Six Tips To Reduce The Holiday Stress
What is the most wonderful time of the year for some, can be the most stressful time of the year for others. From gifts to baking to family events, life can quickly become very chaotic during the holiday season. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Take a deep breath and make an active choice to have a stress-free December this year.
Set your priorities. Ask yourself and your family members what they look forward to the most during the holidays. Prioritize those activities and consider forgoing others that cause more stress than joy.
Make time for exercise. Exercising increases energy, helps you sleep better and reduces stress and tension; all important factors during the holidays. Plan ahead to ensure that exercise has a spot in your schedule so you will feel your best all month long.
Create a budget. Money can be a big stressor during the holiday season. Once you’ve determined your gift giving budget, stick to it. Make your money go further by checking store websites for discounts or by using a coupon app on your smartphone.
Don’t be afraid to say no. Whether the activity is too much for your holiday schedule or outside of your COVID comfort zone, it’s ok to say no. Practice kind ways of saying no that will express your gratitude, but firmly communicate that you are unable to accept the invitation.
Take a break from social media. In real life, not everything is as perfect as it appears on social media. By reducing the amount of time you spend on social media sites, you will be less likely to compare yourselves to others and create unrealistic expectations.
Take care of yourself. The holidays are a time when we continually give to others, but don’t always take care of ourselves. Pick something that makes you happy—a meal from your favorite restaurant, a manicure or a relaxing evening in front of a fire—and make it a non-negotiable this holiday season.
