Six Tips to Manage Stress During the Holidays

Be realistic about expectations. Having an Instagram worthy table setting complete with a six course meal made from scratch while curated gifts sit perfectly wrapped under a themed spruce tree is a heck of a lot of pressure to place on yourself. 

The perfection we strive for to create these magical moments can set us in the wrong direction, adding unnecessary stress and causing us to miss out on the moments that are the most important. You may find it appropriate to ask others to bring a dish to dinner, speak to loved ones in advance about some of the pain points and see how they can help, and finally, be realistic in your planning.

Before you embark on your holiday season, spend some time reflecting. Think back to those moments that left you feeling stressed and worn down and be aware of your limitations. Then, reflect on what the holidays mean to you and the outcome you would like to have.

From there, you can begin setting your priorities for the holidays. If you need to, keep a list of events, gatherings, and to-do’s to better manage your time and stress. Start with the highest priorities and work your way down to create a manageable schedule. Be sure to schedule in time for yourself and be ok with saying “no,” or finding alternatives that may better suit your schedule. This may include scheduling a gathering outside of the holiday season.

Speaking of saying “no,” it’s the season of giving, a time when we feel an immense sense of pressure to buy something, anything, for just about everyone. According to a recent consumer survey, a third of consumers incurred holiday debt with purchases like presents, plane tickets, frequent outings, and hosting gatherings.

Determine your financial comfort zone ahead of holidays and stick with your budget. Start with a list of those you are buying for and a budget for each individual. You may find it beneficial to have a conversation with individuals ahead of time regarding gifts and expectations. 

Years ago, after a family conversation about having everything one could ever want with the click of the mouse, we limit gifts exchanged. For my nieces and nephews, we make gifts to their 529 College Savings Plans and for my parents and siblings; we focus on experiences we can have together. Our limited gift exchange not only limits needless spending, but it also allows us to spend quality time together rather than dealing with mall traffic or scouring the web looking for that unique gift that they’ll treasure for years to come.

More from FEEA:

Holiday Survival Guide: Holiday Budgeting

Unique Gift Idea of College Planning: Is a 529 Plan Right for Your Family

The holidays are notorious for getting in the way of healthy habits. Do you not get enough sleep or overindulge in behaviors such as smoking, drinking, or eating poorly? 

• Prioritize sleep. Remind yourself that sleep isn’t something that you get to do when you finish everything else. It is essential to your body. Read more about a Better Night’s Sleep
• Alcohol and drugs don’t actually reduce stress. In fact, they often make it worse. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, educate yourself and get help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a 24-hour hotline and resources available to assist.
  
• Eating well can help stabilize your mood. Before heading to a dinner or party, snack on healthy fruits and vegetables to avoid arriving hungry and snacking on sugary cookie trays, heavy appetizers, and endless buffets.
• Set aside time in your day to continue your daily exercise, whether you walk, run, bike, or head to the gym. Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever, stimulating the production of feel-good endorphins and can allow for a sense of normalcy by continuing with a part of your regular schedule.

Family dynamics can be complex. Focus on similarities and the things you enjoy doing together. If you need to, set boundaries ahead of time and limit your exposure to an individual.

Don’t forget to take deep cleansing breaths to help reduce your stress level. Practice relaxation techniques with deep breathing and meditation to help refocus your energy. And take time for yourself, allowing time for a nap, to read, or watch a movie with the family.