The holidays can bring up a lot of conflicting feelings. Some people love celebrating during these times, while others have a difficult time managing their emotions. These tips will help you have a stress-free holiday season.
Maybe you lost a loved one during the holiday. Perhaps you feel anxious because you would like to get your loved ones the presents they want, and it feels overwhelming. You might be constrained by budgetary concerns, which puts a damper on your joyous feelings.
You can view the holidays in different ways, and some of them are positive and joyous, while others can produce stress. Here’re tips for having a stress-free holiday season.
Evaluate your Goals
Take a moment and breathe. The holidays can be a lot of fun if you know what your goals are. Let’s say you’re a mom, and you want to make the season memorable for your children. You can ask your kids what they want for the holiday.
Make sure you manage their expectations. Don’t over-promise the kids they will get things you cannot afford. Instead, have them choose one special thing or a few items they want and purchase those things.
Another goal could be spending time with people you care about, which is lovely. Make plans to celebrate the holidays with those who make you feel good.
Setting Boundaries with Difficult Family Members
Sometimes we don’t have control over who shows up during a holiday event. There may be a party where you have to see an uncle you don’t like, and it’s awkward. Just because you’re at an event doesn’t mean you have to talk to everyone there.
You can be polite and then circle the room. Find someone who makes you comfortable and speak to that person. You have control over who you talk to during the holidays. Stay away from conversations you don’t enjoy. After all, this is your time to have fun.
Ultimately, the ways you can reduce your stress during these times is to focus on what you want out of the season and try not to let others influence your decision-making. You have a right to experience the season the way you want to, and that matters.
Find Something to Look Forward to This Season
One way to help you feel less stressed is to find something to look forward to during the holidays. If you observe Hanukkah, you can get excited about playing dreidel with your loved ones. If you celebrate Christmas, you can look forward to picking out the tree.
You can also find creative ways to decorate the Christmas tree. You don’t have to use expensive ornaments, instead, have kids help with the decorating. This can be a fun family activity.
If you have something to look forward to, it can make you feel more excited about the holidays, and you won’t dread them. Some people like to go see a tree lighting. Others want to spend time with friends and family at a holiday party or plan their event.
One great way to minimize stress is to plan something for yourself during the season. Invite people over to your house and exchange gifts.
Get Yourself a Gift
You’ve probably heard the holiday season is also one of giving. You don’t only have to get gifts for others, but also treat yourself to something nice during this time. It could be a stressful time, but if you reward yourself with something you want, It can make you feel good.
It also reinforces the fact that you’re actively trying to make this season joyous. It’s okay to engage in some self-care, which includes getting yourself a little something. Pick an item you’ve been admiring for a long time and get it for yourself.
It doesn’t have to be extravagant; it could be something like a coffee mug. Rewarding yourself will make you feel less anxious and more excited during this time of the year.
Mental Health and the Holidays
The holidays can take a toll on your mental health. There’re online resources where you can learn more about grounding yourself, such as BetterHelp. You can also seek online therapy for support.
Online counseling can be an excellent place to talk about the stress of the upcoming holidays. You can discuss things you’re excited about and plan ways to enjoy yourself during this festive time.
The holidays can be a drag. It is important to find ways to cope with stress during the holidays. A therapist can help you learn ways to engage in self-care. You can also discuss any mental health concerns you might have so your holiday season can be merry and bright.
