Some people find the holiday season to be stressful. Family gatherings, buying gifts, and social obligations can all add up, making you stressed out with all the tasks from left to right.
As the holiday season approaches, taking care of yourself and reducing stress wherever possible is crucial to keep you going throughout this busy time. This blog post will provide practical ways to help deal with holiday stress. But first, let’s discuss some of the common sources. Read on for the insight!
Why Can The Holidays Be Stressful?
Here are some common reasons why the holidays can be stressful:
- Financial worries and spending too much money on gifts
- Trying to balance family obligations with work or other commitments
- Having too much on your plate or feel overwhelmed
- Feeling the pressure to create the perfect holiday season
- Unrealistic expectations of family and friends
- Feeling lonely or disconnected from loved ones
These are just some of the common causes of holiday stress. Now that you know some of its causes, let’s find out how to deal with them.
Dealing With Holiday Stress
Here are practical tips to help you reduce stress and make the most of the season:
1.Prioritize Your Time And Energy
Don’t feel like you need to do it all. Prioritize the activities and tasks most important to you, and let go of the rest. If you find yourself with too much on your plate, take some time to make a plan and decide which activities are most important for you to do.
For example, shopping days should be limited to a few, rather than trying to do it all in one day. Preparing meals can also be split between family members or spread over several days.
Managing your stress and balancing your energy through kinesiology can help you prioritize your time effectively. You may seek help from a kinesiologist like those at A Life In Progress or others to help you figure out what activities are the most important and how much time and energy you should allot for each.
2.Set Realistic Expectations
The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Remember that there are no rules or expectations for how your holiday season should look. It’s okay to take a break from traditions and try new things.
So, set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. Don’t pressure yourself or feel like you have to create a ‘perfect’ holiday.
3.Create A Holiday Budget
As mentioned, financial worries can be a major source of stress during the holidays. To help manage this, set a budget for holiday expenses and stick to it. Make sure you plan for travel expenses, gifts, food, decorations, and other items well in advance.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that the holidays are about spending time with family and friends and not about how much money you can spend.
4.Pay Attention To Your Symptoms Of Stress
Aside from the common sources of stress, pay attention to your body and try to recognize when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You may find yourself:
- getting easily frustrated
- feeling tired all the time
- having difficulty focusing or sleeping
- feeling emotionally overwhelmed
When you recognize these signs, taking a few steps back and giving yourself some time for self-care is essential.
5.Make Time For Self-Care
When you’re feeling overwhelmed or notice the signs mentioned, take some time to focus on yourself. You can try yoga, meditation, journaling, napping, walking, or listening to music.
When taking care of yourself, it can also help to remember that you don’t have control over everything and be kind to yourself. Let go of some of the expectations that you may have and recognize that it’s ok to take a break.
6.Visit With Friends And Family And Have Fun
Finally, connecting with friends and family during the holidays should be your top priority. Even if you can’t physically be together, make sure you take the time to reach out and make plans for virtual visits.
Holidays are made to be a joyful time. Spend it with those you love and focus on the positive aspects of your life. You may find it easier to manage stress when you focus on gratitude.
Key Takeaways
Holidays are one of the most special yet stressful of the year. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, but make sure to take the time to prioritize your time and energy, set realistic expectations, manage your budget, pay attention to stress symptoms, make time for self-care, and connect with friends and family.
Final Thoughts
Managing holiday stress is a process that takes some practice, but it is possible. Remember to step back to breathe and be kind to yourself this holiday season.
The holidays don’t have to be a source of stress. You can make it a time of joy and celebration with a little preparation and intention. Use these six tips to make the most of and create a stress-free holiday season.