While many people love the Christmas season, studies show that the vast majority also consider it the most stressful time of year. With all the shopping, decorating, festivities, gift-giving, food preparation, and overall “busy-ness” of the holidays, many people really struggle with feeling overwhelmed and anxious. They want to slow down and enjoy this time of year, but don’t know how. While we don’t have ALL the answers to this puzzling conundrum, we do have a few helpful tips. We are hoping the suggestions in this article will alleviate some holiday pressure and help you embrace the wonder of the season.
1. Avoid holiday comparisons.
Unfortunately, there is a major “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality surrounding the Christmas season. If you find yourself comparing and feeling intimidated by others during this time of year, then you really need to let that go. Embrace your own way of doing things and enjoy what you and your family like most about this season, even if it’s not “what everyone else is doing”.
Bonus Tip: When considering what to do each year regarding holiday events, ask yourself “why?” If you can’t come up with a good reason, then it might not be something worth doing.
2. Get plenty of shut-eye.
You won’t be able to enjoy anything about this magical time of year if you’re in a constant state of exhaustion. Remember to make sleep a priority, even is everything else feels more pressing. If you’re struggling to push the never-ending to-do lists out of your mind, try a sleep app to help you unwind before bed.
2. Get plenty of shut-eye.
You won’t be able to enjoy anything about this magical time of year if you’re in a constant state of exhaustion. Remember to make sleep a priority, even is everything else feels more pressing. If you’re struggling to push the never-ending to-do lists out of your mind, try a sleep app to help you unwind before bed.
3. Spend quality time with family.
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget what’s truly important. Spending quality time with loved ones is so good for your mental health and can really reduce stress in all other areas of your life. So, take a break and love on your family!
3. Spend quality time with family.
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget what’s truly important. Spending quality time with loved ones is so good for your mental health and can really reduce stress in all other areas of your life. So, take a break and love on your family!
Bonus Tip: We know that holidays can sometimes involve tension surrounding strained familial relationships, which is not what we are referring to above. If certain family members or friends cause you stress, then spending m ore time with them will likely not help you.
4. Reward yourself.
The holidays involve lots of things that just need to be done that we may not always feel like doing. If you hate wrapping presents, but forced yourself to get th job done anyway, then reward yourself with something you love! This could be as simple as watching a favorite movie or scheduling a spa day – whatever sounds rewarding to you.
5. Make time for self care.
Rewarding yourself for a job well done is great, but remember that sometimes you need some “you” time just because you are a human being and need care jus t like any other living thing. You should not be so busy during the holidays that you forget to make time for yourself.
Bonus Tip: A nice warm bath is one of the best ways to relax and unwind after a busy, stressful day.
~THE TAKEAWAY~
While the holidays can certainly be stressful, they can also be beautiful and wonderful as well. With the right mindset and tools for easing stres s, this time of year can be both manageable and joyful. Simple tips such as avoiding comparisons, getting enough sleep, and having quality family time can keep you happy and healthy all season long. We hope this article has offered you some good ways to ease your holiday stress so that you can more easily enjoy this magical time of year.