How To Combat--And Prevent--Stress During The Holidays

Photo via Pixabay by Pixel2013

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, when we can spend time with family and take a bit of a break from the usual routine. However, the pressures we put on ourselves to make things perfect or to find the perfect gift for everyone can be overwhelming, leading to stress, anxiety, substance abuse, and even depression. It’s okay to want to make a nice holiday for everyone, but it’s important to remember that this time is your time, too.

Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to both prevent stress and combat it when it creeps in. One of the keys to doing so is to ask for help when you need it; taking on too much by yourself will almost always be overwhelming. 

Here are a few more of the best tips on how to take the stress out of the holidays.

Think outside the (gift) box

You might be tempted to go shopping for just the right gift for everyone in the family, but this year, consider something different. Why not get one big gift--such as tickets to a show or event--instead of several small ones? Arrange for a night out for the family, which might include making memories at the local ice skating rink and getting hot chocolate afterward. 

Ask for help

For the world’s perfectionists, it’s hard to ask for help. When the holidays roll around and the urge to make everything look like a perfect Pinterest photo takes over, stop and think about it first. Consider how much time you have to devote to everything else and prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. If you still really want to make handmade place cards for the dining room table, delegate some of the smaller responsibilities to other family members. Kids are great helpers when it’s time to clean up if you make a game of it; have your spouse or partner pitch in, too. 

Make things easier on yourself

If you’re traveling to see family this year, skip the bulky boxed gifts and go for gift cards or items that will take up less room. They’ll be easier to transport and you won’t have to worry about them getting damaged on the way.

Keep the routine

The days will get hectic if you’re cleaning, shopping, cooking, and planning, so make sure you keep at least a few daily routines the same. For the kids, this may mean storytime before bed; for adults, getting in a daily walk or writing in a journal at the end of the day. Hanging on to some of the things that make you feel good and relaxed will help get you through the stressful days.

Make a gift wrapping station

If you do decide to wrap and give gifts, create a little space where you can keep wrapping paper, bows, nametags, scissors, ribbon, tape, and a pen or marker. Buy extras of everything and keep it organized so that wrapping goes smoothly; running out of paper or bows in the middle of wrapping is pretty frustrating. 

Think ahead

If you have kids, Christmas morning can be chaotic, so come prepared with a plan. Before you wrap up toys, cut the ties inside the packaging and place batteries inside them so they’ll be ready to go as soon as they’re opened (just make sure they’re turned off so they don’t make noise under the tree). If possible, plan on having a leisurely breakfast after gift-opening so that everyone can lounge around and enjoy their gifts and the food. 

Βy Jennifer