Finding Peace During the Holidays: 5 Survival Tips for Anxious Souls

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and for many is a joyful time of year.  For those of us who struggle with anxiety, it can feel overwhelming.  Between the packed schedules, pressure to give the perfect gifts, and social commitments, it's easy to get lost in the chaos.  But with a few mindful practices, you can reduce stress and actually enjoy the season.  Here are five tips to help you stay calm and grounded this holiday season.

1. Practice Gratitude Daily:  One of the simplest yet most effective ways to combat anxiety is by focusing on what you're grateful for.  Take a moment each day to write down three things you're thankful for, whether it's a person, an experience, or even something small like a warm cup of tea.  This helps shift your mind from stress to appreciation, bringing more peace to your holiday experience.

Bonus Tip: You can even involve your loved ones by creating a gratitude jar where everyone adds daily notes of thankfulness, making it a new holiday tradition!

2. Create a Cozy Reflective Space: The holidays can be hectic, so it's essential to carve out a little sanctuary for yourself.  Find a cozy nook in your home where you can unwind.  Surround yourself with calming elements like candles, soft blankets, soothing music, and a good book.  This space can become your go-to when you need to step away from the holiday frenzy and recharge.  Even as a child in a chaotic home, I loved to escape to a small space hidden away to play with my paper dolls or read a book.

Suggestion: Try using items from the "Book Nook" collection (like a mason jar votive candle or an affirmation bookmark) to enhance the peaceful ambiance.

3. Plan Ahead for Stress-Free Gifting: Gift-giving is often one of the most stressful parts of the holidays, bit it doesn't have to be.  Plan your gifts ahead of time to avoid last-minute shopping anxiety.  Focus on thoughtful, meaningful gifts rather than expensive or flashy ones.  Creating handmade or personalized gifts is a great way to show you care without breaking the bank.

Pro tip: Consider gifting one of the Express Your Wonders bundles, which are perfect for spreading love and encouragement!  Maybe even split it up as multiple gifts to different people.

4. Spread Joy and Kindness: The holidays are a perfect time to spread joy, not only to others, but to yourself.  Small acts of kindness, like giving a compliment or helping someone in need, can lift your spirits and reduce feelings of stress.  Remember, spreading kindness also means being kind to yourself.

Action Idea: Make a habit of sending positive notes or small gifts to loved ones to remind them of how much they matter to you.

5. Give Yourself Grace: Finally, remember that it's okay not to have everything under control.  The holidays are about connection and love, not perfection.  Allow yourself to step back and let go of unrealistic expectations.  If things don't go as planned, give yourself grace.  It's okay to rest and recharge whenever you need it.

Affirmation: Remind yourself daily with affirmations like, "I am enough", and "It's okay to prioritize my well-being".

The holiday season doesn't have to be stressful or overwhelming.  By practicing gratitude, creating peaceful spaces, planning ahead, spreading kindness, and giving yourself grace, you can navigate the holidays with more peace and joy.  These small but powerful changes can help you embrace the season, even if anxiety is a part of your life.