Introverts Guide to a No-stress Holiday
The Holidays are a very sentimental time of year. It’s all about family, being thankful, and giving back. But it can also be the most stressful times of year. With frequent family visits and multiple Holiday events, as an introvert, it can quickly get overwhelming. With so much going on in such a small amount of time, it’s hard to get into all the fun of the holidays without feeling like you’re overdoing it. You plan on doing so much, but after the first party or two, you feel like your social battery is already drained. Here are a few tips on how to cut down on the madness and actually enjoy the Holidays.
An Introverts Guide
For a
No-Stress Holiday
Tip#1. Plan ahead & Start Early
If you don’t have one already, you should definitely get a planner. A planner is key, especially during the holidays, to prevent overextending yourself. Go ahead a plan out your whole month. Events, Gatherings, Need to do’s, and most importantly Blackout days. Days that you set aside to do absolutely NOTHING. Those days are for you to relax and focus on taking care of yourself and actually enjoy the holidays. If you can help it, don’t break these days for anything. Definitely plan out your month and try not to plan more than 2 events per week and save at least one weekend for yourself.
Tip#2 Ask for help
If you can’t get out of having the family gathering at your house, just ask for extra help. I know I am the type to hate asking for help but all that stress we put on ourselves through could easily be alleviated if we just asked for help. Don’t try to cook a whole 4-course meal for 20+ people by yourself. It’s unnecessary and it’s going to drive you insane. What’s the point of having a fun family get together if you’re too stressed to enjoy them. Not only for the party whatever the problem is. Need help doing some last minute Christmas shopping or need a babysitter, don’t try to overcome everything by yourself. Ask for Help!
Tip#3. It’s ok to say NO!
Do not overwhelm yourself this holiday season. Don’t feel obligated to go to every party or try to see all of your nieces and nephews in every Christmas play. Remember those Blackout days we were talking about. Stick to those days. If your cousin’s sister’s friend invites you to a party on one of your blackout dates, It’s ok to say “I’m Sorry. Maybe Next time”. Just say you have something planned that day because technically you do. You plan to not do a damn thing but relax and take care of yourself. Or even if it’s not on a Blackout day. If you already have a ton of things planned that week and you know you are gonna be exhausted or if you just don’t want to go. Say No Thanks.
Tip #4. DO NOT HAVE HOLIDAY GATHERINGS AT YOUR HOUSE!!!
(If you can help it)
I am so serious. If you are easily stressed or overwhelmed, DON’T DO IT! It’s a lot of work making sure the house is decorated perfectly, making the food, being the perfect host, and the cleanup afterward. It’s stressing me out just thinking about it. Extroverts love hosting and throwing parties. Us… Not so much. Instead of having the gatherings at your place, have it at someone else’s place and offer to come early and help out with the food and/or stay later to help clean up. That way you’re not as overwhelmed and it’s a lot less pressure on you.
Tip#5. Have time to yourself
I can’t stress those Blackout days enough. A lot of people have so much going on that they can’t enjoy the holidays. Going from event to family gathering to shopping malls. Before you know it the holidays will be over and the only memory you’ll have is standing in lines at the stores. Make sure you take a couple of days to just relax and have a self-care day. No running around to random stores, no sitting in traffic. Just you and maybe a magical cup of Hot Chocolate. Enjoy some Chrismas movies, a relaxing spa bath with Christmas scented candles, or spend time with your family at home. Just take some time out for you sit back and appreciate this time of year.
Tip #6 Remember the reason for the season
Last but definitely not least, the Holidays are not about holiday sales or Christmas parties. It’s about spending time with the people you love and giving back to others. I know sometimes as an Introvert it’s hard to step out of our comfort zone. I know I hate being around big crowds and I try not to do anything extra if I don’t have to. But if there was any time to go above and beyond, the holidays are a perfect time. It’s so easy to get caught up in what you do & don’t have that you lose sight of the fact that there are so many people that have a lot less than you and have it a lot worse. Remember to give back this season. Go through your old belongings and send the old stuff that you no longer use or wear and give it to so one in need. Decluttering and having more space is a great stress reliever and the fact that you are helping someone in need should positively warm your heart.
Enjoy family and friends without the stress overextending yourself. Take it easy this holiday season and every season. Enjoy family and friends without the stress of overextending yourself. The ultimate answer is to get you a good planner. Plan out your month early and make sure you leave days to get in some “Me time” and always take care of you first. Remember to always stay positive no matter what situation you are in. Follow these tips and have a stress-free Happy Holidays!!!!
