The holiday season, while a time of joy and celebration, often brings a surge of holiday stress.
Every year, the festive month of December brings along with it the joy of holiday gatherings, events and activities. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed during this time. Holiday shopping, travel, gift expenses, lack of sleep, and managing a packed calendar can all be very stressful. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, nine out of ten Americans experience stress during the Christmas holidays. The holidays should be a sacred time, a time to make meaningful memories. So when it all starts to feel too much, here are nine practical tips to help ease your load and remind you this is a season to enjoy!
1. Don’t Over Schedule
The holiday season can be a zest of happiness if one prioritizes what matters most to them. A packed schedule prevents one from being able to enjoy fun activities and enjoy the present moment. Saying “NO” to certain less enjoyable activities is not a sin. It is a necessity, which can be done with kindness and clarity to safeguard their relationships.
2. Simplify Holiday Trips
To reduce your holiday stress planning and booking places to stay for traveling beforehand is one of the most practical ways to have a stress-free trip. You can also find discounted airfares and direct flights this way to save even more money, too!
3. Prioritize Sleep To Reduce Holiday Stress
It’s always okay to cancel any event if you feel physically or mentally exhausted. Giving your brain adequate time to sleep and rest rejuvenates it while eradicating unnecessary pressure and stress.
4. Self-Care
Other than taking breaks, asking for help or delegating duties falls into self-care. A person can not do everything on their own. One must also set aside some time for themselves. Some great ways to do this are through exercise, a massage, meditation, reading a book or watching a movie. This can significantly ease your holiday stress and can help give a fresh perspective.
5. Respecting Others Opinion
Always go to a party with a positive approach and an acceptance of others’ opinions. An effort should always be made to minimize conflict. This is not only a mature thing to do but necessary for memorable holiday gatherings
6. Budget
Buying gifts and hosting parties during the holiday season are traditions many friends and families do. But if one goes beyond their budget, it will lead to financial stress and money setbacks. When needing to pull back on spending money, homemade gifts and baked goods are great gifts to give to someone when on a budget.
7. Eat Healthy
Eating healthy during the festive season must be a responsibility. One cannot always completely stay away from sweets and alcohol, but limiting one’s consumption is vital to staying healthy during this season.
8. Limit Technology
Small adjustments can bring back one’s joy during the holiday season. This includes limiting time on social media and connecting physically with friends and family. Gravitate towards healthier habits such as cooking and crafting for a more memorable holiday season.
9. Write a Gratitude List
As the year ends, it’s good to reflect back on things to be grateful for. Making a list each morning of all you are thankful for is a great way to start your day and remember to carry an attitude of gratitude. It will put you in a wonderful mindset each morning to start your day on the right foot.
CONCLUSION
Since the holiday season can be hectic and full of commitments, it becomes necessary to manage the stress that accompanies it. Return to these practical tips when you’re feeling overwhelmed to remember how to ease your load and eliminate stress. The holidays should be a time to celebrate, and these useful tips will help you remember how to enjoy this joyful season!
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FAQ’S
Q1 How to overcome travel anxiety & holiday stress?
A1 Planning and booking flights and lodging beforehand is the most practical way to make one’s trip hassle-free. This will also allow one to find more discounted airfares and direct flights, helping eliminate overspending too.
Q2 How can a holiday change your life?
A2 The holidays should be a time to recharge your batteries and reconnect with what matters to you most. If this has not occurred in your life before, think about how you can implement new traditions to lift your spirit and ground you during this time.
