882 8874 to book an appointment.
To subscribe and listen to our podcast “Breaking the Rules: A Clinician’s Guide to Treating OCD”, click on the following links: Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Episodes will be released fortnightly and will simultaneously be published on our webpage here.
This blog was written and prepared by Dr Celin Gelgec – Clinic Director and Clinical Psychologist at Melbourne Wellbeing Group.