How to Stress LESS During the Chaos of the Holidays
Here we go! About to take a deep dive into the "holi-daze." Is there such a thing and moving through the last 6 weeks of the year completely stressless? I imagine it has to be possible somewhere in the world!
Here in the US, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that stress is a probable ingredient in your holiday affairs, but I'd like to propose that there are ways to minimize the stress. Read on to find out.
As I tend to harp on and reiterate in as many ways I can think of, part of the key to navigating life well, and continuing to show up for your job and loved ones, is the degree to which you truly care for your own wellbeing. The magnitude of importance of doing this is heightened during the holidays.
We have to find a way to be a bit selfish at times to be able to be generous with our inner resources. I hope you see this blog as an opportunity to find ways (big and small) to indulge in making your own life better, so you can pass it forward and be not only the peace you want to feel inside, but also the peace you wish to see in the world!
Below are really practical tips because let's face it, when we're in fight, flight, freeze or fawn mode, we tend to forget the basics! And nobody gets us into this mode better than our family during the holidays!
At the end I'll link to some previous blogs I've written that are a bit more nuanced for Sensitives and mental health.
Here are the practical tips to help you stress less during the chaos of the holidays:
Plan Ahead: Create a schedule or a to-do list to organize tasks and events. Prioritize what needs to be done and set realistic goals. #EmbraceYourInnerNerd
Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on gifts, food, and activities. Stick to your budget to avoid financial stress. #Having$$LefttoPayBillsIsCool
Practice Self-Care: Take time for yourself to relax and recharge. Engage in activities you enjoy, such as reading, exercising, or meditating. You don't have to abandon yourself for the sake of the holiday gatherings! #YouMatterToo
Manage Expectations: Accept that things may not go perfectly and be flexible with plans. Focus on enjoying the moment rather than striving for perfection. #PerfectionIsBoring
Delegate Tasks: Share responsibilities with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to ask for help with cooking, decorating, or shopping. #DontBeAMartyr
Stay Connected to Life Outside of Holiday Plans: As in, don't let the plans consume you. Reach out and maintain social connections. Sharing experiences and feelings can help reduce stress. #InThisTogether
Limit Commitments: Say no to events or activities that overwhelm you. It’s okay to decline invitations if you need time to rest. You don't have to be all things to all people. #HelloJOMO
Practice Mindfulness: Stay present and focus on the current moment. Use mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety and enhance enjoyment. AKA stop, drop from your head into the rest of your body, and take 3 deep, s l o o o o w breaths as often as your stress level needs it! #DeepBreaths
Maintain Healthy Habits: Eat well, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. Avoid overindulging in food and alcohol, which can increase stress. Ask yourself and make the conscious decision: is it worth it? #SelfAbandonmentFeelsLikeCrapTheNextMorning
Reflect on Gratitude: Take time to appreciate the positives in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can not only help shift focus away from stressors, but It also boosts your mood and perhaps reminds you why you're doing all you're doing In the first place. #FirstWorldStressIsAPrivilege
Other Blogs to Check Out
Go deeper on how you can be fully resourced: physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally in this blog I wrote.
Learn to create resilience for yourself at family holiday gatherings with this blog I previously wrote.
And here's how to hand the holiday stress as an HSP, Empath, or Introvert in this blog I wrote.
By incorporating these strategies, you are prioritizing your health and wellbeing so that you can experience a more enjoyable and less stressful holiday season. You're worth it!
