Are you entangled in ribbons, boxes, and bows? Learn how to manage stress this holiday season to avoid feeling overwhelmed and exhausted during this time of year.
The holidays are often seen as the most magical time of the year. Full of decorations, family get-togethers, gifts, delicious food, and plenty of joy, they bring out the best in people.
But this time of year can also lead to stress. Decorations need to be hung, gifts need to be budgeted for, and meals need to be prepared. As a result, you might be left feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Fortunately, there are ways to manage holiday stress. With a little preparation and patience, you can get through this holiday season unscathed. Here's how.
1. Just Say No.
The holiday season can be a lot — and it's all squeezed into just a few months. As a result, your calendar might be overflowing, and your energy might be at an all-time low.
One of the best ways to prevent exhaustion is to start saying no from time to time. If you haven't had a day free of activities in a while, block one off. Say no to any commitments, and plan to relax at home. It can also be helpful to plan ahead by sprinkling activity-free days onto your calendar throughout the season.
Saying no can also reduce your financial stress. Many get-togethers come with an expectation to bring food or gifts. By limiting your holiday gatherings, you'll also reduce your spending.
Focus on what brings you joy — and learn to say no to what doesn't.
2. Learn to Walk Away.
Social gatherings are commonplace during the holidays. While you might look forward to seeing your loved ones, you may also be anxious about seeing those who tend to cause drama.
Start by prioritizing get-togethers with people you enjoy. If you end up in the company of people with different viewpoints, try to avoid touchy topics, like politics. Instead, focus on what you have in common, like a love for a certain sport or hobby.
If tensions do arise, try to keep it from escalating. Walk away from the situation if needed, and return when everyone’s had the chance to cool down.
3. Get Outside.
Fresh air does the mind and body a lot of good, and it can provide you with some much-needed relaxation and happiness during the chaos of the holiday season.
In addition to normal holiday stress, the winter months also have fewer hours of sunlight, and people spend more time inside. Both of these can lead to feelings of depression.
On a sunny day, take a walk outside. Time outdoors can have many benefits, including stress relief, improved energy, and better concentration.
4. Change the Way You Do Gifts.
Gifts can be the root cause of a lot of holiday stress. From worrying about how much you'll spend this holiday season to concerns about what to get everyone, gift-giving can put a lot of pressure on you and your bank account.
This season, swap a few gifts with activities. For instance, instead of scouring the internet for a gift for your parents who are impossible to shop for, take them out for a nice dinner instead. For children, take them to an arcade or ice skating rink in lieu of toys.
You may also consider doing a group gift exchange, where each person draws a name and buys a special gift just for them. This makes it so you're buying one gift compared to multiple, saving you time and money.
5. Remember Loved Ones in Your Own Way.
Losing a loved one is always hard, but the holidays have a way of bringing up feelings of grief. Whether it's your first holiday season without that person or your twentieth, it can feel like there's a void during this time of year.
Instead of trying to not think about them, find small but special ways to honor your loved one. This might be something as simple as sharing memories with others who knew them or baking their favorite cookies.
You may also want to adjust your traditions to ease the loss. This might mean adding new traditions or skipping ones that feel particularly challenging this year.
Lean on Your Support System During the Holiday Season
"The holidays can be tough for some people, and you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed or stressed this time of year," says Kimberly Joffe, CRNP, PMHNP, Consult-Liaison Psychiatry Team Lead, Chester County Hospital. "Now is the time to rely on your support system, whether that’s family, friends, or a mental health provider. Share your to-do list with others, limit how much pressure you put on yourself, and reach out for professional help if things become too much to navigate on your own."
This season is meant to be joyful. By taking steps to protect your mental health, you can ensure the holidays actually are the most wonderful time of the year.
Find Success Managing Stress
Do you need help managing stress during the holidays or any other time of year? Get support from a Chester County Hospital Psychiatrist to learn how to cope with and navigate stress.