Ways to Get Happy & Channel Joy This Holiday Season
It would be nice if everything felt merry and bright 24/7 during the most special time of year… but in the real world, that’s not always the case! In fact, with the holidays rapidly approaching, it might be easy to feel a little overwhelmed. Instead, check out these simple ways to channel joy and get happy this holiday season!
Make a gratitude list daily.
Despite the magic of the holidays, this season often has a way of making us acutely aware of what we think we’re missing. Questions from old hometown friends can make you suddenly second guess your career path, while a social media feed full of smiling couple photos can make you feel painfully single.
But instead of dwelling on what you think you lack, focus on what you have! Every day, make a quick mental list of what you’re thankful for — it can be as big as your healthy family, or as small as the peppermint latte you just got.
Move your body!
One of the greatest aspects of the holidays is the abundance of delicious and festive food and drink. It’s also the perfect time to watch holiday movies and lounge around. While there’s nothing wrong with indulging, it can actually wind up making us feel a little cranky!
Making it a priority to move your body a little every day, whether it’s a hardcore boot camp class or a sunny stroll around the neighborhood with your family, can do wonders to boost your mood and maximize your happiness.
Focus on the things that really matter.
This can be tricky, because sometimes it feels like everything matters. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or completely stressed out, ask yourself, “Will this particular thing matter in five years?” For example, burning that holiday dinner side dish you worked so hard likely won’t matter in five years. However, making time to connect with your extended family over the other unburned dishes certainly will! Food, gifts, decorations, and the other little details aren’t as important as the relationships and memories you make!
Prioritize new experiences over new things.
While it’s tempting to spoil the people you love with elaborate gifts (and toss out a few clever hint hints about the gifts you’d like in return), the real joy of the holiday season can often be found in the special experiences!
Make it a goal to do something completely new with the people you love, whether that’s enjoying a festive painting event at Painting with a Twist, exploring a new snowy hiking path, or hosting a holiday-themed trivia night. Those experiences may become your favorite stories, while most gifts eventually collect dust.
Make sure to schedule downtime.
Perhaps you feel overwhelmed this time of year because you want to do it all: the Pinterest-inspired crafts, the elaborate recipes, the flawless home décor, the parties, the traditions, the list goes on.
But while you’re crafting your merry schedule and your jolly to-do list, make sure to schedule in a little bit of TLC and rest time for yourself! Take a nap. Spend a day doing nothing. Order takeout instead of cooking. Go to bed early. In other words, don’t forget about those gifts for yourself!
Scratch the idea of making everything “perfect.”
It can be easier said than done, but one of the easiest ways to get happy during the holidays is to simply accept that things will be imperfect… and that’s half the fun! Little ones may not cooperate for photos, gifts may be back-ordered, and you might not be able to see everyone you love. Some things will inevitably go wrong. Laugh it off, and remember that a little bit of chaos makes life fun!
Channeling joy doesn’t have to be a challenge. It can be as easy as changing your expectations or giving yourself some creative space – like joining a painting event at Painting with a Twist! Take a break from the holiday rush, grab a glass of wine, and grab a seat at your local studio to let your inner creativity flow.