The holidays can be stressful.
In a perfect world they would be filled with bliss, tender family moments, engaging conversations, good food, a little wine and plenty of laughter. However for some, Christmas brings many weeks packed with stress and worry.
The list of holiday stressors is long. Family politics, tight finances, and lack of sleep are just a few of the stressors that can make the coming weeks a tough period. Responding to these stressors in a positive way can be challenging.
Here are 10 tips to keep the stress out in the cold and bring the bliss back inside.
10 Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress
1. Breathe
Take 5 minutes for yourself. Sit in a comfortable chair or lie down. Close your eyes. Inhale through your nose and feel your breath fill your chest. Let your mind relax. Exhale and repeat.
Deep breathing puts the brakes on your stress level and reduces your heart rate. Breathe deeply in the middle of a big party you’re hosting or during a busy day. Enjoy the calm.
2. Have realistic expectations
There are no perfect families. Christmas movies and beaming children in flyers don’t represent who we are or who we should be. If your family tends to disagree throughout the year, keep in mind that they will likely do the same during Christmas as well. Remember that disagreements are normal in every family.
3. Acknowledge your feelings
It’s okay to feel ‘off’, or not joyous, during the holidays. Many of us feel stress at Christmas and don’t feel comfortable talking about it. Accept how you feel and recognize that a certain level of stress is normal.
4. Have time for yourself
You need time just for you. Take ten minutes each day and more if you need it. Keeping yourself well is the first step to having a good season with your loved ones. Read a book, watch a movie, or spend time on anything you enjoy.
5. Stick to a budget
We often overspend at Christmas. Make a realistic budget of how much you can afford and include a buffer. We all have temptations so make sure to plan for them. With some forethought your small indulgences can be guilt-free.
6. Keep your healthy habits
Many of us will forgo our regular healthy habits in the holidays. Make it a point to make healthful choices. Start every day with a healthy breakfast. Protein or healthy smoothies are always good options. Cut up some vegetables or keep nuts in your bag for a quick snack. Practice eating slowly to savor the food, especially at large dinners. Enjoy small bites and the pleasure of eating for quality over quantity.
7. Laugh!
Without a doubt, this is one of the best stress relievers around. Every doctor will recommend having a good laugh every day. Call your bestie. Put on your favorite YouTube comedy. Enjoy your favorite comics. Laugh until your belly hurts!
8. Move
If you don’t have time to play sports or visit the gym, just move around wherever you are. Take the stairs. Go for a walk. Put on some music and dance in your room. Do some yoga or skate. Whatever it is you enjoy, do it.
9. Reflect on your stress level
Consider your degree of stress. We often overestimate how stressed we are. Reflecting on our stress level helps us realize that we have made it through other stressful times and can manage this one as well. By keeping your present life in context with the bigger picture, you’ll be able to move forward with strength to handle what’s in front of you now.
10. Be grateful
Before you go to bed, think about five things you’re grateful for. Any five. They could be as ordinary as enjoying the fresh air to spending time with an old friend. Better yet, thank someone. Share your appreciation. Both you and your loved one will feel more joyous.
Chew on this
Focus on the joys of the holidays. Stress naturally increases is we spend our energy thinking about the negatives. Flip this process on its head and notice an instant lift by reflecting on the things that make you happy. The holidays can be a wonderful time of the year.
