The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But if you’re like many people, your stress levels undoubtedly rise as soon as the winter months come into view. Work deadlines, family gatherings, and even busy shopping trips can all feel too much, leaving you frazzled instead of festive. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. With some of the following stress management strategies, you can reclaim the joy that’s meant to come with the holiday season.
Practice Self-Care
The holidays can feel like a whirlwind, with a mile-long to-do list and expectations coming at you from all sides. It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy and forget to take care of yourself.
Because of this, it’s important to make a conscious effort to engage in self-care throughout the holiday season. This might mean setting aside a few minutes per day for something that relaxes you, such as doing some gentle stretches.
Also, be sure to get enough sleep each night, even if it means leaving the party a bit early or putting off some decorating until tomorrow. Upon rising, begin the day with a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation to center yourself.
Physical activity is a great stressbuster, so try to keep up with your regular exercise routine. Or find some fun, seasonal ways to get moving, like ice skating or going for a walk to check out holiday lights. And don’t forget about the power of stress management supplements.
Set Realistic Expectations
Do you picture a perfect holiday with a spotless home, amazing food, and everyone getting along? Chances are, that’s just not realistic. And you might be setting unfair standards for yourself.
To avoid that, be honest with yourself about what you can reasonably do. It’s okay if you can’t go to every party, bake all the cookies from scratch, or find the best gifts for everyone, like fancy wireless headsets. Whittle down your list to a few key activities or traditions most meaningful to you and put your focus there.
Remember that things don’t have to be flawless to be enjoyable. A slightly lopsided tree or store-bought pie can still bring joy. Try to embrace imperfection as a part of what makes your holiday memorable and uniquely yours.
Manage Finances Wisely
Overspending can suck the joy out of the season and bring stress for many months afterward. There’s nothing merry about starting the year buried in debt. Before building your budget, consider checking your free credit score to better understand where your finances stand and avoid surprises.
To keep money troubles at bay, take a moment to set a realistic holiday budget before spending a dime. Think about how much you can comfortably spend without going into debt. Include everything you can think of in this budget, from gifts and food to decoration and travel.
Then, look for ways to save money. Shop sales, clip coupons, and consider making some gifts yourself. Also, think about low-cost ways to celebrate with your friends and family, such as potluck dinners and holiday movie nights.
Try to avoid comparing your holiday to others, especially on social media. Everyone’s financial situation is different. Focus on what works for you and your budget.
Navigate Family Dynamics
Even the closest families have tricky dynamics to navigate skillfully, especially during stressful holidays. The pressure to create perfect memories can strain usually good relationships, causing tension and misunderstandings.
Try to approach your family gatherings with patience and flexibility. Keep in mind that many people experience additional stress and pressure at this time of year. Should conflicts arise, take a deep breath before responding. It's often better to let small issues go to keep them from blowing out of proportion.
Set boundaries when needed. It’s okay to limit time with difficult relatives or to step away for a break if things get overwhelming. Taking care of your own needs helps you be more present for positive family interactions.
Focus on creating new, good memories instead of trying to recreate idealized versions of past holidays. Continue holiday traditions that bring joy, but be open to starting new ones, too.
Delegate and Ask for Help
Delegating tasks and asking for help can go a long way in reducing holiday stress. So many people try to do everything themselves, thinking it’s the only way to ensure things are done right. In reality, this approach often leads to burnout and resentment.
Fortunately, you just need to list all your tasks and think about which ones to hand off. Maybe your partner could handle the gift-wrapping, or your kids could help with decorating. If you’re hosting a meal, consider making it potluck-style so everyone brings a dish.
When delegating, be clear about expectations yet incredibly flexible. Provide necessary information or resources, but try not to micromanage. Show appreciation for the help you get, even if things aren’t done precisely your way.
Consider outsourcing some tasks if your budget allows. This might mean ordering prepared foods, hiring a cleaning service before a big gathering, or using a gift-wrapping service.
Stay in the Moment
When you’re feeling overwhelmed during the holidays, maybe you’re just thinking too far ahead. Worrying about future tasks or events can increase stress and make you miss the joy happening now.
Instead, try to focus on the present moment. Pay attention to what you’re doing, whether it’s decorating, cooking, or spending time with loved ones. Purposefully notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
If your mind wanders to your to-do list or upcoming events, gently bring your attention back to the present. Take a deep breath and reconnect with your surroundings. This will allow you to appreciate the small moments that often get overlooked in the rush of the season.
Say Goodbye to Stress and Enjoy Your Holidays
Using these stress management strategies can transform your holiday experience. You just have to take a deep breath, let go of what you can’t control, and open yourself to the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Here’s to creating meaningful memories and ending the year on a positive note.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.
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