For many people, the holiday season can be stressful and downright difficult. Between family obligations, shopping, travel, and work commitments, it’s little wonder that so many people struggle with anxiety or depression during the holidays.
But you can take steps to reduce your holiday stress and make your holiday season happier and healthier! Here are a few ideas to help you do just that!
Reduce Holiday Stress
The holidays can be stressful, but there are things you can do to reduce the stress.
- Put your phone away and enjoy the company of those around you. Focus on others instead of only yourself.
- Make a list of what needs to be done, then break it down into manageable tasks and tackle one at a time. If possible, schedule time to get everything done, so you don’t have to worry about it during the busiest times.
- Get organized by writing out a calendar or setting reminders in your smartphone calendar app to know when important dates are coming up, or deadlines will be reached.
Get Out Of Your Head And Into Your Body
One of the most powerful and effective ways to reduce stress is through mindful breathing. This can be done just about anywhere, anytime.
For example, if you are feeling overwhelmed by the holidays or your current life, try this exercise:
- Sit in a comfortable chair and close your eyes.
- Put one hand on your chest and the other hand on your belly.
- Breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth for a few minutes.
Set Boundaries With Family
Setting boundaries with family and friends during the holiday season is important. It’s not easy, but it will help take some of the pressure off and save you time. Say no to unnecessary things that don’t align with your values. Instead, focus on what is most important in your life, and make sure you have time for yourself, too!
Delegate Holiday Tasks As Much As Possible
Planning a holiday event can feel like a total chore. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to delegate tasks to make the process less stressful. This year, take a few minutes to create a list of duties that need to be completed and then hand them out to your friends and family members.
For example, you could ask each person on the list to bring one dish for the big feast or ask someone else in your family to set up the tree if you feel overwhelmed.
Remember That It’s Temporary!
Taking a break from the chaos is okay and enjoying some time for yourself. Whether going on a vacation, spending time with friends or just reading a book, self-care is important during this season. It will help you recharge, and you’ll be able to tackle the next holiday with more energy!
Create A Getaway Plan For When You Go Home
When you return home for the holidays, be sure to have a plan in place to help manage your time and stress.
- Setting boundaries on how much time you’ll spend with family and friends so that you can make time for yourself too.
- Enjoying festive meals slower than normal or breaking up the holiday meal experience by enjoying lighter fare before or after the big feast.
- Permit yourself to leave the party early if it becomes overwhelming.
PS: Don’t forget to share this with someone that could benefit from this article
Create a FREE Account
Our members get FREE Access to our new course: Managing Holiday Stress For A Peaceful Season. Create a FREE account to get instant access. Let’s make this christmas the most wonderful time of the year.
