Simple ways to deal with holiday stress

It's the most wonderful time of the year

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people. Between the pressure to buy gifts, attend parties, and meet family and social obligations, it's easy to become overwhelmed and burnt out. However, there are some simple ways to deal with stress during the holiday season and ensure that you enjoy the festivities.

Acknowledge your feelings

First and foremost, it's important to acknowledge your feelings and take care of your emotional well-being. This means taking the time to reflect on what is causing you stress and finding ways to cope with it. It's okay to feel overwhelmed or anxious, but it's important not to let those feelings consume you. One way to do this is by practicing mindfulness, which involves bringing your attention to the present moment and accepting your feelings without judgment. This can help you stay grounded and better handle the stress of the holiday season.

Great Expectations? 

Another way to deal with stress during the holidays is by being realistic with your expectations. It's easy to get caught up in the idealized version of the holidays that we see in movies and commercials, but the reality is that things won't always go perfectly. It's important to set realistic goals and expectations for the holiday season, and to be okay with the fact that things may not go as planned. This can help you feel more in control and reduce the sense of stress and pressure that you may be feeling.

One way to set realistic expectations is by creating a budget and sticking to it. The pressure to buy the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that the holidays are not about how much money you spend. Instead of trying to buy the most expensive or elaborate gifts, focus on finding something meaningful and personal that shows you care. This can help you avoid overspending and reduce the financial stress that can come with the holidays.

Prioritize self-care

We discuss self-care a lot on this blog. It’s not just because it’s a trendy buzzword. Self-care is a great way to manage stress during the holiday season. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, but it's important to make time for yourself and do things that nourish your body and mind. This could include activities like exercising, meditating, or taking a hot bath. It's also important to get enough sleep and eat healthy, nourishing meals to keep your energy levels up and your mind clear.

Get some rest

Sleep is important for health and well-being. This is especially true in times of stress. As we already covered, the holidays can be stressful, so it's important to take time to rest during this time of year. Lack of sleep can lead to even more stress, which means even less sleep. This can lead to a vicious cycle that can really take a toll on your health.

That's why it's important to prioritize rest during the holidays, even when you feel like there's just not enough hours in the day to get everything done. One way to help combat this cycle is by taking a nap. Napping has been shown to improve alertness, mood, and performance on tasks, which means it can be a great way to recharge during the day. And since naps are short and don't require much effort, they're a great way to sneak some rest into your busy schedule.

Check out our article on "How to Nap Like a Pro," and learn the secrets of the perfect power nap. 

Back to basics

A surefire way to reduce stress during the holiday season is by finding ways to simplify your schedule. This could mean saying no to some invitations or delegating tasks to others. It's okay to set boundaries and prioritize the activities that are most important to you. This can help you feel more in control and ensure that you have time to relax and recharge.

Ask for help 

Finally, don't be afraid to reach out for support if you're feeling overwhelmed. This could mean talking to a friend or family member, seeking the help of a therapist or counselor, or joining a support group. It's important to remember that you don't have to navigate the holidays alone, and there are people who are there to support you.

The Bottom Line

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people, but there are simple ways to deal with this stress and enjoy the festivities. Acknowledge your feelings, set realistic expectations, prioritize self-care, simplify your schedule, and reach out for support when needed. By taking care of yourself and finding healthy ways to cope with stress, you can make the most of the holiday season and find joy and meaning in the festivities.

If you’d like to read more about topics connected to this subject, please check out some of our other articles:

• Your Healthy Sleep Hygiene Checklist

• Take it slow: How to embrace a more mindful holiday season

• Simple Ways to Feel More Joyful During the Holidays

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