5 Tips to Better Handle Holiday Stress
The holiday season is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, take some time off work, or even escape for a winter getaway. For all the joy and fun, though, so comes the stress. However, this stress can be used as inspiration for growth if you allow it. Use the holiday season as a time to reflect on your life purpose and best self, and you can come out of the season feeling refreshed and motivated.
From buying gifts to attending parties, there's a lot to do in a short time. But don't let the stress of the season get you down. Use it as an opportunity to grow and become your best self. People often feel so much pressure to make the holidays perfect that they forget to enjoy them. This year, instead of getting caught up in the hustle and bustle, take a step back and focus on what truly matters. Remember that the holidays are about quality time with loved ones, celebrating your blessings, and creating happy memories. Let go of perfectionism and allow yourself to relax and enjoy the season.
The expectations of social events, gift shopping, and entertaining guests can become too much for even the most festive types. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, 8 out of 10 people expect to experience an increase in stress over the holiday season; but it doesn't have to be that way! You can avoid the holiday blues and become your best self by taking time for inspired growth and focusing on your life purpose.
Here are three ways to turn holiday stress into inspired growth:
1. Use the holiday hustle to find your life purpose.
2. Use the holidays as an opportunity to practice self-care.
3. Use gift-giving to express your love and appreciation for others.
Here are ideas to help you get started toward inspired growth this holiday season:
1. The holiday season is an excellent opportunity to spend time with family and friends or even escape for a winter getaway. It's also a time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future.
2. Take some time for yourself. Whether getting lost in a good book, taking a long walk, or just taking a few moments each day to meditate, find ways to relax and recharge.
3. Use the downtime to brainstorm some goals for the year ahead. What do you want to achieve in the next 12 months? Write them down and start mapping out a plan to make them happen.
4. Use this time of year to focus on your personal growth and development. What can you do to become your best self in the new year?
5. Think about your life purpose and what steps you can take to move closer to your goals. The holidays are a perfect time to get inspired and start making positive changes in your life.
Are you one of the 8 out of 10 people who expect to experience increased stress over the holiday season? If so, you're not alone. The holidays can be stressful for many people, but there's no need to let the stress get the best of you. There are plenty of ways to cope with holiday stress. One way is to focus on your inspired growth and lean into being your best self. What are you doing that's moving you closer to your life purpose? This is a great time to focus on those things and let go of anything that's no longer serving you.
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5 tips to make this holiday season the best one yet!
With stress comes a greater risk of anxiety and depression, and depression is frequently an unwelcome guest over the holidays. The holidays are when many people are surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. But for many, the holidays can also be stressful and anxious. All is not lost; there are many ways you can minimize your stress and anxiety to allow you to enjoy the season.
1. Take some time for yourself. Whether taking a long bath, going for a walk, or simply reading your favorite book, make sure you're taking some time out for yourself. This will help you recharge and be ready to face the holiday chaos.
2. Set realistic expectations. The holidays will not be perfect, so don't set yourself up for disappointment by having unrealistic expectations. Instead, focus on enjoying the little moments and making memories with your loved ones.
3. Don't try to do it all. Be aware of your limits and boundaries.
Here are five ways to practice self-care and personal growth this holiday season.
1. Set a Budget
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time of financial stress. It’s also a time when people are more likely to overspend and get into debt. Setting a budget for yourself this holiday season can help you stay on track and avoid overspending.
Shopping can be fun, but spending money isn’t always easy, and Americans spend a large amount of money every holiday season on gifts alone. Spending is unavoidable, but you can minimize the damage by setting a budget and sticking to it.
A lot of the stress people experience during the holidays is due to financial pressure, so setting a budget can benefit your stress levels. Work out how much you can afford to spend on food and gifts, and stick to it.
How can you take care of yourself this holiday season and stay on budget?
Here are some tips:
1. Determine what you can afford to spend. This includes both your regular expenses and any holiday-related costs.
2. Make a list of what you want to spend money on, and stick to it.
3. Make a list of all the people you need to buy gifts for, and set a spending limit for each person.
4. If you are over budget, don't beat yourself up about it. Make your plan to pay off the debt as soon as possible.
5. Avoid using credit cards if possible, as this can add to your financial stress in the long run.
6. Track your spending throughout the holiday season to see where your money is going. This will help you stay on track and to adjust spending when needed.
7. Refrain from splurging on unnecessary items just because they're on sale.
8. Find ways to save money, such as making Christmas gifts or buying pre-owned items.
2. Exercise
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time of stress and overeating. People often let healthy habits slide in favor of indulging in delicious foods and drinks during the holidays. But if you want to stay feeling your best during the holiday season, it's essential to take care of yourself by exercising.
The American Heart Association suggests that people stay active all the time, but keeping that up during the holidays is essential. Any activity or exercise you can fit in will help reduce your stress and elevate your mood. It stimulates endorphin production and triggers a positive feeling in your body. You might be busy, but if you can exercise for half an hour three times a week, you will feel better. You can go walking or jogging, swimming or biking, play sports, and find time for aerobics.
Stay active. Even though it’s cold outside, there are still plenty of ways to stay active during winter. Though the winter months may have you feeling like all you want to do is curl up in a blanket and watch Netflix, there are still plenty of ways to stay active. And being active doesn’t just mean hitting the gym – though that’s always an option. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, even when it’s cold. Ice skating, sledding, and even just walking in the fresh air can do wonders for your body and mind. And if you’re not a fan of the cold, there are still plenty of indoor options.
Here are a few examples:
1. Take a dance class. Whether you want to learn ballroom dancing or hip hop, dancing is a great way to get your body moving.
2. Join a gym. If you’re looking for a more traditional way to stay in shape, consider joining a gym and using the equipment or participating in group fitness classes.
3. Play some games. Get together with friends and family, play classic active games like tag or Twister, or even chase each other around the house. Make sure you have enough space so you don’t break anything!
Not only will keeping active help you stay physically healthy, but it can also help you relieve stress and feel more positive. And when you're feeling good about yourself, you're more likely to be in the mood for celebrations.
This holiday season, take some time out and get moving. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated to work out during the holidays:
1. Set realistic goals for yourself, and don't try to do too much too soon. If you're starting out, commit to exercising three times a week and gradually increase your frequency as you get more comfortable.
2. Make time for yourself and schedule your workouts into your day just like any other appointment.
3. Find an exercise buddy who can help keep you accountable. A friend or family member who shares your fitness goals can be a great motivator.
3. Take It Easy
Just like most things, moderation is important. Staying active is essential, but you must also relax in the moment. During the holidays, there are parties and gatherings; people are constantly surrounded. It is great to be with loved ones and laugh about the old days. You shouldn’t miss all those great times, but you should be careful of setting unrealistic expectations. You can’t do everything, and taking time out for yourself is okay, even if it’s just 15 minutes. If you do much hosting, make sure to delegate - whether you ask everyone to bring a different dish or let the family take on specific tasks. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and take care of yourself.
Here are some tips to help you relax and enjoy the season:
1. Don't overdo it. You don't have to do everything on your list. Pick a few important things to you and let the rest go.
2. Take some time for yourself. Whether taking a long bath or going for a walk, make sure you carve out some time each day to do something that makes you happy.
3. Be present. When you're with family and friends, be present in the moment. Turn off your phone and listen with attention to what others are saying. Enjoy the simple pleasure of spending time with loved ones.
Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment. That means letting go of your to-do list and enjoying the moment you're in, whether watching the snowfall or spending time with loved ones. Taking care of yourself during the holidays doesn't have to be complicated. Just a little bit of mindfulness can go a long way in helping you feel your best self.
4. Eat Healthily
The holiday season is a time of indulgence, but it doesn’t mean you should abandon your healthy ways. There’s no need for a free-for-all that will add to your stress. Enjoy yourself, but try having healthy snacks before holiday gatherings, so you don’t over-snack while out. Ensure you’re getting plenty of sleep, as you are more likely to overindulge after a poor night’s sleep.
Here are some tips to help you stay healthy during the holidays.
First, remember to eat in moderation. Just because there’s a vast spread of food doesn’t mean you have to stuff yourself. Overeating can lead to indigestion, heartburn, and weight gain. So enjoy the holiday feast, but don’t overdo it. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limit your sugary and fatty foods intake.
Second, make sure to get plenty of rest. With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to let your sleep schedule slip. But getting enough rest is crucial for staying healthy. So make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
5. Choose Your Battles
If you're feeling overwhelmed, taking care of yourself is important. Here are some tips for prioritizing and choosing battles during the holiday season.
1. Ask yourself what is most important to you.
What do you want to accomplish during this holiday season? What values do you want to uphold? When you know what's important to you, it's easier to let go of the things that aren't.
2. Be honest with yourself about your capabilities.
No one can do everything. And that's okay! If you're realistic about what you can handle, you'll be less likely to put unnecessary pressure on yourself - and less likely to snap at those around you.
3. Set boundaries with family and friends.
Everyone has someone in their circle that rubs them the wrong way. It is only natural - not everyone can always get along. However, allowing someone else to get under your skin will only ruin your holiday and increase your stress levels. Learn to pick your battles, and don’t take the bait. If you have a real problem with someone, set it aside and save it for another day. Even the calmest people can lose their cool during the holidays.
Choose your battles. If you can let go of the little things and focus on what's important, you'll be able to enjoy this time of year a lot more. Take a deep breath, relax, and remember what the holidays are all about: spending time with loved ones and celebrating. With that in mind, you will have a happy and healthy holiday season!
The Bottom Line
Self-care is a conscious choice, especially during stress, such as during the holiday season. Make sure to take the time and create a deliberate plan! Remember, the holidays are supposed to be a time of fun, family, and relaxation; don’t let stress interfere with this great time of year. People often put the needs of others before their own, but if you don't take care of yourself, you can't be your best self for others. Finding time for yourself during the holiday season is essential, even if it's just a few minutes each day. Take some time to reflect on what brings you joy. This can help you stay focused on what's truly important and make choices that align with your best self.
If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek help. There are many resources available to help you during this challenging time. Remember, you are not alone! The holiday season can be a particularly stressful time for many people. There is so much pressure to be happy and festive, which can often lead to feelings of sadness and loneliness. It is important to remember that self-care is always a choice. You can grow and develop into your most inspired and purposeful self by caring for yourself. This is true whether you are taking care of your physical health, mental health, or emotional well-being. When you prioritize self-care, you commit to living your purpose.
Coloring for Self-Care during the Holiday Season
One way to help alleviate stress is to engage in self-care activities promoting mindfulness and relaxation. I’m a huge fan of coloring because it is an activity you can do solo or with others, and it doesn't require much time or effort to get started. If you're looking for a way to relax and unwind this holiday season, consider picking up a coloring book and some colored pencils.
I have a brand-new series of coloring books to promote calm and relaxation for the holidays. The series features three themes - Christmas, winter, and snowmen – and they are perfect for the season. I’ve bundled them with a coupon code - use COLORME TO SAVE 80%. That's only $1 per book! Use them as a mindfulness activity to destress and unwind as you focus on the present moment and de-stress from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The designs vary in complexity, so there is something for everyone. Coloring can be done anywhere - at home, work, or on the go. Take a few minutes each day to relax and color. Coloring can be a form of self-care and mindfulness, and it's also fun. The pages are filled with intricate designs that help you focus and unwind. And because coloring is a calming activity, it's the perfect way to de-stress during the busy holiday season. They are also printable products, so you can print them out and color as many as you want; print some for a family activity!
Remember to take care of yourself during the holidays to alleviate stress! Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. Also, spend time with loved ones and friends, and don't forget to relax and have fun. Take time every day to relax and enjoy the holiday season.
Let me know what you think if you use any of these tips or coloring pages!
Ganbatte!
Heather