Holiday stress and depression is a real thing. While getting together with family and friends can seem like cause for celebration, the planning, hosting and scheduling for holiday events can become overwhelming. But there's no need to panic: there are a few ways to reduce stress and keep calm during the holiday season.
Step One: Plan Ahead
Don't wait until the last minute to start making plans and purchasing holiday necessities. Busy holiday seasons are no surprise; they're an annual occurrence. By setting your expectations for the holidays before the craziness begins, you'll be one step ahead of the curve. For example, if you're planning for a big holiday like Christmas, it's important to set a budget, get organized, and be realistic about your expectations. Although it's tempting to avoid confronting your holiday plans, especially if you're worried about finances or family drama, experts say it's better for your stress levels if you just dive in and get started.
Step Two: Take Deep Breaths
Do this metaphorically and physically. The hustle and bustle of the holidays can elevate your cortisol levels and leave you feeling exhausted, cranky, or worse. Schedule some time to take a breather. Go on a winter hike, smell something delicious, or just meditate for a moment. Allow yourself to relax and unwind. Instead of fantasizing about happy holiday traditions, take a moment to pause and make one. Watch a holiday movie with your family. Check out pre lit Christmas trees to avoid the hassle of untangling the lights. Maybe order takeout to eat while decorating the tree. Make things easy on yourself to ensure you stay in the happy holiday spirit.
Step Three: Say No
Everyone wants to do everything and include everybody for each holiday event. While it's very kind of your friends and family to extend their hospitality to you, you are not required to attend every gathering. And, when you attend a holiday party, don't be afraid to say "no" to making a specific dish or helping out with another task. It's one thing to pick up a pie from the bakery; it's another to commit to baking 10 pies because your Great-Aunt Esther used to do it, and no one else has stepped up to the plate.
Step Four: Put Other Stresses Aside
Unless it's a matter of life or death, it's ok to let some things slide for the holidays. If you typically insist on eating or serving healthy meals, allow yourself some wiggle room. If you usually go to the gym on Saturday but decide to go shopping instead, don't fret. There will be more time to get back into your routine after the holidays have passed.
Step Five: Let It Go
The holidays are a time of high hopes and high stress for everyone. Keep that in mind if a friend or family member gets upset. Reacting and arguing will not improve the atmosphere, it will only make things more tense. So if your uncle makes an off-color joke, ignore it and move on with another conversation point. Now is not the time to have family debates about appropriateness (unless it is a serious matter that cannot wait to be addressed).
Remember that keeping up the holiday spirit can take a lot of energy and focus. Be sure you're getting enough rest, being kind to yourself and others, and setting your expectations from the start. While the holidays bring a certain amount of cheer to those near, you shouldn't expect that everyone will set aside their differences for a couple months a year. The best you can do is manage yourself, your schedule and your happiness. Spread the joy of the season. And when you no longer feel like smiling, allow yourself to recharge for more holiday fun in the future.
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