Tips for Stress and the Holidays
The holidays are to be a joyful and fun time, but things like making sure the house is cleaned, presents are bought and wrapped, and making sure food is cooked can become overwhelming and stressful. Here are some tips to help with stress during the holidays:
- Plan ahead.
Between family, friends, and jobs, it's inevitable that some commitments will end up on the same day. Make sure to plan on what you can attend in person or virtually. If you're hosting the holidays, create a menu to help you stay organized and make grocery shopping easier.
2. Say no.
With holiday commitments, it is OK to say no to a few or all of them. It also will help relieve some stress. Try sharing your to-do list with other family members and ask for help.
3. Plan spending.
Many spend lots of money during the holidays mean spending money. Make a budget and stick to it. You may think that spending lots of money on your loved ones is important, but it's also important to pay your bills like gas and electric. Don't buy gifts that you'll be paying off for the rest of the year.
4. Create relaxing surroundings.
Turn on some music and light candles. Research has found that listening to music and the scent of citrus can boost feelings of well-being, and vitamin D is always a happiness booster.
5. Maintain healthy habits.
The holidays are notorious for ruining healthy habits. Try and do a quick exercise in the morning. Eat healthy snacks like fresh fruit or vegetables throughout the season and to fill up before a dinner party or celebration with tempting, but unhealthy, foods.
6. Share feelings.
Spending a holiday after a loss in the family can be difficult. Accept your feelings and open up about them to others. This may make you feel better to share. Try to switch up old traditions to ease the loss.
7. Respect differences.
Some family members will have different viewpoints than your own. Try your best to forgive and forget this holiday season. Focus on your similarities, and replace tension with something productive.
8. Be realistic.
You are only one person, and you can only do so much. Be realistic with how much you can handle this season. Forget about perfection, and relax and enjoy the company surrounding you.
9. Take a break.
Don't forget about your own needs. Take a nap, go for a short walk, read a book or watch a funny movie. Laughing relaxes the whole body, and can relieve physical tension and stress.
*https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/fend-off-holiday-stress-with-these-tips
