Stress Free Holidays

The holidays are meant to be filled with laughter, peace, and joy, but with so many things on the to-do list, so much shopping and baking and meal preparation to take care of, so many get-togethers to attend, it can be hard to avoid getting overwhelmed and stressed out.

To ensure that your holiday season is as fulfilling and positive as it can and should be, try following these five guidelines:

1. Set a budget for buying gifts. One of the biggest causes of anxiety during the holidays is not feeling like you have the funds to purchase the presents you’d like to. Don’t spend more than your limit or buy items that will take a year to pay off. Happiness comes from moments shared and memories made, not gift-wrapped presents.
2. Stick to your healthy habits. With an abundance of baked goods at home and in the office, and an endless list of parties and social gatherings to attend, it can be easy to imbibe in too much alcohol and consume too many foods high in sugar, fat, and calories. Overindulgence simply adds to your guilt and stress, so focus on eating nutritious fare and maintaining your exercise régime.
3. Give personal gifts. Homemade presents often mean more to recipients than costly store-bought items, and creating gifts can be a great way to relieve tension and stress. Love and thoughtfulness can easily be conveyed in photo albums, videos, poems, handmade scarves—whatever you enjoy putting together. The options for handmade gifts are endless.
4. Set aside differences. Your family and friends might be feeling the stressful effects of the holiday season like you, so focus on the positive aspects of your relationships with them rather than on what may be getting under your skin. Now isn’t the time to dredge up family history or to engage in conversations about touchy subjects.
5. Relax. Spend some time alone, meditate, read a novel, go for a walk, stargaze at night, or simply sit and listen to peaceful music. A mere fifteen minutes of solo time can go a long way in lowering your stress levels, putting you in a better mood, and allowing you to fully engage with family and friends in the holiday spirit.

If you find yourself feeling lonely, seek support and companionship by attending a community, religious, or social event. Volunteering your time is another great way to boost your spirits, form new friendships, and help others. There are numerous ways to contribute to nonprofits this holiday season such as serving meals at a homeless shelter or wrapping gifts for Toys for Tots.

Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you’re unable to manage your stress during the holidays. After all, the holidays shouldn’t be something you dread. With careful planning, a good knowledge of your stress triggers, and the adoption of some strategies like those in this post, you should be able to have a peaceful, joyous season.

The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the chance to break bread with family and friends, express gratitude for all that you have, adorn your home with lights and decorations, and witness the excitement of the festivities through the eyes of your children.

Unwelcome guests, however, can also show up in the midst of what should otherwise be a time of merriment. With parties to attend, feasts to prepare, gifts to buy, travel arrangements to make and more, depression and stress can easily pop up unannounced.

Rather than letting stress and depression ruin the holidays for yourself and for your loved ones, heeding some practical tips can help you enjoy the season for all of the wonderful things it has to offer.

To help you minimize the chances of stress cropping up in the first place, or to minimize the effects of stress that’s unavoidable, it’s best to know ahead of time what specific events cause you anxiety during the holidays.

Are you concerned you won’t have enough time to get the house spotless before guests arrive? Does spending time with certain family members make you tense? Do you worry your gift budget isn’t adequate?

Plan Ahead

Great preparation is the key to overcoming these and other obstacles that often lead to holiday stress. If you spend time before the holidays creating a realistic plan, you’ll be able to relax more when the occasions are upon you.

If you’re hosting a dinner party, plan your menu well in advance. Make a comprehensive shopping list of what you need, and if possible, go to the store during nonpeak hours. Rushing around at the last minute to buy necessary ingredients will undoubtedly spike your anxiety. Also, be sure to enlist help from friends and family before and after the feast. People like to feel useful, and no one person should be responsible for cooking all of the fare, baking all of the deserts, and cleaning up the entire mess.

Don’t Shop ‘Til You Drop

Try to get your gift shopping done in one day. It helps to take a list of ideas so that you don’t waste time once you’re at the store. Also, take advantage of online shopping, especially during excellent sale days like Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving).

Using a calendar is a great way to help you keep track of the numerous activities that can fill the holiday season, and the Calendar app gives you access to your schedule whether you’re standing in line at the post office waiting to send packages or you’re at the store buying decorations.

Get Assistance

You can kill two birds with one stone by asking friends and family to help you complete your tasks. You’ll be spending time with loved ones, and you’ll be getting things done. Decorating, baking, and wrapping presents are ideal activities to do with others.

Also, know that it’s okay to decline invites. Rather than exhausting yourself by going to every party and get-together, save up your energy for the few you truly want to attend.

Be Realistic

No holiday season is the same year to year, so don’t put pressure on yourself to repeat past occasions. Understand that as families grow and change, so do traditions. Incorporate your favorite rituals into this year’s festivities, and consider adopting new ones as well.

Finally, bumps and hiccups during the holidays are inevitable, so don’t burden yourself before they even get underway by expecting everything to be perfect. The main focus should be on celebrating your kinship with family and friends, and enjoying the holidays for the wonder that they are.