The holiday season, which typically spans from the end of October until mid-January, can be a fun time of year. There are visits from family and friends, fancy foods, and, of course, a myriad of gifts! But this time of year can also be the most stressful time of year for some people, so much so that more people seek help for mental health during the holiday season than at any other time of the year.
The good news is there are many ways to manage these holiday stressors so that you can enjoy the holiday season. Read on to learn our tips and tricks for reducing holiday stress.
Prefer to watch instead of read? Joe covers this topic in his video 6 Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress.
What is Holiday Stress?
Holiday stress is any emotional turmoil or exhaustion which makes an appearance during the holiday season. Holiday stress can be caused by expectations, financial overspending, feelings of loneliness, or just about anything which occurs during the holiday season that makes an individual feel pressure.
Some individuals who have difficult relationships with their families can feel stress over having to spend time with their loved ones, especially when political and societal views may differ.
How to Manage Holiday Stress
No matter where your holiday stress comes from, there are ways to manage and even reduce holiday stress. We’ve outlined the best ways to do so below.
1. Have a Holiday Calendar
Chances are, you are going to have quite a few holiday commitments. So will your significant other and your children. We recommend making a special calendar just for the holidays and marking down your commitments as they come up. This way, you won’t double-book yourself or your family.
2. Turn Down Invites
It is okay to say no when you receive too many invites. People are used to it during the holiday season, and it is truly impossible to please everyone. Even if you just need a night off, don’t be afraid to tell someone no. If they care about you, they will understand.
If you have difficulty knowing when to say no to invites, we recommend checking out our other blog Am I Doing Too Much, for some tips for managing your work and social load.
3. Make a Holiday Budget
According to the Nasdaq, 66% of Americans overspend during the holidays, and that number is even higher if you are a millennial (86%). Overspending your budget can put a lot of undue stress on your body and your family. So instead of pulling out your credit card for every occasion, make a budget before the season begins for what you will spend and where.
Remember, it is okay to let your extended family and friends know that you won’t be doing gifts this year. Or you could also do homemade gifts like a plate of baked goods or chocolate-dipped cherries. You don’t need to spend money on your family to know you care about them.
4. Create a Safe Space
The last thing you want to do is have a stressful day at work, then come home to a stressful house you need to clean. Work to keep your space as neat as possible, even if it means meeting others somewhere else besides your home.
You can also add relaxing touches like stress relief candles or aromatherapy to your living room to help you release stress. More methods for relieving holiday stress are included in the section below.
5. Keep Up Your Habits
Many people feel stressed during the holidays because they stray from their diet or exercise routines and begin to gain weight. Even though it is the holiday season, continue to exercise and eat as you normally would. It can help to plan meals in advance so you won’t be tempted as you attend holiday parties and other events.
6. Avoid Difficult Conversations
The holidays will likely bring you in contact with that one family member that just doesn’t see life the same way you do. These tense holiday conversations can cause more stress and loneliness.
Instead of entertaining these conversations, try your best to avoid them, keeping to neutral topics that you know everyone will enjoy. Yes, this means avoiding talks of politics. It can help to have activities like board games planned to keep people from divisive discussions. We recommend Llamas Unleashed, Pit, and Uno as some fun games to keep your family busy that everyone will enjoy.
How to Relieve Holiday Stress
Are you already feeling the holiday stress? You aren’t alone. Below are some common methods you can use to relieve holiday stress this season.
1. Exercise
Exercise can help to release happy endorphins when you are feeling stressed. Make exercise a priority during the holidays, and don’t be afraid to get creative! Indoor yoga, snowshoeing, and indoor swimming can all be great winter activities that get you moving.
2. Take a Bath
There is nothing as relaxing and comforting as taking a bath. This can be the epitome of relaxation during the holiday season, especially when funds are low and you’d rather stay at home. Grab some relaxing bath salts to add to the water, you won’t regret it.
3. Ask For Help
If you are truly feeling sad or depressed because of the holiday stress, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many people in your life that are happy to help take a task off your shoulders if it will make you happy. And trust us, your health is much more important than a family member not getting a gift!
Overall, no matter what you are going through or facing this holiday season, you aren’t alone. Don’t be embarrassed to take a break for yourself, say no to a commitment, or even ask for help if you really need it. Remember, your health is more important than just about anything else you are worried about this holiday season!
How to Reduce Holiday Stress FAQ
How Do You Deal With Holiday Stress?
There are many different ways to deal with holiday stress, and the one method that works for you may not be the same one that helps someone else. It is recommended to take time for yourself during the holiday season and do your best to maintain healthy habits to manage stress.
What Are the Top Holiday Stressors?
The top holiday stressors are typically feeling pressure to spend time with friends and family, financial concerns over spending too much money, and dietary concerns–as it is difficult to maintain a special diet when holiday snacks are on every table in sight! Some people also report loneliness as their top stressor during the holiday.
How Common is Holiday Stress?
Holiday stress is surprisingly common, as 66% of Americans report that they feel more stressed during the holiday season.
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