Tips on Managing Holiday Stress
The holidays are a time for family and cheer, but making sure the house is decorated, the food is ready, and the presents are wrapped and ready to be opened can be overwhelming and can bring unwanted stress and depression in a time meant for happiness.
Managing holiday stress through the endless parties, cooking, shopping and cleaning, try taking steps to ensure you have a stress-free holiday:
1. Plan ahead.
Between co-workers, kids, friends and family, it’s inevitable that some commitments will end up on the same day. Plan on what you can attend, and donāt worry about the things you canāt do. If you’re hosting the holidays, create a to-do list and a menu to help you stay organized. Make a shopping list and take advantage of shopping services through Kroger, Walmart, Target, and Instacart (Publix) – this saves you time and hassle.
2. Say no.
With holiday commitments, it is OK to say no to any, or even all of them. Just because some people from work are having a happy hour or a secret Santa gift exchange doesnāt mean you have to be there. Saying ānoā will free up some of your time and this will help relieve stress.
3. Plan spending.
The holidays mean spending money. Make a budget and stick to it. Having gifts for your loved ones is important, but it’s also important to pay your power bill. Don’t buy expensive gifts on a credit card that you’ll be paying off for the rest of the year.
4. Relax.
Turn on some music, light some candles or open the windows on a sunny day. Research has found that listening to music and the scent of citrus can boost feelings of well-being. Make some hot cocoa and spend a quiet evening binge watching holiday movies, or putting together a puzzle or playing board games or Mario Kart with the family. Let your partner or your kids take care of you for a nice change.
5. Maintain healthy habits.
The holidays are notorious for ruining healthy habits. Take a short walk every day- go in the evenings after dinner and look at the holiday lights in your neighborhood. Go walk around the mall if the weather isnāt nice out- the sights and sounds of the holidays can be uplifting. Cookies, pies, cakes, and candy are everywhere, and while you should not deny yourself a treat, donāt overdo it.
6. Share your feelings.
Spending a holiday after a loss in the family can be difficult. Accept your feelings and open up to family- they are suffering the same loss you are. It will make you feel better to share. If youāre feeling stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed and you donāt feel like you have anyone to talk to, find a therapist who will be able to help.
7. Respect differences.
Family members often have different viewpoints than your own. Try your best to set this aside this holiday season. Focus on your similarities, and replace tension with something productive. Try to avoid discussions around things that are divisive. If you donāt feel safe or comfortable, it is ok not to go.
8. Be realistic.
You are only one person, and you can only do so much. Be realistic with how much you can handle this season. Forget about perfection, and relax and enjoy the things you can do, the people you can see, and the gifts you can buy. Itās ok if you canāt afford extravagance, or if you prefer a more minimalist approach to the holidays.
9. Take a break.
During the holiday season, managing holiday stress is essential. Don’t forget about your own needs. Take a nap, go for a short walk, read a book or watch a funny movie. Laughing relaxes the whole body, and can relieve physical tension and stress. You donāt need permission to take care of yourself.
Holidays are meant to be a fun, enjoyable time with friends and family. Hopefully you can take at least one or two of these tips to heart and have a more enjoyable Holiday Season.
If you are struggling, and these things feel impossible or you feel expectations on you are more than you can deliver, call us today and set up a time to meet with a therapist.
You owe it to yourself and the people and family who love you!
Don’t you deserve to have a joyous and happy holiday season?
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