Contents
- 1. Try to give more
- 2. Avoid debt
- 3. Buy experiences, not things
- 4. Share with others
- 5. Take pictures and take pictures
- 6. Go to nature
- 7. Plan the fun for the end of the holidays
- 8. Remember that frequency is more important than intensity
- 9. Don’t Forget About Exercise
- 10. Watch your favorite Christmas movies
Holidays are stressful. Everyone knows about this, but few people understand how to make a long weekend calm and happy. Psychologist Mark Holder offers 10 ways to help reduce stress levels and find more reasons to be happy during the New Year holidays.
After the summer holidays, we are waiting for the New Year: we make plans, we hope to start life from scratch. But the closer the main holiday of the year, the more unrest. In December, we strive to embrace the immensity: we complete work projects, plan holidays, buy gifts. And we start the new year with fatigue, irritation and disappointment.
However, happy holidays are possible — just follow the simple rules of positive psychology.
1. Try to give more
The idea that giving is more rewarding than receiving was scientifically confirmed by researchers Dunn, Eknin, and Norton in 2008. They divided the subjects into two groups. Participants in the first group were instructed to spend money on others, the rest had to shop exclusively for themselves. The level of happiness in the first group was higher than in the second.
By doing charity work or by treating a friend to lunch at a cafe, you are investing in your happiness.
2. Avoid debt
Debt robs us of peace, and the restless are not happy. Do your best to live within your means.
3. Buy experiences, not things
Imagine that you suddenly have a substantial amount in your pocket — for example, $ 3000. What will you spend them on?
The one who buys things can be no less happy than the one who acquires impressions — but only at first. After one or two weeks, the joy of owning things disappears, and the impressions remain with us for life.
Share the holiday experience with friends and family. Research shows that interpersonal relationships are one of the most important components of happiness. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine a happy person who has a difficult relationship with loved ones.
5. Take pictures and take pictures
Photo shoots are fun. Family or friendly photography will diversify the festive feasts and charge with positive. Pictures will remind you of happy moments in moments of sadness and loneliness.
6. Go to nature
Holidays become a source of stress because our usual way of life is disrupted: we get up late, overeat and spend a lot of money. Communicating with nature will help you come to your senses. It is best to get out into the winter forest, but the nearest park will do. Even a virtual walk: viewing picturesque views on a computer will help you relax.
7. Plan the fun for the end of the holidays
It has been scientifically proven that we are better at remembering what happens at the end. If the most interesting event happens at the beginning of the holiday break, we will remember it worse than if it happens on January 7 or 8.
8. Remember that frequency is more important than intensity
Happiness is made up of little things. When planning holidays, prioritize the little daily joys. It is better to gather around the fireplace every evening with cocoa, cake and board games than to attend one enchanting party, and then come to your senses for a whole week.
9. Don’t Forget About Exercise
Many people underestimate the joy that can be obtained from physical activity. Winter is a great time for active walks, skating and skiing and a variety of outdoor games.
10. Watch your favorite Christmas movies
When we watch a good movie, we disconnect from reality, and our mental activity decreases. This is very important for a good rest.
About the Expert: Mark Holder is a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia and a motivational speaker.