Are you already experiencing holiday stress? It appears that we are reminded of the holidays as soon as Halloween is over. There is so much to do and so little time. There are many ways that you can reduce the stress and pressure that you most likely put upon yourself. Below is a list of tips to help you relieve some of the stress so you can enjoy the holidays.
Lower your expectations
You do not have to do it all. If what you did last year was too much, then decide what you can let go of. Your house doesn’t have to look perfect. Most people do not expect you to go over the top. I get that you want to make the holidays special, but more is not always best.
Ease up on the decorations
Are you someone who has your house decorated to the hilt? Guess what, you don’t have to. It is OK to do simple decorations. Sometimes less is more. Or maybe you can decorate just the inside and skip the outside. This is a simple way to reduce holiday stress.
Remember the holidays are about family and friends
If you are running all over the place and waiting on everyone hand and foot, then you are not able to enjoy the people you love the most. Also know that the holiday may not be spent on the actual holiday due to everyone’s schedules. It is not worth fighting with other family members to be sure that you see everyone on the actual holiday. And if you have multiple places to go, it’s OK to plan it before or after the actual holiday. The holiday is when you can all spend time together.
Have your partner help you with your gift list
Are you the one who gets stuck buying and wrapping all the presents? That can get overwhelming. Now if you enjoy doing all that, then go for it. Or perhaps you can buy the gifts and your partner can help you wrap them.
Don’t send out holiday cards
You do not have to do this on a yearly basis, or at all. Most people will not care if they don’t get a card from you. Some people do this every other year. Think about it, if you don’t send them out every year, they will mean more to others.
Another option is to send out Thanksgiving or New Years Cards. This will help to ease up the time crunch.
Don’t bake all the cookies you do for everyone else
You are under no obligation to make batches and batches of cookies, or whatever you do for the holidays. If you think people will be disappointed, let them know that you are taking a year off. Again, it will be more meaningful if it is not an expectation.
Give more meaningful gifts vs. expensive gifts
Financial stress is one of the greatest pressures of the holiday season. Choose a budget of what you can spend and stick to it! I can’t stress that enough. Spending less does not mean that you love the person any less.
Consider making your gifts. Do you have some type of hobby or craft where you can make gifts for others? A hand made gift will mean so much more than something purchased in a store. Or perhaps you bake, and you can make cookies, candy or other baked goods for your loved ones.
Keep up your healthy routine
Exercise is the best thing you can do for stress. It will recharge your batteries and give you more energy. If you can walk outside, that is an added benefit as nature is healing. You can do yoga or meditate to help reduce your stress too.
Say no to some of the parties and festivities
It seems every year our lives get busier and busier. More and more parties and get togethers occur around the holidays. This can be especially overwhelming if you are an introvert. Guess what? You don’t have to go to all the festivities. People know we are busy, and there can easily be an overlap in social events. Even if you don’t have another engagement, you can still say no. Reduce your holiday stress and spend some nights at home.
Take time for you
We are so busy doing for everyone else, that sometimes we forget about ourselves. How about taking some time for a hot bath or a massage. Maybe your partner can give you a back rub or you can take some time to unwind and read a book. Perhaps you can spend some down time with your pet.
Avoid, those who add to your holiday stress
Is there a family member that you just need to stay away from over the holidays? Perhaps you always get into a fight, or someone gets drunk and causes chaos. There is no need to subject yourself to that treatment. If you can’t avoid that person, be sure to have your own car so you can leave when you need to. That way if you get uncomfortable or things get out of hand, you can take care of yourself.
I hope the holidays are wonderful for you, and that your family and loved ones are happy and healthy.
Take care,
Debbie
