Jingle bells, jingle bells – I’m tired
Well the festive season has arrived in all its screaming glory.
Every weekend has been, and continues to be, booked up with Christmas-related plans. From work parties, to gym parties, catch-ups with friends and family, birthdays, weddings and naturally, a UFC fight or two.
I love Christmas, but every year I become more and more tired from doing all of the things. I know I don’t have to go to every event and I don’t have to drink at them all, but somehow, every time, I do. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ What a first world problem.
Let me tell you why that’s not smart:
- My anxiety – it peaks when I’m running around like a lunatic and especially when I drink excessively. As I type this I am dealing with a knotted stomach which I’ve had for days and I sincerely hope it’s just a hangover from the week just been and not a sign of something more untoward.
- Physical health – dare I say it, eating ham every second day, drinking every second day and constantly putting your body through the ringer, is not good for your physical state of being. Shocker.
- Stress – tied closely with anxiety, but even you guys who don’t experience anxiety can agree that keeping on top of all the plans and presents causes peaks in your stress levels.
Ways I plan on coping better this year:
- Saying no – I’ve already said no to two events (it’s hard being popular), but after umming and ahhing about how I could physically get there and squeeze them in, I decided to just say no. I’d rather slow the eff down and conserve my energy than try to attend every single event.
- Watching my intake – after last weekend’s MASSIVE efforts, I realised with undeniable clarity that I hate going so big, that the days following absolutely suck. It’s simply not worth it. I’d rather enjoy myself and then still be able to function the next day, but that’s just me. You do you.
- Watching my spending – I love to go big at Christmas, but I also know I am not in the same position as I was this time last year (working one full-time job and one part-time job). Not only that, most of the shit you buy people is good for the moment they unwrap it and then they never use it again and forget what you bought them anyway. I’m trying to think think smaller, thoughtful, reusable gifts. People are all about the non-throwaway stuff these days anyway and I am here for it.
Whether you love or hate Christmas, try and remember what it really means (or should mean) to you.
Whether it’s family time and spending time with people you love, catching up with friends and reflecting on the year that’s been. Maybe it’s volunteering and giving back or recharging and resetting for the new year. Try not to get caught up in the bullshit, avoid drama where you can and remember, if all else fails, have a cold bevy and eat some ham and leave it for your future self to deal with.
Han x