Don’t just survive the holidays, THRIVE this season!
5 simple steps to follow for a relaxing, stress-free holiday
As much as we might love and look forward to the holidays, sometimes it can lead to feeling overwhelmed, stressed & anxious if we’re not careful.
When it comes to couples, one partner might feel overwhelmed by all the shopping and cooking, leading to resentment. Or, one partner might feel pressured to engage in activities they wouldn’t otherwise agree to or spend time with people they would prefer not to, leading to irritation.
Having a plan will ensure a smoother transition, resulting in less stress and more relaxation. Here are 5 steps you can take right now to set yourselves up for success.
Make a list of the engagements you’re either hosting or have been invited to.
Arrange them in descending order from most important to least important. Pull out your respective calendars and get honest about what is within reason and what can possibly be eliminated or adjusted.
Now that you know what events you’re committing to, make a list of the responsibilities associated with each event. List out what each task requires from start to finish. Decide who will own each task and by what date it will be completed. Make sure you both feel like the responsibilities are well balanced.
If you get gridlocked on any tasks, get curious and ask open ended questions to discover where the challenges lie. Any time you have a conflict, it is an opportunity to build compassion and empathy and learn more about your partner.
Finally, and this one may be the most important, plan a special holiday date just for the two of you. Dividing and conquering can lead to one or both of you feeling disconnected. However, if you prioritize your relationship before seasonal responsibilities, you’ll enter the holidays feeling connected and able to give each another the benefit of the doubt. A little planning can go a long way in dodging any disagreements.
Fun, fall date ideas:
apple picking
farmers market
stargazing
cooking class
concert/ballet/symphony
professional sporting event
Cheers to the best holiday season yet!
Heidi
