It’s that time of year. The stores are filling up with Christmas decorations. The television commercials are all about the upcoming holiday season. It’s not even Halloween yet, but you are already thinking about your holiday schedule.
Do you get stressed out every holiday season? I’m going to give you tips to deal with holiday stress.
The holidays are supposed to be the “most wonderful time of the year”. But for so many, it’s filled with obligations and a huge to-do list.
You need to find ways to deal with holiday stress. You should be enjoying the season. So many people have so much stress around the holidays. They end up not enjoying Christmas.
For a lot of people, it isn’t the best time of year. The holidays can bring up so much anxiety and stress.
Below are some great tips to deal with holiday stress….and start enjoying the season.
Budget
One of the number one stressors for people around the holidays is money. I preach about budgets all year long, and the holidays are not any different.
You need to set a holiday budget. This holiday budget should be accounted for all year long. You do not want to start a new year with credit card debt. Set a budget and stick to it.
The best way to deal with holiday stress is to be prepared with a budget. Stick to it. The season shouldn’t be all about gifts. There are so many other ways to show your appreciation to people. Sometimes the gift of time is all people need.
Exercise
A great way to deal with holiday stress is exercise. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated. Walking is a great way to deal with stress. And it’s easy.
If you already follow an exercise regimen, then make sure you keep up with it throughout the holiday season.
Another way to deal with holiday stress is by eating well. Keeping a healthy diet will help you maintain your stress and anxiety levels.
Now, more than ever is a great time to learn to deal with stress.
Self-Care
Self-care is all the rage on the internet and social media. But what is it?
Self-care is the practice of taking care of yourself.
Finding ways to deal with holiday stress can seem daunting, but self-care is simple.
Find time for yourself. Some things to do for self-care can include:
- Massage
- Facial
- Take a walk
- Meditate
- Yoga Class
- Hallmark Movie Night
- Hanging out with Friends
Do something. Find what works for you.
Stop Seeking Perfection
Repeat after me…social media is not real….social media is not real…social media is not real.
So many people seek perfection during the holidays. The Instagram-worthy decorations. The perfectly wrapped gifts. The best holiday outfit.
Stop trying to be perfect. Nothing you see on the internet is real. No one has a perfect life.
A great way to deal with holiday stress is to be realistic. Stop comparing yourself to others. If you have to, take a social media break. Everyone’s holiday will look different. You do what’s best for you and your family.
Set Boundaries
Do you always go to every party? Are you trying to buy gifts for everyone?
The best way to deal with holiday stress (and everything in your life) is to set boundaries.
Stop trying to appease everyone. You can’t go to every party. You don’t have to buy gifts for everyone. If you receive a gift and don’t have one for them, say thank you and move on.
Learn to say NO!
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is the best way to deal with holiday stress. Set a calendar that incorporates everything you want and need to do for the holidays:
Make sure that you set a schedule for all the holiday parties. Set aside enough time for baking and gift wrapping. And most importantly set aside time for yourself.
Ask for Help
I definitely struggle with this one the most. I have a hard time asking for help. I struggle to do everything myself. I know that I should delegate holiday tasks.
Ask your spouse to help you put up the holiday decorations. Ask a friend to help you out with child care when you need to do Christmas shopping.
If you don’t have time to do all the holiday baking and cooking for your family, then try doing a potluck. This is a great way to ask for help.
Prepare for Next Year
I really enjoy when the holiday sales roll around after Christmas. This is the time when I start planning for next year.
Do you need to replace some old Christmas lights or decorations? Now is the perfect time to do this. Be sure to buy and store these items with all your other Christmas decorations. Being organized is key to being prepared for next year.
Pick up all your holiday wrapping and cards after Christmas. I also like to go ahead and buy small gifts for next year. Especially hostess gifts for all the parties you will go to.
So next year, you will be one step ahead of the holiday.
Remember when it comes to gift giving….
Remember to be present for the holiday. This is a great time of year to spend with friends and family. Participate in what brings you joy.
Make sure to make time for yourself. Self-care, exercise, and healthy food are key to feeling good.
Don’t over-obligate yourself. Be willing to say NO. You have to set boundaries. Setting boundaries is a goal you should have all year long.
Find what works for you to deal with your holiday stress.
