Greetings dear friend,
The word “holiday” has the same meaning as vacation. However, this time of year, the holidays come with lots of stress, pressure and “to-do” lists. We often have higher expectations for this season than for any other time of the year, which can add stress and leave us feeling impatient and cranky. Here are some meta hacks to get the most out of the holiday season. If you have any ideas on coping with the busy holiday season or ideas on inspirational books, games, or movies that you want to share, go ahead and send them here. I’d love to hear about them, and share them with the community. And if you know of anyone who would appreciate Meta Hacks like the ones this week, go ahead and have them subscribe here.
Here are my 5 hacks for this Holiday week.
1. Get into the spirit of the season.
Volunteer your time to help others. Spending time with those in need can help you feel less isolated. Try to appreciate the good things you have instead of focusing on all the things you wish you had. Learn forgiveness and acceptance. If some of your relatives always try to make you feel bad, chances are that won’t change. However, only you can decide how you react and how you feel. If things get uncomfortable, go to a movie or for a drive and reset your emotions.
2. Simplify family get-togethers.
Buy prepared foods, instead of cooking everything from scratch. Ask others to bring their favorite dishes. Cook and freeze foods ahead of time.
3. Manage your time.
Set priorities and let go of impossible goals. Stop to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Ask others to help. Don’t over-schedule yourself. Allow enough time to relax and recover after visiting with others. Manage expectations and tell family members about your commitments. Rest when your body tells you to.
4. Eat and drink sensibly.
Avoid overeating and drinking too much, especially alcoholic beverages. Avoid starving yourself in anticipation of eating at holiday parties. This can lead to eating too much of the wrong foods. Continue to exercise and watch your diet. Stay active. Go for a walk.
5. Don’t overspend.
Create a reasonable budget and stick to it. The holidays are not about the presents, they are about the presence of loved ones and friends.
Daniel, Founder & CEO
Metadot / Das Keyboard / Mojo Helpdesk