Home for the Holidays: How to Find Peace Amidst the Chaos

Although the holiday season is full of bright colors, family, friends, and good food, for many of us this time of year can be stressful and a bit overwhelming. We have additional social commitments, expenses, family gatherings, decorating, and much more. Often, we follow new routines, leaving behind what we have grown comfortable with throughout the year. It becomes difficult to maintain our tried-and-true coping strategies, boundaries, and habits, leading us to feel more stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, and maybe even a bit sad. Here are some tips and tricks to help the holidays feel more peaceful.

Examine What Feels Peaceful

Ask yourself, “what brings me peace?” Maybe it’s spending time with friends and family, watching your favorite movie or TV show, reading a good book, baking, meditating, praying, etc. Whatever it is that works for you, do more of it this holiday season. Ground yourself in the holiday chaos by making time for what brings you peace.

Embrace the Here and Now

When we find ourselves worrying about the past or overthinking the future, we lose our inner peace. Challenge yourself to live in the here and now. You can do this by taking a few deep breaths, looking around you and reminding yourself what is there and naming a few things that you can see, take time to embrace your surroundings by naming things you can hear, soak in the robust smells of holiday food by naming one or two things you can smell, and finally, immerse yourself in the holidays and take a sip of your favorite festive drink or a bite of your favorite holiday dish and focus on the flavors.

Set Holiday Boundaries

Boundaries are limits and expectations we set with ourselves and others. Boundaries help ensure that we are caring for ourselves and maintaining strong relationships with others. Without boundaries, we might find ourselves spending more time, energy, and even money to “keep the peace” all while sacrificing our own. Here are some examples of holiday boundaries:

• Skipping, arriving late, or leaving holiday parties early

• Being mindful about what you say “yes” to and ensuring it is something you truly want to do

• Being intentional about commitments
  
  

Set Realistic Plans and Take it Easy

Often, routines are thrown out of the window during the holiday season. We find ourselves rushing from one thing to the next, focusing on our check lists, and looking for what to do next. When planning for the holidays, it is important to set realistic expectations and plans. Think through what you have time for. Will you have time to spend several hours at each family member’s house? Probably not. So, what do you have time for? When considering what you have time for, be sure you are including time for yourself. To maintain our peace, we must take it easy and make time for those things we find peaceful.

 Remember that Methodist EAP is here to help! Call us at 901-683-5658 or visit us at www.methodisteapcanhelp.org.

About the Author

Taylor Johnson, PhD, LPC-MHSP
Counselor

Taylor Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a designation of Mental Health Service Provider. Taylor received her undergraduate degree and graduate degrees from the University of Memphis. Taylor has a Bachelor’s degree in Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Services, a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Taylor has experience working with health science graduate students and medical residents and fellows. She has worked with clients with a wide range of mental health concerns including OCD, ADHD/neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, and work/life balance. Taylor is originally from Arkansas but has called Memphis home for the past six years. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time outside with her spouse and pup, and finding new and challenging things to bake.