De-Stressing Your Head for the Holidays

In the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, many of us find ourselves grappling with stressors and insecurities that seem to intensify during this season of festivities. Navigating through numerous gatherings with friends and family we haven't seen all year can trigger stress-inducing problems, including challenging conversations, unwelcome comparisons, and unexpected check-ins. To help manage these stressors and promote peace of mind, here are three strategies to consider:

1. Lead Your Conversations

Conversations during the holidays, whether at work parties or family celebrations, can be sources of stress. Anticipate potentially sensitive topics and prepare ahead of time. If you foresee questions or comments that may be stress-inducing, take control of the conversation. Instead of waiting for others to lead, initiate discussions about their lives, families, or interests. By actively leading the conversation, you can redirect it away from potentially uncomfortable topics and create a more positive interaction. People tend to be self-centered, so once they start talking about themselves, they often forget to inquire about you, giving you more control over the direction of the conversation.

2. Measure by Purpose, Not Comparison

Comparisons during the holiday season can lead to significant stress, especially when faced with differing life situations. Rather than validating your worth through comparisons with others, connect with your true purpose and mission in life. Reflect on your beliefs, strengths, abilities, principles, and the legacy you want to leave behind. By focusing on these aspects, you can find a deeper sense of self-worth that is not dependent on external comparisons. Spend time understanding who you are and what truly matters to you, enabling you to navigate through the holiday season with a greater sense of purpose.

3. Completely Own Your Life

Holiday check-ins, often accompanied by uninvited accountability sessions, can induce stress and discomfort. Instead of avoiding these situations, take 100% accountability for your life. Acknowledge your thoughts, feelings, actions, and the person you are becoming. Embrace extreme accountability, refraining from playing the victim and blaming external factors. By fully owning your life, you empower yourself to approach challenges differently, shifting from a mindset of obligation to one of choice. This shift in perspective can lead to positive changes in behavior and a newfound ability to navigate life's complexities with empowerment and hope.

This holiday season, let's proactively manage stressors by leading conversations, measuring our worth by purpose, and taking full ownership of our lives. By doing so, we can create a sense of peace and fulfillment amidst the holiday festivities.