Tis The Season to Be Tense: Five Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress

Many people don’t realize that they really are in control of many of the factors driving their stress levels, even during the holidays when these factors become magnified. The first step is to take care of yourself first, then you’ll be able to meet the demands of others.

This year, is figuring to be a particularly stressful holiday season.  Between the normal challenges of the holidays, this year’s economic environment will add even more stress than usual.

As if arranging and attending parties, deciding on the perfect gifts, dealing with family obligations, holiday travel through crowded airports and roads weren’t enough, this year we are going to do it all with fewer resources and even more pressure to do more with less.

Here are some tips to help get through this year’s holiday season with minimal stress:

1. Don’t over-commit to engagements – the holidays can be filled with invitations to parties, gatherings, performances, etc. There are a limited number of weekend for the season, carefully plan your outings and make sure to leave room for downtime.
2. Allow yourself to depart from traditions – sometimes family traditions such as extensive decorations and huge meals can put undue pressure on you to overdo it. Start your own traditions that fit more into your current lifestyle and are manageable.
3. Make alternative plans for gift-giving – The pressure to buy the perfect gift can be exhausting. Consider alternate types of gifts – such as one day of yard work or some other service. This can save money and time. Also, shop online – this can help you avoid long lines in the stores or spending your already busy weekend pushing your way through the crowds.
4. Make extra attempt to eat nutritiously – You will have many opportunities to have sugary, high-fat meals which can worsen stress. Take every opportunity to fit a fruit snack into your day or add an extra vegetable to your meal.
5. Carve out 20 minutes each day to sit quietly and meditate – the stress of a busy day and schedule can overload the mind and lead to mental and physical exhaustion. If you slow down and quiet your mind each day, especially at the end of your day, you can sleep better and have more energy to get you through the busy season.