The holiday season can be a stressful time for everyone. Between buying gifts, attending parties, and traveling home to see family, it’s no wonder that this time of year is one of the most taxing for many. With so much pressure to give and receive the perfect presents, put on the perfect party, and spend time with perfect strangers, it’s unsurprising that many people find themselves feeling stressed out during this period. However, this stress can also be an opportunity for growth if you’re willing to let go of your old ways and adopt a new mindset. If you’re looking to make the most of this season by releasing your inner giving spirit and embracing a generosity mindset instead of feeling depleted by it all, here are five ways to do just that.
Change your language
One of the easiest ways to change your mindset is to change your language. If you’ve been framing the holiday season as a stressful situation, then you’re likely to feel stressed out. However, if you change your language, you can also change your mindset. Instead of speaking about the holiday season as a stressful time, start to speak about it as a time of celebration and gratitude—and you’ll feel the difference. As you go about your daily life, begin to keep an eye out for opportunities to celebrate and be grateful. This can be as simple as smiling and thanking the cashier at the grocery store or saying a quick “thank you” when someone holds the door open for you. This may feel a little silly at first, but these small acts of kindness and gratitude often go unnoticed by others—and they can make a big difference in how you feel.
Help others without any expectation of return
One of the best ways to change your mindset during this busy season is to start helping others without expecting anything in return. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the expectations of gift-giving and spending time with family, consider taking a break from social obligations and spending time helping those in need. There are lots of ways that you can help others during the holiday season. You could volunteer at a local shelter, food bank or even host a gift drive to collect presents for needy children. Whatever you decide to do, make sure that you do it without any expectation of return. Let go of your need to be involved in the most “perfect” holiday season and let this be an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Help others with no strings attached
Another way to change your mindset this season is to start helping others with no strings attached. This might sound similar to the idea above, but the intention behind it is slightly different. When you help others with no strings attached, you’re not doing it to alleviate your own feelings of guilt or obligation; you’re doing it because you genuinely want to help people. This doesn’t mean you should ignore your feelings altogether, but it does mean that you should try to focus on the needs of others. For example, if you know that a friend or family member is feeling stressed out and in need of help, reach out to them and ask them what they need. You don’t have to offer to do everything for them or take on a huge project; even a small gesture of support can go a long way toward helping them out.
Celebrate the people you love without conditions
Another great way to change your mindset during this season is to celebrate the people you love without conditions. While the holiday season is often associated with gift-giving and receiving, it’s also a time to celebrate the people you love. However, as the holiday season becomes increasingly commercialized, many people start to feel pressure to celebrate in the “perfect” way. If you’re celebrating the holiday season with loved ones, then make sure that you don’t fall into this trap. Instead of focusing on celebrating in the “perfect” way, focus on celebrating the people that you love—regardless of whether your celebration is “perfect” or not. This will help you to avoid feelings of stress and pressure during this busy season and allow you to celebrate in a way that feels authentic to you.
Remember that there’s no such thing as perfection
Finally, another way to change your mindset during this busy time is to remember that there’s no such thing as perfection. The holiday season is wonderful, but it can also be incredibly stressful. If you find yourself feeling stressed out, take a step back and remember that there’s no such thing as perfection. There’s no such thing as a “perfect” gift, a “perfect” relationship, or a “perfect” holiday season. The holiday season is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated—not endured. If you feel stressed and overwhelmed, take a step back and remember that there’s no such thing as perfection. This will help you to relax, enjoy the season, and appreciate what it has to offer—rather than stressing out about how it “should” be.