Setting boundaries. What boundaries? I will be the first to admit that I have trouble saying “no”. It has manifested in me spending my evenings after work and weekends teaching/marking/podcasting/presenting…doing anything but relaxing!
I’ve come to realise that a big part of why I say “yes” when I really mean “no” is…FOMO. Fear. Of. Missing. Out. It makes sense when I look back on 2016 and wonder why I attended countless events, volunteered to help at every opportunity, signed up to eCourses which I only half-attempted, and why I never get enough sleep!
In my last post, I talked about how I was making tweaks in my everyday to bring more space and clarity to life. A big part of this exercise is being really particular about what I add to my calendar in 2017. Christmas is always a hectic time of year with parties, gift shopping and finishing up work, so I have made it my goal to start practising saying “no” in December. By the time I reach the New Year, I should be very comfortable at letting go of my FOMO. If you feel the same way and are feeling overwhelmed this Christmas, I urge you to practice setting boundaries with the following tips:
1: Make friends with your digital calendar
Give your calendar a clean. Do you really need to go to that second party this week? I have been politely “un-RSVPing” to the events that I said yes to months ago so that I can go to bed early, maintain my healthy diet and remain energised during the final weeks of work. The added bonus is that I get to see my hubby more on weeknights or go to a yoga class ?
Add your self-love appointments into your diary AND stick to them like any other appointment. I love seeing my gym and yoga times in my diary, as it really inspires me to get there.
2: Reduce Christmas shopping overwhelm
Do it online. The very thought of heading to Westfield makes me anxious. Crowds, no parking spots, lines…what a nightmare. Even walking the streets at lunchtime in the city is chaotic! So now I avoid the shopping overwhelm by doing as much as I can online. Most stores have free shipping and promotions, so I save time AND money!
Simplify the process. Christmas time can be very expensive, particularly when shopping for extended family members and friends. Remember that everyone feels the same, so why don’t you be the one to suggest a Kris Kringle this year? Not only does it reduce the cost, but it means spend less time having to think of present ideas!
Go DIY. I have been using the extra time on weekends to be creative and make gifts for my family and friends.
3: Be grateful
You might roll your eyes at this one, but hear me out! Amidst the chaos and stress of Christmas, I sometimes have to remind myself of how lucky I truly am. As much as I complain about petty things like being too busy, or having eaten too much, we really do have it good!
These holidays, I am going to make it a goal to spend time every day sitting in stillness and writing down what I am grateful for in my life. That is the best way to remind myself of what is important.
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