How To Take The Stress Out Of The Holidays

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but for many people, they can also be a source of stress and anxiety. Whether it’s due to unrealistic expectations, family conflicts, financial worries, or pandemic-related concerns, the holidays can take a toll on our mental and physical health.

But don’t worry, there are ways to cope and enjoy the festive season without feeling overwhelmed or burned out. Here are some tips on how to take the stress out of the holidays and make them more meaningful and fun.

1. Learn to Say “no”
One of the biggest causes of holiday stress is trying to do too much and please everyone. You don’t have to accept every invitation, buy every gift, or participate in every activity that comes your way. Learn to say “no” without losing sleep. Avoiding things that are not important or enjoyable to you creates space for you to focus on what matters most. Setting boundaries and limits will help you avoid overcommitting and feeling resentful or guilty.
2. Plan & Organize
Another way to reduce holiday stress is to plan ahead and get organized. Make a list of everything you need to do, such as buying or making gifts, preparing meals, decorating, sending cards, etc. Then prioritize your tasks and schedule them in your calendar. This will help you avoid last-minute rush and chaos and give you a sense of control and accomplishment.

3. Volunteer

If you’re feeling lonely or depressed during the holidays, one of the best ways to lift your mood is to volunteer for a cause that you care about. Helping others in need can make you feel more connected, grateful, and fulfilled. You can also involve your family or friends in volunteering activities, such as serving at a soup kitchen, donating toys or clothes, or visiting a nursing home. This will not only benefit the community, but also strengthen your relationships and create lasting memories.

4. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and openness, without judging or reacting. It can help you cope with holiday stress by reducing negative emotions, enhancing positive emotions, and increasing your resilience. You can practice mindfulness by doing simple activities such as breathing deeply, meditating, listening to music, walking in nature, or savoring a cup of tea. Try to be mindful of the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings that surround you during the holidays, and appreciate them as gifts.

5. Exercise regularly

Perhaps one of the best ways to overcome stress during the holidays or any other time is to schedule thirty minutes of exercise each day. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend hours at the gym or do intense workouts to reap the benefits of exercise. Psychology Today reported that physical activity not only boosts your fitness and energy levels but can also elevate your moods. In turn, you reduce your cortisol levels and are equipped to mitigate problems more effectively. Even moderate activities such as walking, dancing, cycling, or gardening can make a difference.

6. Eat a balanced meal

The holidays are often associated with indulging in rich and sugary foods and drinks, which can make us feel good in the short term but bad in the long term. Too much sugar can cause extreme mood swings and make us sluggish. To avoid these consequences, try to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, lean protein and a gallon of H2O. Still enjoy your favorite treats, but in moderation, and not as a long-term coping mechanism.

7. Make yourself a priority

Finally, don’t forget to take care of yourself during the holidays. You deserve some time and space to relax and recharge your batteries. Find ways to spoil yourself and celebrate your milestones. These practices magnify your happiness and serenity. Steal away for a few hours and immerse yourself into a good book. Then, go enjoy a well-deserved massage with lavender essential oil. If the weather permits, take an hour to play in the dirt again and awaken the inner child. Remember that you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first.

Whether it’s a holiday or another date on the calendar, choose to keep your cup full too. You cannot pour from an empty one.