6 Ways To Reduce Holiday Stress

With the holiday season now upon us, you may be feeling more stress. Between figuring out what to buy as gifts for friends and family, getting the decorations in place, and of course trying to do so in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s stress may be unlike any in years past. Yet despite the difficulties, there are still numerous ways you can reduce your stress levels. If you are in need of stress reduction, here are six ways that will help you take a deep breath and relax.

 

Stick to a Budget

 

From what you choose to fix for Christmas dinner to the gifts you buy for others, make out a budget beforehand and stick to it. Otherwise, you’ll be creating more stress for yourself once you start running up your credit cards. By creating a realistic budget for what you can afford to spend, you’ll make the holidays easier for yourself.

 

Avoid Conflicts with Family

 

Whether it’s politics, money, or other hot-button issues, do all you can to avoid family conflicts during the holidays. If necessary, let everyone who will be attending your Christmas dinner know which topics will not be discussed. By setting boundaries from the beginning, a peaceful time can be had by all.

 

Seek Out Counseling

 

If you are having excessive problems with stress during the holidays, don’t be afraid to seek out counseling services to help you deal with what is bothering you. Since surveys have shown 62% of people admit to having more stress during the holidays, an experienced counselor can give you sound advice and be there to help guide you through the holiday season and beyond if necessary.

 

You Can’t Control Everything

 

If there is one thing that will instantly add stress to your life during the holidays, it is trying to be a person who can control every single thing in your life. When you try to do this, disaster always strikes. As any counselor will tell you, the only things you have total control over are your thoughts and your actions. Therefore, if a family member has an attitude or opinion you don’t like, don’t use up all your time and energy trying to make them become the person you wish they were. Instead, accept them for who they are and then move forward with your own life.

 

Be Willing to Say No

 

Once the holidays arrive, the season can become filled with invitations to parties, dinners, get-togethers, and many other activities. While you may want to participate in everything, it’s important to remember that you are only one person and there are only 24 hours in a day. Therefore, rather than run yourself to a frazzle and have your stress levels continue to increase, be willing to say no now and then. By prioritizing the activities that mean the most to you, you’ll be much happier over the holidays.

 

Keep on Exercising

 

If you have been exercising during the year, don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season stop you in your tracks. Instead, continue taking some time for yourself and keep on exercising as much as possible. Whether you are into running early each morning, taking a relaxing walk in the evening, or perhaps doing some yoga, aerobics, or weight-lifting, continuing to keep yourself in great shape will help you work off the added stress as well as the added calories you may be consuming.

 

By taking this advice and trying one or even all of these stress-busting tips, the holiday season may start to look and feel much merrier to you. From saying no to a party you just don’t have time to attend to making sure your Christmas dinner is not spoiled by a pushy relative who has differing political views from yours, putting these tips into practice will be one of the best gifts you give yourself over the holidays.