Ahh…’Tis the season of peace, joy and togetherness…and executive functioning challenges.
During this winter season, the days are shorter, darker and colder. In the northern hemisphere, our brains naturally want to go into hibernation. Toss in the planning demands of the holiday season and, well, climbing into bed with your covers over your head can be very tempting.
Our brains like predictability. We are biologically wired to seek it out because, in caveman times, uncertainty was threatening to our survival. When holiday preparations and events take you out of your routine, your emotional brain can become overloaded. Hence the urge to go into hibernation mode when everyone else wants to sing carols and make cookies.
To combat those stressful feelings, here’s what I am doing to calm my brain and stay as centered (and participatory) as possible during the holidays:
Stay in the Present
When I find my mind slipping into anxious thoughts about the future, I activate the wise voice that resides in my prefrontal cortex. That voice firmly says “Stop it!” as an image of a red stop sign pops into my brain. A therapist gave me that advice years ago, admonishing me to quit “future tripping.”
Control Sensory Input
Too much coming into the brain is overwhelming. Limit what gets access to your head. I highly recommend disconnecting from the news and social media pundits who make a living spouting opinions and spinning information all designed to cause fear for the future. Don’t let others control your thoughts and opinions. Think for yourself. You CAN do this. Listen to good music instead.
Avoid Personality Black Holes
By this I mean those people who suck your energy in a negative way. Unwind your positive energy from theirs and cut the cord so they can’t leach off you. Take care of yourself first. It is their job to take care of their own life and issues. Neither of you can grow when you are entangled.
Plan in the Present and Your Future will be Easier
Yep. Support your brain’s executive functions by planning: your day, your week, and beyond. Our Seeing My Time Planner will help you do that. Of course “life happens” and plans have to change. But it is a long-held truth that if you don’t plan, you go nowhere. Having a plan removes the fearful feelings about the abyss of the future.
Encircle Yourself with Those Who Bring you Joy and Warmth
Focus on family or your family of choice. Spend time with them. Cook together, eat together, play games together, read books together, do puzzles, knit together, or as I did the day after Thanksgiving, make beeswax candles together.
If needed, choose meals that are simple and can be prepped ahead of time so that you can spend your time with the people you love rather than in the kitchen. Go ahead – order pizza! It will still be a memorable meal if you are able to be in the present.
Finally, remember to breathe. Allow the feeling of peace and calm to surround you. You’ve got this.
For more holiday executive function support, be sure to check out Five Key Ways to Support Your Brain During the Holidays and My #1 Tip to Support Your Brain During the Holidays,
Wishing you peace, calm and well-being this holiday season.
