New Year is getting closer. On the squares, Christmas trees shimmer with lights, shops beckon with decorated shop windows. It is worth succumbing to the mood, and now we are already leaving the mall with a lot of packages. Is it possible to spend the New Year holidays without much damage to the family budget?
Psychologist Donna Matthews shares how to enjoy the holiday without spending a fortune on it.
Like most, I was very tired at the end of December, but over the years I began to follow the principles of mindfulness, which help reduce psychological stress, save money and enjoy winter magic.
1. Breathe. This is my main rule. If I feel anxious, tense, irritated, or impatient, I take a deep breath.
2. Laugh. It’s just as good for the immune system as taking vitamin C.
3. Practice moderation in everything, and then the holiday will be a joy. Don’t go overboard with parties, gifts, and food. Focus on kindness and love — the main elements of the holiday.
4. Be grateful. Give thanks to others and try to awaken gratitude in children. Teach them to focus on what they already have, not what they want to have.
5. If you have children, go somewhere with them: for a New Year’s performance or a walk in the park.
6. Share with otherswho are having a hard time right now.
7. Dance. Perhaps at first you will feel stupid and constrained, but then you will experience joy.
8. Show enthusiasm to yourself and those around you. What energizes you: cooking, watching your favorite movies? Do this more often.
9. Farewell. Ask for forgiveness and give it to others.
10. Take care of your health. Now is the time for good sleep and outdoor play.
11. Have fun. Feel free to express your emotions out loud.
12. Enjoy the silence. Lazy, think, reboot.
13. Think about saving resources. How to save money and not harm the environment? Think about it when choosing food, gifts, home decorations.
14. Slow down. Do only what is necessary, at a comfortable pace.
15. Become an explorer and encourage curiosity in children. Watch the sunset, listen to the crunch of snow under your feet, feel how chocolate melts on your tongue.
16. Try to find something that makes you excited.
17. Remember the past, funny stories from childhood or people who are no longer with you.
18. Give gifts only to children. This is a way to save money, most likely other adults will support you.
19. Try to do something with your hands, but only if you feel the need.
20. Give Time: a joint trip to the cinema, to a cafe or for a walk, without being distracted by the phone.
The best gifts are inexpensive or cost nothing, it is attention and time, give them to loved ones.
About the author: Donna Matthews is a psychologist.