Happy (stress-free) Holidays!
December 20, 2022 | Health
‘Tis the season to be jolly!
But sometimes, being jolly can find its way to the bottom of your priority list over the next couple of weeks. What’s worrying is that for many people, being jolly can only come once the holiday season is out of the way.
Not good!
In fact, according to a survey completed by Civic Science, around 48% of Americans are more stressed during the holiday season than they are for the rest of the year; that’s almost half of us!
Also not good!
Remember, stress during the holiday season isn’t just a minor inconvenience – it can have serious consequences for your physical and mental health. Chronic stress has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.
Between shopping for gifts, attending parties, and dealing with family drama, it’s important to take care of yourself and find ways to destress – after all, it’s been a tough year for all of us, and we deserve a little cheer and indulgence, right?
Start out by making a list and prioritizing tasks. Write down everything you need to do during the holiday season, and then prioritize each by importance. This will help you focus on the most important tasks as well as let go of the rest. By doing this you’ll immediately feel better for having all of your objectives in one place. Also, consider assigning tasks to family members to make things run more smoothly (really, you’re not the only one who can chop potatoes, delegate that to one of the kids while you accomplish the big stuff!).
With the list in hand, check it twice, and set yourself realistic goals and expectations. Don’t try to do everything at once, it’s better to accomplish a few things well than to spread yourself too thin and end up feeling overwhelmed. It’s also very easy to overcommit and say yes to every invitation and request, but this can lead to burnout! It’s okay to say no and prioritize your own needs; even if those needs are staying home with a glass of mulled wine on the sofa.
Avoid overspending. The holiday season is a time for giving, but also to be mindful of your budget and avoid overspending. This can help prevent financial stress and allow you to enjoy the holiday season just a little bit more. Does uncle Bob really need another expensive silk tie? Get him a pair of comical socks instead – they’re more original and will provide a giggle under the tree anyway.
Find ways to relax and have fun. The holiday season is a time to relax and let loose a little, so make sure to take time for yourself and do things that bring you joy. This could be watching your favorite holiday movie, going for a walk in the snow, or simply spending time with loved ones. Keep in mind that life’s too short to say no to aunt Maria’s famous ‘galletas de Navidad’ (Christmas cookies) or grandma’s ‘surprise’ fruitcake – even if it is an acquired taste.
Seek support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Talk to a friend or family member; that’s what they’re there for, and you’ll soon realize that these feelings are shared by more people than you think. Another great way of bringing yourself back down to a comfortable, calm, base-line level is to practice meditation. The Headspace app offers some free practices to start out with, give them a go, you might find it to be exactly the 5 minutes you need before diving into each day.
By setting realistic expectations, planning ahead, taking breaks, practicing self-care, seeking support, setting boundaries, and making time for fun, you can enjoy a more peaceful and enjoyable holiday season, as you rightly should!
Happy holidays!