Some of us wait all year for the holiday season to come only to find ourselves stressed and worn out by the time the big celebration arrives. When you combine the extra shopping, planning, organizing, cleaning and social gatherings that the holidays often bring, it can be easy to lose sight of what the season is all about.
We hope these tips help you reduce holiday stress so you can focus on the family, friends and traditions that matter most to you.
Prioritize
What do you enjoy most about this holiday? What did you like about it when you were a kid? Sometimes getting back to the basics and being honest with yourself about what matters to you and what you could do without is a great first step in planning your holiday celebrations.
Know your limits and stick to them
Over-extending is one of the biggest drivers of holiday stress. You don’t have to bake 20 different kinds of cookies, buy a gift for every person you know or attend every single gathering to make it a great holiday. Offer to contribute what you can (and want) and say no to the rest. This will either result in a pared-down celebration or one where everyone contributes to pull off a more elaborate event. Either way, it’s more relaxing, enjoyable and meaningful for you.
Create a holiday budget
The holidays can tempt you to over-extend financially too. Be clear on how much money you are able and willing to spend before getting started so you can shop smart this holiday season. This can reduce stress not just during the holidays, but also long after.
Follow your plan
So, you’ve decided what’s important to you and how much time and money you have to spend. Now it’s time to create your plan for making it all happen. Writing out what needs to be done and when it can fit well into your schedule can help you deal with holiday overwhelm. Can food be prepped early and frozen? Is it easier for you to wrap each gift when you purchase it or to have one big gift-wrapping night? Customize your plan so that it works best for you.
Take care of yourself
Self-care is always important — especially when life is hectic, and you feel like you have no time to do it. When you get run down, your body is more vulnerable to getting sick. Make sure you take care of your health this holiday season with a nutritious diet, plenty of water, good sleep and regular exercise.
Also tend to your mental health with relaxation techniques for the holiday season. You may find that yoga, meditation, prayer, breathing exercises and calming music are effective ways to reduce your stress.
Enjoy!
The holidays only come once a year, so take time to enjoy them. During your celebration, be present in the moment. Smell your favorite scents, taste your favorite foods and celebrate with your favorite people.
