Go grocery shopping. Buy a present for Mom. Bake cookies. Pick up Grandpa from the airport.
As the holiday season shifts into high gear, your to-do list might be getting longer and longer. These extra to-do items might get you in the holiday spirit, but they may also bring along something less merry: STRESS.
Whether it's hosting a party or navigating the waters of family relationships — you want to be prepared to manage the stresses that come with the holiday season.
Here are 4 tips to keep in mind for better stress management this December.
1. Make It "Reign" — By Making a Budget
One of the biggest stressors during the holiday season is finances. It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word "wellness", but your financial health is a key component of your overall health.
With retail and travel prices expected to increase this year, it's time to be proactive about your financial health.
To set your holiday budget, ask yourself questions like:
- Should you prioritize traveling or gift-giving this year?
- How many people do you need/want to buy gifts for this year?
- Can you and your spouse set a price limit for gifts between you or your children?
- Are you getting gifts that people want/need? If the answer is no, is there something you could do instead, like bake cookies or create a coupon for a free night of babysitting?
Another way to cut down costs this holiday season may be to encourage different friend groups to host a Yankee Swap or Secret Santa. Everyone gets a present — and everyone's wallet gets a break!
2. "Sleigh" Your Holiday Workout — Indoors or Outdoors
As the days get shorter… and darker… and colder… it's difficult to find the motivation to get moving. And yet, when you’re experiencing holiday stress, exercise can benefit both your body and mind.
Exercising creates endorphins (the mood-boosting chemical), relieves tension, relaxes your muscles and can decrease your stress level.
During the winter, you can:
- Go ice skating with the family
- Take a skiing or snowboarding lesson
- Join in on a snowball fight with your children
If outdoor winter fun isn't your thing — or doesn't fit into your busy holiday schedule — there are also plenty of indoor exercise options.
If you want to workout inside, you can:
- Do a short online exercise video like yoga or Zumba
- Exercise without equipment by doing squats, pushups, or crunches
- Jog in place or do jumping jacks
3. Dream of Sugar Plums — And Get Some Sleep
Does this sound like you?
You feel overwhelmed with tasks, so you stay up late or wake up early to accomplish them. Or, you lie awake in your bed worrying about what you should be doing, instead of sleeping. Then, you wake up feeling unrested, moody, or angry — causing you to feel more stressed out.
This sleep-stress cycle can feel never-ending. You may not even realize it, but when you're stressed, quality sleep may be one of the first things to go.
By getting an adequate amount of sleep each night — 7 to 9 hours — your brain can recharge, and your body has a chance to rest. It might seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people let a good night's rest fall to the wayside during the holidays.
To get your best night's sleep:
- Limit caffeine intake in the evening — reach for that chamomile tea instead!
- Wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day
- Avoid bright, artificial, and blue light leading up to bedtime
4. Balance Family Time with a Little (s)ELF-Care
It can be challenging to find time for everything — and everyone — during the holidays. And while trying to do it all, you may forget self-care.
Set time aside each day just for you. Create a space where you can forget about family drama or that long to-do list. Even as little as 10 minutes at the beginning or end of your day can be a game-changer.
This holiday season, practice simple self-care by:
- Doing a short meditation
- Reading a book
- Going for a walk
- Taking yourself out to lunch
You may feel pressured to be the perfect host or to give all of your time to family during the holidays. But being clear with family and friends about the time you're taking for you this holiday season might encourage them to do the same — leaving everyone feeling merrier!
Full of Cheer and Free of Stress
Stress is a natural part of life, and sometimes it's unavoidable. That’s why having strong tools for stress management can help you make the most of any holiday celebration.
This year, don’t let stress slow you down, and focus instead on family and friends. With the right preparation, you'll be ready for any snowball of stress thrown your way.
From all of us at Chester County Hospital, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.
Want to make mindfulness and stress management a priority beyond just the holiday season? Contact the Penn Program for Mindfulness, and sign up for a Penn Program for Mindfulness course.
Related Information from Chester County Hospital: