SOS: How To Manage Holiday Stress

Photo Courtesy of Svitlana via Unsplash

What was I thinking?  If this thought has not yet crossed your mind, there is a good chance it will in a few weeks’ time.  The holiday season can bring out the best in us-volunteering at school or church, hosting dinners, and being determined to channel our inner gourmet chef.  On top of all that, we have a laundry list of items: completing a long “to-do” list at work before year-end, attending events that might not light up our happy meter, and either getting ready for a holiday trip or getting ready for receiving guests.  You get the drift; it is both a wonderful and a busy time of the year.  How do we manage holiday stress?  Make a plan for yourself using these four tips as a guide.

Set Your Boundaries

Getting involved with the community can be extremely rewarding.  The sense of contributing and social involvement is beneficial for both our emotional and physical health.  The trick is to slow down now and then and listen to your body.  Listen for signs (difficulty sleeping, feeling overwhelmed, or more tired than usual) that you have taken on just a little too much.  What are some strategies to firm up your boundaries?  Instead of taking on responsibility for an entire event, volunteer to help with one part of it.  Say "yes" to what you feel capable of and say "no" to what is too much.  It can be difficult saying “no,” so try practicing saying it aloud.  Balance out a “no” with a “yes.”  A great little test for yourself:  Is the “yes” to something that you look forward to and are excited about?  Then you are on the right track.

Embrace Perfectly Imperfect You

It is the night before a school breakfast or a party, and you planned on baking homemade everything.  You face a choice between frantically working in the kitchen until the wee hours.  Or you can be kind to yourself and compromise.  Buy the croissants from the baker or pick up a few ready-made appetizers.  Ask for help from a family member or friend.  Don’t worry if that apple pie doesn’t look like the one in the recipe book.  Focus on watching the kids have fun eating breakfast together.  Exchange “cheers” with friends during a dinner party.  Unless they have a superiority complex, I am sure that they will enjoy the evening even if you did not make the dinner rolls yourself.

Get in Your Favourite Mindful Movement

Shake out the cobwebs, release the tension in your body, and burn off some of those extra calories by getting in 20-30 minutes of mindful movement. Whatever you like to do:  walk, practice yoga or Pilates, bike, or swim.  Be sure to schedule this time in, ideally 4-5 times a week. Walking out in the fresh, winter air can also be a wonderful way to socialize and connect with family and friends.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

I envy the uninhibited looks of joy kids have on their faces when they play.  Just one time try something for the pure joy of it:  build a snowman, skip instead of walking down the road, or play Monopoly with the family.  Channeling your inner child in a positive and fun way is bound to put a cheeky little smile on your face.

One Last Tip

Aim for balance.  If you spend a full day enjoying family events, try spending some downtime for yourself or at least a smaller circle of friends/family the next day.  It will recharge your batteries so that you look forward to rather than dread the next social event.

Grab a pen and paper and make your “beat the holiday stress” plan that works for you.  The most priceless gift that you can give to yourself?  Kindness.