Feeling too stressed out for this to be the “most wonderful time of the year?” You’re not the only one! Between decking the halls, shopping for everyone on our nice list and the endless social obligations, the holiday season can feel far from merry and bright. But if you’re starting to relate to the Grinch, you may want to consider the MERRY Rule.
It’s a simple way to help avoid festive burnout by encouraging you to think about these five things before saying yes to an invite: Money, Energy, Return, Recovery and You. And don’t worry, you’re not creeping into Scrooge territory here, the rule is supposed to help you conserve your resources so you can use them where they matter most.
Here’s how to make the MERRY Rule work for you this holiday season:
- Money - First up, ask yourself if you can afford this activity or celebration, and if so, is it worth the financial investment? Like, if you say yes to this dinner at a fancy restaurant, will you regret it later when you check your bank balance? If you can go guilt-free, absolutely accept, but if not, there’s no shame in saying no.
- Energy - The second part of the rule asks you to check your energy levels, which are probably low this time of year. The holidays can mean going non-stop for weeks, leaving your social battery drained. Protecting your energy so you don’t get burned out before the holidays means sometimes staying home to recharge.
- Return - While it’s good to be focused on others during the holidays, you still need to think about your own wants and needs, and that’s where the third part of the rule comes in. Festive plans can be a lot of fun, but if they feel more like a chore that you’re only doing out of obligation, it’s okay to stay home and watch “Elf” instead.
- Recovery - It’s important to book some downtime on your calendar so you can rest and recover. Before saying yes to another event, think of how you’ll feel the next day and then decide if it’s worth it.
- You - Have you thought about how YOU want to spend your holiday season? You don’t have to agree to plans that you won’t enjoy, even though it may feel hard to say no.⠀
Source: Vice
Scott's Thoughts:
- So, I’m not the only one who cringes when the phone dings with another festive invitation?
- I am doing less this year on purpose. Self care has to be a priorty.
- Not running myself to death anymore! Done with it.
