As festive as the holiday season can be, it can also be the cause of stress and anxiety - two feelings that can significantly dampen your holiday spirit. Increased social expectations, heightened financial obligations, travel delays and changes in your normal routines are all things that can contribute to burnout this time of year. We put together some tips to help you de-stress and allow you to get the most out of your holidays!
Schedule the Season
Create a schedule and make it a goal to balance the time you spend on attending holiday events. Setting a clear plan on which holiday parties and events to attend - and which to skip - is a good way to manage the social burnout that comes with the season. Feeling bad about missing a particular event? Plan something with the host or hostess after the frenzy of the season dies down, when it may be more relaxing for you both. Knowing which events are lined up can provide you with a sense of control (and order) over the holiday schedule. Budget the Benjamins Creating a budget to help manage gift giving - and sticking to it - alleviates overspending that can cause anxiety going into the new year. Writing down what gifts you have purchased, and keeping those lists, will also help you to look back through the years to see what was previously bought, and it may even spark ideas for future gifts. Did you buy Dad that drill two years ago? Maybe this year, a new set of drill bits or a backup battery is just what he needs. Plus, keeping a list throughout the year can help you keep track of things that were mentioned by friends and family, so when the time comes for them to open their gift, they will be in awe that you remembered!
Share the Joy of Imperfection
Life is unpredictable and things happen no matter what season it is. If plans take a detour, or something doesn’t come out perfect, giving the situation (and yourself) grace goes a long way towards avoiding stress. Some of the best moments to look back on are when things went sideways, but a good time was still had by all. Laughter is quite possibly the best release for stress and anxiety, and if you also model this to children, it will show them that mistakes or imperfections can create magical memories and learning opportunities.
Saying “No” Doesn’t Translate to “Bah humbug”
Knowing your personal limits and when to say “no” can help you manage the holidays your way. If you find yourself in a situation where your gut is telling you that you don’t need to volunteer to host an event, or bake two hundred Christmas cookies, then listening to it can bring you less stress and more joy. Just remember, taking a step back doesn’t mean removing yourself altogether, and saying “no” doesn’t make you the bad guy.
Help for the Holiday Cheer
You don’t need to take on the bulk of the holiday tasks on your own. Chances are, someone close to you is more than happy to help, so… ask! Asking for help is not a weakness or an admission of defeat. On the contrary, it shows strength, and that you have knowledge of your limits while prioritizing your mental health. If there are tasks that you want done in a specific way, then make those yours, and delegate the rest. And we can’t stress enough (no pun intended) that getting the kids involved in decorating, baking, and shopping for others teaches them lifelong skills and can be a lot of fun – even if it’s a bit messy.
We hope this inspires you to prioritize your health this holiday season and get on a path to reduce seasonal stress. Have a holiday tip? Reach out to us at WinniWanderer@winni.com. Hearing from you will make our day!
By an almost stress-free Sugar Plum Fairy Contributor
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