25 Ways To Reduce Holiday Stress

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but they can also be quite stressful. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try out one of these 25 tips to help reduce your holiday stress and enjoy the season more. From planning ahead to taking breaks for yourself, there are plenty of ways to make the holidays a little less hectic. So take a deep breath and read on for some useful tips.

1. Do Some Holiday Meditation

The holidays are a time when many of us feel extra stressed. There are presents to buy, parties to attend, and family members to please. It can be all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and forget to take care of ourselves.

However, this is precisely when we need to take a step back and relax. Meditation is a great way to do this. By focusing on our breath and clearing our minds, we can reduce stress levels and find a moment of peace amidst the chaos.

There are many different ways to meditate, so it’s worth taking some time to find a method that works for you. If you’re new to meditation, there are plenty of resources available online or at your local library. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can start practicing at home for just a few minutes each day.

You may be surprised at how much of a difference this makes during the holiday season. So don’t wait until after the holidays to start taking care of yourself. A little bit of holiday meditation can go a long way towards reducing stress and making this time of year more enjoyable.

2. Stretch Out A Bit

The holidays are a busy time of year, and it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Between shopping, cooking, and entertaining, it’s easy to let stress get the best of you. But there are things you can do to help relieve holiday stress.

One of the best things you can do is to take some time out for yourself. Set aside a few minutes each day to do some stretches or take a relaxing bath. This will help to rejuvenate your body and mind, and you’ll be better able to handle the stress of the holiday season. So don’t let stress ruin your holidays- make some time for yourself and do some stretches to relieve tension. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

3. Buy Yourself A Gift

The holiday season is a time for giving, but it can also be a time of stress. From buying gifts for loved ones to preparing for holiday parties, there are a lot of demands on our time and energy. One way to avoid holiday stress is to treat yourself to a special present.

Whether it’s a new book, a cozy blanket, or a festive mug, taking some time to enjoy a little gift can help you relax and appreciate the season. And when you’re feeling more relaxed, you’ll be better able to enjoy all the holiday festivities. So this year, don’t forget to give yourself the gift of relaxation. You deserve it!

4. Light A Holiday Candle

The holidays are a time for friends, family, and, unfortunately, stress. From decorating the house to buying presents, it can be easy to get overwhelmed this time of year. However, there is one simple way to help alleviate holiday stress: by lighting a holiday candle.

The scent of a holiday candle can help to create a feeling of calm and nostalgia, evoking memories of holidays past. In addition, the soft light of a candle can help to create a sense of coziness and warmth. So, this holiday season, take a break from the hustle and bustle and take a moment to relax with a scented candle. You may just find that it helps you to enjoy the holidays more.

5. Watch A Comforting Movie

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time of stress and anxiety. If you’re feeling overwhelmed this holiday season, it might be helpful to watch a comforting movie. Studies have shown that watching movies can help reduce stress levels.

And there’s no need to choose a holiday-themed film; any movie that makes you feel happy and relaxed will do the trick. So curl up with your favorite comfort food and enjoy a stress-free night in front of the television. Your holiday worries will soon be a thing of the past.

6. Try Out A New Coffee Shop

The holidays are a hectic time for everyone. From buying gifts and preparing for parties to traveling to see family, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. One way to make the season a little more bearable is to take some time for yourself and relax at a new coffee shop. Trying out different cafes is a great way to explore your city and find new favorites.

It can also be a welcome break from your usual routine. With so much going on during the holidays, taking a few minutes for yourself can make all the difference. So next time you’re feeling stressed, take a walk to your local coffee shop and enjoy a little me-time.

7. Read A New Book

For many people, the holiday season is a time of stress and anxiety. From hosting parties and dealing with family drama to shopping for gifts and attending festive events, the holidays can be overwhelming. One way to help reduce holiday stress is to take some time for yourself and relax with a good book.

Whether it’s a classic novel or a new release, reading can help you escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and unwind. Not only that, but reading can also provide an opportunity to learn about other cultures and traditions. So next time you’re feeling frazzled, reach for a book instead of another cup of eggnog. You’ll be glad you did.

8. Grab A Holiday Coloring Book

One way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is to grab a coloring book and some crayons. This study (When Did Coloring Books Become Mindful? Exploring the Effectiveness of a Novel Method of Mindfulness-Guided Instructions for Coloring Books to Increase Mindfulness and Decrease Anxiety Michail Mantzios, and Kyriaki Giannou) has shown that coloring can help to reduce stress and promote wellbeing.

It can also be a fun and soothing activity for people of all ages. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the holiday madness, take a few minutes to color your way to calm. You might just find that it’s the best present you give yourself all season.

9. Treat Yourself To A New Self-Care Routine

If you’re feeling overwhelmed during the holiday season, remember the importance of taking care of yourself. One way to do this is to establish a new self-care routine. This might involve taking a few moments each day to relax and rejuvenate.

Perhaps you could take a warm bath, read your favorite book, or take a nature walk. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s something that you enjoy and that makes you feel good. A little self-care can go a long way in helping you avoid holiday stress.

10. Take A Break From Technology

For many people, the pressure to buy the perfect gifts, host perfect parties, and attend every holiday event can be overwhelming. And can also lead to an increase of unnecessary screen time.

One way to reduce holiday stress is to take a break from technology. With constant updates on social media and a never-ending stream of emails, it can be difficult to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

By disconnecting from technology, you can take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. Spend some time outside in nature, read your favorite book, or simply take some time to reflect on the things that are most important to you. Taking a break from technology can help you refocus your attention on what truly matters during the holiday season.

11. Buy Your Favorite Holiday Treat

One of the best ways to avoid holiday stress is to buy your favorite holiday treat. This way, you’ll have something to look forward to and can indulge in a delicious treat without having to worry about preparing it yourself.

Plus, if you buy your favorite holiday treat in advance, you’ll be able to save money by taking advantage of seasonal sales. So if you’re feeling stressed out this holiday season, make sure to pick up your favorite holiday treat and enjoy it guilt-free.

12. Take A Nap

One way to combat holiday stress is to take a step away from the craziness and take a nap. A short nap can help to refresh and rejuvenate your mind and body, giving you the energy you need to get through the rest of the day.

Napping can also help to improve your mood, making it easier to deal with holiday pressures. So if you’re feeling stressed this holiday season, don’t hesitate to curl up for a quick nap. It just might be the key to enjoying the season.

13. Journaling

One way to help manage holiday stress is to keep a journal. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you to identify and release pent-up emotions. Additionally, journaling can be a helpful way to stay organized and on track during the hectic holiday season. By taking a few moments each day to write in your journal, you can help yourself to stay calm and avoid holiday burnout.

14. Get A Quick Workout

From shopping for gifts to attending holiday parties, it can be hard to find time for yourself during the holidays. However, it’s important to make time for exercise, even if it’s just a quick workout. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.

In addition, exercise can help to reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality. So during this busy time of year, don’t forget to squeeze in a workout or two. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

15. Go Over What You Have Accomplished This Year

The end of the year is a busy time for many people. Between work deadlines, holiday parties, and travel plans, it can be easy to become overwhelmed.

One way to avoid stress during this time is to take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments over the past year. This can help you to appreciate all that you have accomplished and give you a sense of perspective as you enter the holiday season.

So, take a few minutes to review your achievements, both big and small. Perhaps you landed a new job, ran a marathon, or made progress on a long-term goal. Whatever your accomplishments may be, taking time to reflect on them can help you to enjoy the holidays and enter the new year feeling refreshed and motivated.

16. Take A Break From The News

The demands of shopping, entertaining, and family gatherings can be overwhelming. And the never-ending stream of bad news can add to the sense of despair. If you’re feeling overwhelmed this holiday season, it may be helpful to take a break from the news.

Tuning out for a few days can help you refocus on what’s important and appreciate the good in your life. It can also help reduce your stress levels and allow you to enjoy the holidays more. So if you’re feeling frazzled, step away from the news and take some time for yourself. Your mental health will thank you for it.

17. Seek A New Perspective

If you find yourself feeling tense and overwhelmed during the holiday season, it might be time to seek a new perspective. One way to do this is to focus on giving rather than receiving. Instead of worrying about what gifts you’ll receive, think about what you can give to others. This could involve volunteering your time at a local soup kitchen or donating toys to a children’s hospital.

Another way to reduce holiday stress is to simplify your celebrations. Instead of hosting a big party or attending multiple events, scale back and focus on quality over quantity. Spend time with the people who matter most to you and savor the moments that you share together.

By seeking a new perspective, you can turn the holiday season into a time of relaxation and enjoyment.

18. Drop The Expensive, High-Stress Rituals

Over the years you start to accumulate many holiday rituals with your family from baking, cooking, to taking trips to exotic places. They are a good way to connect with your family each year and create a tradition within your family; however, they can be expensive and add to the holiday stress.

One way to reduce holiday stress is to drop expensive, high-stress rituals.For example, instead of hosting a large dinner party, plan a potluck or picnic. And instead of buying expensive gifts, make homemade ones or give experiences instead.

By simplifying your holiday plans, you can enjoy the season without breaking the bank or your back. So this year, take a step back and focus on what truly matters: spending time with the people you love.

19. Do Something That You Find Fun

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed during this time of year, there are things that you can do to relieve the stress. One helpful strategy is to make sure that you schedule some time for activities that you enjoy.

This can be anything from reading a book to going for a walk outdoors. By taking some time out for yourself, you can recharge your batteries and come back to holiday obligations feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. So don’t be afraid to take a break from the chaos of the holidays and do something that you enjoy. It just might be the best way to avoid holiday stress.

20. Don’t Ditch Your Daily Routines/Rituals

The holidays are a hectic time for most people. There are budget concerns, travel plans, and the pressure of finding the perfect gifts. It can be tempting to ditch your daily routines in order to free up some time, but this can lead to more stress in the long run.

Routines and rituals help to bring a sense of order to our lives, and they can be especially comforting during times of stress. So instead of abandoning your usual routine, try to find ways to work around the holiday craziness.

Wake up a few minutes earlier in the morning to fit in some exercise, or spend a few moments each night writing in your journal. By taking a little time for yourself, you can help to reduce holiday stress and enjoy the season more.

21. Pay For Gift Wrapping Services

The holiday season is a busy time for everyone, and it can be tough to find the time to wrap all your gifts. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: pay for gift wrapping services! For a small fee, you can have your gifts wrapped professionally, saving you both time and stress.

Plus, you can be sure that your gifts will look their best under the tree. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by your holiday to-do list, remember that there’s no shame in paying for gift wrapping services. It’s a small expense that can make a big difference in your holiday enjoyment.

22. Stick With What Always Works

One way to reduce holiday stress is to stick with tried-and-true traditions. Whether it’s attending the same holiday concert every year or eating the same holiday meal, familiar rituals can help to anchor us during chaotic times.

Additionally, established traditions can be a source of comfort and enjoyment. Rather than trying to come up with new ideas every year, sticking with what works can help make the holidays a more enjoyable time for everyone.

23. Say No From Time To Time

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration. However, it can also be a time of stress and anxiety. From buying presents to attending parties, there is a lot to do and very little time to do it. As a result, it is important to learn how to say no. Otherwise, you will quickly become overwhelmed and bogged down in holiday preparations.

Saying no does not mean that you are being a Scrooge. It simply means that you are prioritizing your well-being. So if you are invited to an event that you do not want to attend, or if you are asked to take on more than you can handle, don’t be afraid to say no. By setting boundaries, you can help to avoid holiday stress and enjoy the season more fully.

24. Affirmations

One way to help reduce holiday stress is by using affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements that you can say to yourself to help change your thinking. For example, if you are worried about attending a holiday party, you could tell yourself, “I am confident and I will have a great time.”

Repeating affirmations to yourself can help to change your mindset and reduce stress. So, the next time you’re feeling stressed about the holidays, try using some affirmations to help you relax and enjoy the season.

25. Let It All Out

The end of the year can be a very stressful time for most. From work deadlines to planning family trips for the holidays we start to bottle up our emotions naturally. The best way to combat this is by simply letting it all out.

You can do this by going outside and physically letting out your frustrations with a little yell. Yes, it’s okay if your neighbors hear you. You can also talk to a friend or family member who will understand and can offer support. Another option is to journal about your feelings or vent in an online forum. It’s okay to just let your emotions out for your own sake.

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