Find calm in the holiday overwhelm! 6 ways help you actually enjoy the season

You can enjoy the season amidst the holiday overwhelm!

The holiday season, filled with family gatherings, festive activities, and endless to-do lists, often brings a sense of excitement. However, it can also lead to feelings of exhaustion and stress.

Jessi Berger, host of the online community Time Management for Moms, shared three practical strategies to help manage holiday overwhelm.

Recognizing the Signs of Overwhelm

Jessie explained that many women first feel overwhelm in their bodies. Common physical signs include tension in the shoulders, tightness in the chest, headaches, and a racing mind. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging these signs early to manage stress effectively.

Mantras for a Calmer Holiday Season

Jessie introduced three mantras to help shift our mindset during the holidays:

1. Do Less with More Intention: Instead of cramming multiple activities into one day, focus on fewer tasks with greater intention. Jessie noted, “It’s really common for us to think more is better, but have you ever had a Saturday where you tried to shove in three, four, five, six activities? By the end of the day, your kids are just melting down.”
2. It Can Be Both: Accept that the holidays can be both magical and exhausting. Jessie reminded us that it’s unrealistic to expect everything to be perfect all the time. Embracing this duality can reduce the pressure for perfection.
3. Choose Your Magic: Decide what holiday traditions and activities are most important to you and your family. Jessie encouraged, “You get to choose where to spend your energy.”

Practical Ways to Manage Holiday Tasks

Create a Family Priority List

Jessie recommended making a family priority list at the beginning of December. Each family member writes down their most important holiday activity, ensuring that everyone’s top choice is prioritized. This approach helps manage expectations and ensures that the most meaningful activities are enjoyed.

Sorting Your To-Do List

Jessie advised sorting your holiday to-do list into “have to do” and “hope to do” tasks. This method helps prioritize essential tasks while recognizing that not everything needs to be perfect. For example, beautifully wrapping a gift is a “hope to do,” while simply bringing a gift to a party is a “have to do.”

Making Time for Yourself

Finally, Jessie stressed the importance of self-care after the holidays. She suggested setting aside time for personal relaxation and recovery once the holiday rush is over. Whether it’s taking a long bath, reading a book, or watching your favorite show, dedicating time to yourself is crucial for recharging.

By adopting these strategies, you can navigate the holiday season with more calm and intention. Remember, it’s okay to do less, embrace the duality of the season, and choose what truly matters to you and your family.

For more insights from Jessie, visit her Instagram @timemanagement4moms.