Gift Giving and Receiving – A Humble Mental Health Balance

As we finish one big holiday and head into several more you may find yourself in a whirlwind of emotions. Maybe part of you is excited to see distant family and spend quality time with your loved ones. But for many, the holiday season also comes with a dump load of stress – emotional and financial.

This week I am here to remind you that it is important to not only give this season, but to receive too!

Giving

When people think about the holiday season, they often picture presents, holiday parties and lots of endless holiday shopping and baking. Giving is known to release “happy chemicals” in the brain, but it can also bring a lot of stress.

But giving this season doesn’t have to be over complicated. Remember the core reasons why you want to give to a special someone and remember you are not required to give to everyone. Know your limits.

Here’s a few tips and reminders for giving this season:

You don’t have to only give material things – you can give quality time. Or plan a date or event to go to together. Cook them their favorite meal. Perform an act of kindness for them. Think of something that they love to do or something that they really value in your relationship and give just that.
You don’t have to spend big bucks – if a material item is something you want to give that is ok. But remember you don’t have to break the bank. Chances are the recipient will be most happy that you thought of them. If it is a large ticket item, consider joining with someone else to split the cost and go in on it together.
One gift is enough – you don’t need to be responsible for getting every item off someone’s list this year. It really is the thought that counts the most.
You don’t have to give to everyone – instead of spreading yourself thin and spending on every acquaintance you know, cut back to the people that mean the most to you and spare yourself a little stress and money.
Give to yourself – you are allowed. Take some of your time to show yourself some self-love. You don’t have to fulfill every moment giving to others; you can do things for yourself too.

Receiving

While this seems like a simple task, gift receiving is often more difficult than gift giving. Some people feel they many are not deserving of receiving a gift. Some many even feel awkward feelings, especially if they feel they did not give in return equally. But let me assure you, you do deserve to receive gifts.

Let’s dive into tips and reminders on gift receiving this season

You are not required to give in order to receive – you can accept gifts or acts of kindness without have to give back to that person. Simply say thank you
Stay humble – Remember that the people giving you gifts this season are not required to check everything off your list or spend big bucks on you. Be gracious for receiving time and thought from someone – even if the gift is something you did not ask for or want.
Remind yourself of the meaning behind the gift – remember that the person giving the gift is trying to express their love and appreciation of you. They are being thoughtful and kind and strengthening a connection between the both of you no matter what the gift.
Enjoy, without guilt – Receiving a gift is know to release “happy brain chemicals”. You deserve to receive gifts and don’t have to earn those emotions. You are allowed to feel and express your happiness this season.
Receive gifts from yourself – accept, without guilt, any acts of self-love. You are allowed to set boundaries and follow them for yourself in order to protect your mental health. You are deserving of your own kindness, time and love.

Balance is key

Finding the balance between giving and receiving during the holiday season can be difficult. It is important to remind yourself that giving does not have a deadline or a price tag. Set boundaries on your giving this year to help minimize stress and keep your mental health in check. Remind yourself that you are worthy of receiving gifts this year too. Take time to focus on the good feelings and quality time without overstressing about going above and beyond or achieving the unachievable level of perfection you may picture for your holiday season. But most of all, remember that I love you and you should love you too!