Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress
Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress
Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress are what many people need during the holiday season and the start of a new year. The holidays often provides an opportunity to spend quality time with family, take a few days off from work, or go on a winter getaway. While the holiday season can be a fun and joyous time, it can also be very stressful. The combined effort of shopping, attending social events, and entertaining guests can quickly become too much to handle.
The American Psychological Association found that 8 out of 10 people anticipate increased stress over the holidays. Though the holiday season can be a difficult and stressful time, there are several Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress and Anxiety so you can thoroughly enjoy this festive time of year.
Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress
Set a Spending Budget
The holiday season and spending go hand-in-hand. Between buying gifts for your children, spouse, and relatives, you can drop hundreds of dollars between Black Friday and Christmas Day.
The holiday season and spending go hand-in-hand. Between buying gifts for your children, spouse, and relatives, you can drop hundreds of dollars between Black Friday and Christmas Day.
Although spending money during the holiday season may be unavoidable, you can control how much you spend. Some of the stress you feel over the holidays may have a lot to do with financial pressure. To help prevent stress over money, plan ahead, review your finances, and come up with a realistic budget for gifts. Buying gifts shouldn’t affect your ability to pay your bills, nor should it result in costly credit card debt.
Don’t let others pressure you into spending more than you can afford. Using a credit card is tempting, but it can also complicate matters. Decide on a maximum amount and stick to that budget. You can even have a discussion with friends and family and agree to only spend up to a certain amount. Maybe even look at getting creative and think of gift ideas that don’t involve money. In today’s busy world friends and family may appreciate the gift of your time or something you make.
Get Plenty of Exercise
When you’re running around during the holiday season, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. However, being active can elevate your mood and help you cope with stress of the holiday season.
When you’re running around during the holiday season, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. However, being active can elevate your mood and help you cope with stress of the holiday season.
Exercise and other types of physical activity stimulate the production of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are brain chemicals that function as a natural painkiller. They can trigger a positive feeling in the body, boosting mood and reducing feelings of anxiety and stress.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a minimum of 3-5 times each week. Find an activity that works for you and your lifestyle.
Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress
Keep It Simple
The holiday season is particularly stressful when you have too much on your plate. This might be the case if you’re welcoming out-of-town guests and hosting family festivities. You don’t necessarily have to cancel your plans, but make sure you’re not setting unrealistic expectations.
The holiday season is particularly stressful when you have too much on your plate. This might be the case if you’re welcoming out-of-town guests and hosting family festivities. You don’t necessarily have to cancel your plans, but make sure you’re not setting unrealistic expectations.
Everything doesn’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to do everything yourself. Get your family and friends involved and don’t be shy at delegating. Maybe you don’t take on the entire responsibility of preparing the holiday feast. Instead ask everyone to bring a dish. Know your limitations and learn how to say “no.”
Take Time for Yourself
Setting aside time for yourself is another great way to cope with stress during the holidays. With so much happening, you might not have a moment to yourself. It is very important to make time for yourself so you can clear your mind.
Setting aside time for yourself is another great way to cope with stress during the holidays. With so much happening, you might not have a moment to yourself. It is very important to make time for yourself so you can clear your mind.
Spending as little as 15 minutes alone might make a world of difference. Doing activities you enjoy can help you maintain your sanity as you juggle family obligations, social events, and holiday shopping. Whatever you do for your alone time, be sure to do it.
Pick Your Battles
Being in close quarters with family members for long periods of time can be stressful in itself. You all have your own personalities and your habits and patterns of behavior. Because of these differences, it may be easy to rub each other the wrong way. Remember that if you let every remark get under your skin, you’ll be miserable and stressed out the entire time. Set aside your differences, and agree to disagree. Though easier said than done, it is a must for your sanity. Learn how to let go and pick your battles. You’ll have less anxiety and won’t let others rob you of your joy.
Being in close quarters with family members for long periods of time can be stressful in itself. You all have your own personalities and your habits and patterns of behavior. Because of these differences, it may be easy to rub each other the wrong way. Remember that if you let every remark get under your skin, you’ll be miserable and stressed out the entire time. Set aside your differences, and agree to disagree. Though easier said than done, it is a must for your sanity. Learn how to let go and pick your battles. You’ll have less anxiety and won’t let others rob you of your joy.
Even if you’re a calm and collected person, the holiday season can still be a trying time. Your stress level can still skyrocket. These practical Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress may minimize your stress and anxiety, and help you cope. Enjoy your holiday season with a smile on your face.
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