Holidays are supposed to be the best times of the year- celebrating with friends, relaxing, and forgetting about the outside stress of life. However, if you’re like me, the holidays end up being more work than play. Having to work around everyone’s schedules and managing time between events is exhausting, especially if you have multiple places to visit.I get stressed out very easily when the holidays come around, so managing my time and emotions is critical for me to have fun on vacation. Here’s a few tips on balancing your emotions when the holidays aren’t your favorite time of the year.
Focus on the good aspects instead of the bad
If you’re not the biggest fan of the holidays, it can be hard to focus on anything but the bad experiences. Finding small victories within the chaos will make the overall holidays more joyful for you. Personally, I like to plan small things with my friends to get out of the house and have fun outside of family time. Going out to eat at a new place or having a small gift exchange can be a great way to get out of the holiday funk! Work to make yourself happy to associate these times with the positive memories can make the holidays more fun and enjoyable overall.
Try to avoid what is the most stressful/negative
While stress may not be completely avoidable, try to avoid hitting the negative or sore spots during the holidays- you’re meant to enjoy your break! Work to find ways to lessen stress throughout the weeks to keep yourself happy and mentally aware. I try to avoid being in the middle of the holidays without a gameplan, since last minute plans and assignments always stresses me out. Find ways to manage yourself and your time to be as positive as possible and fully enjoy the holidays!
Surround yourself with positive influences to keep you company
Being sad during the holidays can truly suck; there’s no denying it. Everyone else is happy and celebrating while you’re not enjoying anything and it can make you feel even worse about your feelings. Firstly, your feelings are valid! It’s okay to not like the holidays, and it’s important to recognize that you have every right to dislike them. Having a core group of friends who support you and help you sort through your feelings can make you feel more safe throughout the holidays. Lean on them when you need to and know it’ll all be alright!
Everyone has their own struggles, and it’s perfectly okay to dislike the holidays! Be sure to stay positive and work your way through the season, whatever way that may be. Lean on your friends and know that the holidays are what you make of them- now go out and conquer the world!