21 Dec How to Navigate Holiday Stress and Still Be a Zen Mama
The holidays have a merry way of conjuring up as much stress, pressure, and overwhelm as they do peace, and love, and joy. This is especially true, as mums, we’re when running around doing alllll the things, buying all the gifts, planning all the gatherings, wrapping, decorating, cooking, cleaning — aaack! The list goes on and on (and on).
If you find yourself falling into this trap and the holiday cheer is being sucked right out of you — you’re not alone. It’s the most wonderfully stressful time of the year! (And, for many, 2020 has already been quite the year). But, you have the power to change your energy. Here are a few tips to help you stay cool as a cucumber this season!
- Manage your expectations. Sure, having Pinterest worthy place settings and holiday decor that would make Martha Stewart jealous are fine goals to have. BUT, if the pursuit of such excellence is stressing you out and killing your vibe … is it really worth it? At the end of the day, what really matters is that the family is all together. Are you guys enjoying this time? Are you making memories that will last a lifetime? That is what REALLY matters! Besides, your kids could really care less about what color doilies you use. Just try to be present with them and enjoy them! That’s the best gift present of all.
- Don’t go broke. Thanks to master marketers, we’ve all been tricked into believing that how much debt we go into during the holidays is somehow equivalent to how much we love people. You don’t have to fall into this trap! Create a budget that works for you and stick to it … without feeling guilty. Those cheap plastic made-in-China toys will be broken or forgotten in a couple months, anyway. Again, the real gift here is being present and enjoying time with the family. Focus on things you can do together – board games, crafts, driving around looking at lights, sipping hot chocolate by the tree — these are all things that don’t cost a thing, but they will take up loving space in your precious memory banks.
- Double down on self-care. Taking care of yourself is always in style, but when the stress starts to rise and your free time starts to fall — it’s more important than ever to MAKE time to soothe your soul. It can be as simple as a nice candlelit bubble bath after the kids go to bed. Go ahead and bring a glass of wine in there with you too – you deserve it! Or have a look through this guide to help you find something that speaks to you.
- Don’t neglect your meditation practice. Cleansing the mind, grounding yourself, and finding stillness will help you navigate the holidays like a champ. In fact, meditation can actually help you change your state of being. By using breathwork and visualisation, you can shift your energy. I recorded this little mediation below just for you. From stressed out to blissed out in just a few…
Finding Peace in the Madness Meditation – Holiday Edition
How did you like the mediation? Feeling a little more relaxed? What else would you add to this list to keep those zen vibes coming during these crazy times? Drop a comment below!
About the Author
Tara Hegerty is the founder of Dawn Warrior, an online sanctuary of life design, mindset practices and morning rituals so modern mamas can thrive on their own terms while raising a young family. Her mission is to inspire 50,000 women by 2030 to become Dawn Warriors – a confident and courageous woman who is mentally strong and pursues her life’s passions one morning at a time.
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