Coping With Stress During the Holidays

With the holiday season upon us, there are any number of things that can cause you undue stress, whether it’s the financial stress of providing presents for your family or just dealing with family, in general. In today’s post, we will discuss a number of strategies you can use in order to handle the stress of the holidays.

Plan and Prioritize

Be sure to make plans and prioritize the more important events and people. There are different things to consider when doing this.

• Set Realistic Expectations: No holiday celebration is perfect, and it’s unrealistic to believe otherwise. Try to focus on what really matters to you and your loved ones, and try not to dwell too much on minor mistakes.
• Make a Schedule: There are so many things you need to do throughout the holidays. Be sure to schedule time for all of these things, rather than trying to do too much at once.
• Say No When Needed: It would be impossible for you to accommodate everyone’s gatherings. Don’t spread yourself too thin by trying to fit in everything. It’s okay to say no when you’re too busy.

Manage Relationships

Many people, both within and outside of your family, will want to spend time with you, which can exacerbate your stress levels.

• Set Boundaries: Some family dynamics can be difficult to deal with. Be sure to decide how long you’ll stay with family members and communicate certain topics you wish to avoid.
• Delegate Tasks: Don’t try to take on too much. Assign decorating, cooking, and other tasks to your guests, so everyone is involved.
• Communicate Openly: If you are feeling overwhelmed by the holiday dynamic, express those feelings to close friends or family, instead of bottling them up.

Take Care of Yourself

Don’t run yourself ragged during the holidays. This can result in added stress, but it can also adversely affect your health.

• Stick to Routines: Try to maintain your normal sleep, exercise, and eating habits as much as possible. This can be difficult with all the holiday goodies around, but do your best to minimize any extra food.
• Make Time for Breaks: Take time for yourself, whether it’s a half hour of reading time, a nice hot bath, or just a small break for a cup of coffee. Give yourself time to unwind and disconnect, even for a short bit.
• Practice Mindfulness: Do things to calm yourself, like breathing exercises, journaling, or short meditations.

Keep Finances in Check

Finances are almost always a source of stress around holiday time. Be sure to make sure you’re not spending money unnecessarily.

• Set a Budget: Be sure to keep spending under control and stay within your means. Don’t rely on credit cards unless absolutely necessary.
• Give Meaningful, Not Expensive, Gifts: Handmade items, experiences, or time spent together can be just as special as the latest fad gifts.

If you need help and guidance to cope with holiday stress, contact Meredith Psychological & Testing Services to schedule your initial appointment.