7 Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

It’s the holiday season! What an exciting time of year! Unfortunately, this time of year can bring on anxiety for some people. The roads are busier; more money is spent; and you are expected to deliver a “perfect” day for the family. These expectations can cause unnecessary stress. Well, don’t let it. It’s your day too! Here are a few tips to reduce stress and enjoy “the most wonderful time of the year.”

1. Have a set budget from the start and shop smart. It’s easy to get caught up in the Christmas spirit and spend more than anticipated. This can lead to stress when the holidays are over. To avoid this, make a list of what you are going to buy and do some research to find the best prices.
2. To avoid getting frustrated with the holiday traffic, try to go at times when less people are on the roads. I prefer to shop online to avoid the traffic altogether.
3. When you start to feel overwhelmed, remember to take a few deep breaths and step away. Do something nice for yourself. Relax!
4. The holiday season has a way of motivating us to create a perfect day. Well, that never seems to happen. So, understand that your day will likely have a few flaws and that’s okay. Keep perfection for the Hallmark movies, and just enjoy your day.
5. The holidays may remind you of a loved one’s absence. This may cause you to be sad. While it is perfectly normal to miss your loved ones during the holidays, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the people who are in your life now.
6. Are you worried about gaining weight during the holiday season? If so, make a plan of how you will eat. Just visualizing what you plan to eat will help you to stay on track. Avoid buying unhealthy foods for the home, and drink a full glass of water before you start to eat Christmas dinner. You can also volunteer to bring a few healthy dishes to the dinner, such as mashed cauliflower (instead of mashed potatoes).
7. The most important tip of all is to stay focused on the true meaning of the holiday season, which is to give and experience joy, love, and peace.

Wishing everyone a very happy and stress-free holiday season!