The dirty little secret of the holiday season is stress. Sure, we see loved ones and eat good food and get gifts but… at least half the time, we’re overwhelmed. All of our rhythms and routines are out of whack. Over-consuming and overspending just escalate that feeling. But the societal pressure and peer pressure are strong. So, we indulge — year after year.
Breaking news: It does not have to be like this. The choice is truly yours. There is no rule stating that we must participate in the frenzied festivities. Instead, we can choose to promote balance this holiday season.
Common Causes of Holiday Season Stress
- Overspending/financial pressure
- Traveling (costs, logistics, etc.)
- Lack of sleep
- Unhealthy eating
- Too much drinking and partying
- Missing loved ones
- Family drama
- Related guilt, shame, frustration, and regret
These are just a few samples. Each of the above has countless variations. In addition, they are often interconnected, and thus, the stress is amplified. But again, it does not have to be like this.
8 Ways to Reduce Holiday Season Stress
1. Plan Ahead
It can really help to not be taken by surprise. Plan ahead to factor in parties, obligations, and more. Create a family calendar to avoid overlap and double-booking. Get organized to stay calm!
2. Set Budgets
Don’t wait until January to calculate what December has cost you. Set and adhere to a financial budget. Get everyone else in your life on board, too. Also, more abstractly, you can set energy and time budgets. Consult that calendar from #1 above and don’t speed yourself too thin.
3. Don’t Forget Downtime
Speaking of energy and time budgets, don’t leave downtime to chance. Schedule it and stick to that schedule. Nothing says balance like non-negotiable downtime.
4. Downsize and Simplify
Just because some traditions have always been done a certain way doesn’t mean you can’t modify them. You don’t anyone’s permission to simplify the entire process. Spoiler alert: Downsized holiday celebrations usually end up being way more fun and memorable.
5. Guard Your Sleep Schedule
Do not let anyone guilt you into neglecting self-care. You can leave a gathering when you choose. You can get to bed even when others are still dancing and drinking. A regular sleep routine is a healthy foundation. There is no rational reason to sabotage this just because it’s December.
6. Make Conscious Eating Choices
Did someone say “sabotage”? If you’re already feeling stressed for time, stretched financially, and sleep-deprived, an unhealthy meal is sure to make everything worse. Sure, it can be fine to try grandma’s special cake or one of those eye-catching holiday cookies. But, without moderation, you will guarantee a long period of regret. Just say no.
7. Find Time For Exercise
Rounding out the self-care portion of our presentation is physical activity. Do not use the holidays as an excuse to skip the gym and get inactive. Your body will very much appreciate a December full of exercise to help balance out the life disruptions.
8. Practice Gratitude
Commit together — with your partner, kids, neighbors, co-workers, or whomever — to make gratitude a priority. Count your blessings. Help those in need. Don’t use money as a barometer of quality when it comes to celebrating. There’s a reason why so many holiday movies and shows end with the characters rediscovering the “real meaning” of the season. It truly is what it’s all about.
Of course, there can be times when you need more than self-help suggestions. If you find the holidays to be far more than you can handle, let’s talk.Schedule your confidential consultation today and reduce the stress of your holiday season.
