With the fun and cheer that comes with the holidays, so does stress. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, nearly 9 out of 10 Americans get stressed or feel overwhelmed during the holiday season. Here are seven quick tips to help you stress less and enjoy the holidays more.
Plan Ahead
With everything going on during the holidays – parties, traveling, gift exchanges, hosting friends and family, and on and on – it is important to have plans in place to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Keep a calendar of events so you don’t double-book and create lists of things you need to do, gifts you and others want, and food you need for parties you’re attending or hosting.
Don’t Overschedule/Set Boundaries
It’s very easy to get overscheduled when there are so many activities are happening. You don’t have to do it all, and it’s OK to say no to things that you don’t truly want to do. Focus the majority of your time and energy on things you enjoy and that bring you happiness during the holiday season. It’s also OK to simplify things, such as buying cookies instead of baking them for a party.
Set Realistic Expectations
Whether it’s how much you can actually do or how things are going to turn out, be realistic in your expectations. You are only one person, which means you cannot do it all. Be realistic in what you are capable of doing and try enlisting help with big projects that may need more time and attention than you can give them. Also, forget about perfection – it’s not realistic. Instead, focus on the company around you and have fun.
Manage Gift Giving/Set a Budget
Yes, giving gifts is fun, but it can also be stressful, both emotionally and financially. Set up spending limits within your family or friend group and create an overall budget for yourself. Then, most importantly, stick to the spending limits and budget. Spending beyond your means will only lead to regret later, and remember, it’s the thought that counts, not how much you spend.
Maintain Healthy Habits
It’s very easy to slip out of healthy habits and routines during the holidays, but doing so can make you feel bad, add to your stress, and make it harder to get back on track afterwards. Don’t completely restrict yourself on the food and fun that comes with the holidays – be selective in what you eat and do and make healthy choices as part of your fun. For example, snow shoeing, skiing, and sledding are exercise. Balance the treats and other less-than-healthy food options with fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol intake. Get plenty of sleep.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
The picture of the holidays is always of smiling, happy people enjoying themselves, but it is OK if you don’t feel happy all of the time (or at all). That is especially true if you have experienced loss during the year and may be facing your first holiday season without a loved one. Acknowledge those feelings so you can take steps needed to help you work through them. Talk with supportive friends and family members or seek professional help. Include time for self-care activities, such as mindfulness, journaling, spending time outdoors, watching a favorite movie or show, and spending time on hobbies and other activities that bring you joy. If you are grieving a loved one, consider changing traditions to make your feelings manageable, which may include finding new ways to include the memory of your loved one into what you do.
Take Time for Yourself
For many, it can be very easy to get wrapped up in the needs of those around you and neglect yourself – this can create overwhelm and stress. Don’t forget about yourself and your needs. Self-care is crucial to staying stress-free in the holidays. Make sure you have time to relax and/or spend time on things that you enjoy.