How to stay happy in the holiday season: share the love and the work, show gratitude – a Mayo clinic psychologist’s tips
- Mayo Clinic psychologist’s tips for perfect family get-togethers include delegating tasks and showing grace in uncomfortable situations
- When difficulties arise, pause and reflect on what you’re truly thankful for this season
After last year, when the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of holiday season plans for many people around the world, there is pressure to make this year’s get-togethers – if they are possible – even better for our loved ones.
We direct our energy toward creating the perfect experience for those we love. But there are often elements beyond our control – including finances, past and present relationships, health and current events – that interfere with our vision of the perfect holiday season.
Lisa Hardesty, a clinical health psychologist for the Mayo Clinic Health System based in Minnesota in the US, warns about setting high expectations: we can feel stressed and unhappy when we don’t meet them. We may feel as if we have let down the people we love most.
“The key to coping this time of year is to set realistic expectations,” says Hardesty. “Remember that it’s the time you spend together and the memories that you make that are most important. That is what you will remember most.”
Here are four top tips to safeguard your mood and well-being as you prepare for your festivities: