It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is upon us. So much gets packed into these last six weeks of the year; it’s no wonder we all feel stressed! A recent study found that 74% of people say they have felt so stressed during the past year that they have been unable to cope.
While the holidays have the power to bring some of the most joyful times in our year, they can also be the cause of a great deal of stress. The good news is there are ways to take a step back from the holiday stress and hold onto your sanity.
Besides running away to a tropical island and lying on the beach, here are some practical ways to handle holiday stress.
- Keep Up Your Exercise Routine. Dealing with the craziness of the holiday season might feel overwhelming, and the last thing you want to do is hit the gym. But exercise is a proven way to reduce stress and improve your sleep quality. It’s great for getting those endorphins – and positive feelings – rushing through your body. Try to keep up some form of exercise, no matter how busy you are.
- Get Your Shopping Done Early. Easier said than done, I know. But getting your shopping done early will save you tons of holiday stress. You won’t be battling the holiday crowds or making split-second decisions on gifts that might wreak havoc with your holiday budget.
- Keep a Cool Head. While it may not be a problem with every family, sometimes the holiday togetherness causes conflicts and clashing. Before you enter a family event, tell yourself that you’ll take the high road. Pick a mantra to recite in your head, do the old “count to 10,” and walk away from the fight. Don’t let arguments ruin your holiday spirit.
- A little bit of self-care goes a long way. We spend so much time thinking of others during the holidays; don’t forget about yourself! Schedule some “me” time; listen to holiday music, take a bubble bath, or watch an old movie. Be sure to get enough rest and concentrate on winding down at the end of the day. To take good care of others, you first have to care for your own health and well-being.
- Learn to Delegate. If you realize that you’ve taken on too many things, don’t pile on the stress – instead, delegate the tasks. Know when you need some help and ask for it.
Above all, be flexible. We all have an image in our heads of the perfect family “Hallmark” holiday. But we also know that things don’t always go according to plan. Realize that things will not be perfect, and you won’t feel so much stress if things go a bit sideways. Go with the flow, banish holiday stress, and concentrate on the true meaning of the season.
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