The season’s festivities began with the release of the holiday menu at Starbucks. Yet, not everything is as sweet as the sugar cookie latte.
The holidays bring about cooking, cleaning, hosting, shopping and more which proves to be exhausting. According to a 2015 study conducted by Healthline, 62% of people experience stress during the holiday season, while only 10% of people say they feel no stress.
The holidays are a time most people look forward to and want to enjoy. With a few practical tips, these holiday stressors don’t have to define your merry season.
1. Acknowledge That Your Feelings Are Valid
Just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t mean everything going on in your life comes to a halt. Everyday stressors still exist. Feelings don’t just disappear because there are twinkle lights hung up around town. Taking some time for yourself and your emotions is completely normal.
A great resource is the Calm app, a guided meditation and relaxation platform. The app offers a 7-day free trial and then costs $14.99/month. Features include mood tracking, master classes taught by experts, real-life visuals and nature sounds and more.
If you’re not willing to spend the monthly fee on an app, don’t worry. There are other options for managing your feelings. Journaling is a great way to process the emotions you felt throughout the day.
2. Take A Walk
Sometimes the best thing to do when facing stress is to get your body moving. However, that can prove difficult for many who don’t have the proper motivation. Getting up to go for a walk or a light jog can make all the difference, but how to get up and get going is the question.
Your phone can come in handy for this one. There are many great apps out there to get you up and moving. Zombies, Run! is a free interactive walking/running tracker available on the app store for both android and iPhone. Users play as a survivor of a zombie apocalypse and it includes a dramatic storyline, 200 missions and a thrilling soundtrack.
The link between physical exercise and reduced stress should also give you a reason to put your shoes on and take a lap around the neighborhood. According to Harvard Health, exercise reduces levels of adrenaline and cortisol, the body’s stress hormones. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators.
3. Stick To A Budget
A big part of the holidays is gift exchanges with loved ones, but that gets pricey fast. Creating a budget plan can help you stay within a manageable price range while also not feeling left out of the celebration. Don’t try to buy happiness with overpriced electronics and makeup kits. Simple, meaningful gifts don’t have to cost more than your last paycheck.
An American Psychological Association study shows that lack of money and the pressure of gift-giving are the highest holiday concerns. With 67% of people saying they’re concerned with the financial aspect and 47% worried about the gift exchanges, creating a budget would take the pressure off the gift aspect and put more emphasis on the meaning of the holidays.
If you are still concerned about sticking to a budget, alternatives to gifts could be donating to charity in someone’s name or homemade gifts.
4. Make A Plan
From shopping to baking to spending quality time with friends and family, the planner can get overwhelmed with activities. Trying to cram everything in without a schedule could leave you tense and anxious.
Setting aside specific days for specific activities could prevent any overlaps in your holiday plans. Writing out all your meals and making a shopping list could help trips to the store go smoother and without the worry of forgetting an ingredient or two.
5. Don’t Get Blinded By The “Perfect Holiday”
While many of us wish we were living in a Hallmark movie, the truth is the holidays are very imperfect. Every celebration looks different and there is no “right” way. Take a step back and accept that there will be mishaps that you can’t control, especially when it comes to having extended family under one roof.
According to Forbes, two-thirds of children are living in non-traditional family environments. So, unlike those perfect advertisements for matching pajama sets, most people will have their own modified versions of traditions. Don’t try and force the idea of the “perfect holiday” onto your celebrations. They are just as valid.
6. Practice Gratitude
Something many forget about the holiday season is that we should be grateful for everything we have. Food, a home and even your weird uncle (every family has one) are all things to be grateful for this season. You may realize what you’re stressing out about isn’t as big of a deal after taking a few moments to practice gratitude by yourself or with loved ones.
Another way to practice gratitude is by giving back to the community. Consider donating to local charities or volunteering in your community.
7. Say No
Have you ever been invited somewhere and wanted to say no but just can’t find it in yourself to actually decline? Almost everyone has at some point. That is why it is so important to learn how to say no this season. Your friends will understand if you decline an invitation or two. You do not have to attend every party and gathering happening.
It actually may be in your best interest to be weary of which events you do say yes to. According to the Amos Institute, holiday stress can make you more susceptible to the common cold and other respiratory illnesses. Temperatures drop and there are large crowds of people gathering in common areas, the germs are everywhere. Adding psychological stress on top of those germs will actually worsen symptoms.
So, you may not want to accept every invitation that comes your way this holiday season.