It’s November, and my inbox is already overflowing with Black Friday specials. So I thought this would be a great time to talk about holiday stress.
The holiday season is typically an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, to take some time off work, or even escape for a winter getaway.
According to the American Psychological Association 8 out of 10 people expect to experience an increase in stress over the holiday season.
With stress comes a greater risk of anxiety and depression, and I hear that depression can frequently be an unwelcome guest over the holidays.
But with this coronavirus pandemic, the holidays are going to be a little (a lot) different this year.
And I imagine this year is going to be especially difficult for some people.
Make the most of the traditions you can still safely continue
All is not lost however, there are many ways you can minimize your stress and anxiety to allow you to truly enjoy the season.
The holidays don’t need to be canceled or minimized – unless you want to use the virus as an excuse to do less – and by all means do that if that’s the case.
If you’re still feeling the holiday spirit, you can make this time of year just as special even while safely distanced.
It’s so easy to focus on what we can’t do right now.
But there are many aspects of the holidays can still happen just as they always have.
You can still make your great-grandmother’s corn casserole for Thanksgiving or build gingerbread houses.
You can send cards and gifts to family to celebrate special days.
You can bring out the menorah and all your beloved Christmas ornaments.
And, for sure, you can still drive around town and look at everyone else’s holiday decorations, just as you do every year!
So, focus on the things you can still do and stay positive by getting really excited about doing them.
Do the Zoom thing
One thing I really appreciate about these times is how normal it’s becoming to virtually gather with far-away family members and friends.
I think we’re all starting to get used to the idea.
Now, my family members and friends all hop onto Zoom just to sing someone happy birthday.
You can use Zoom to sing Christmas carols together or share what you’re grateful for while everyone eats their own Thanksgiving dinners or light the candles on your own menorahs while you are celebrating together.
This could actually be a blessing in disguise.
Before the pandemic, if someone couldn’t make a holiday gathering, we just missed them.
Now we get to connect even with family and friends who are far away.
Manage Your Holiday Stress
Ok, so things are still going to be stressful. Maybe even more so this year.
But there are many ways you can minimize your stress and anxiety to allow you to truly enjoy the season.
Set A Budget
Shopping can be fun, but spending money isn’t always easy, and Americans spend almost a $1,000 every holiday season on gifts alone.
It might be unavoidable to some extent, but you can minimize the damage by setting a budget and sticking to it.
A lot of the stress that we experience during the holidays is due to financial pressure.
Setting a budget can be beneficial to your stress levels.
Work out how much you can afford to spend on food and gifts and stick to it.
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Exercise
The American Heart Association wants you to stay active all the time, but it’s extremely important to keep that up during the holidays.
Any activity or exercise you can fit in will help reduce your stress and elevate your mood.
It’s going to stimulate endorphin production and trigger a positive feeling in your body.
You might be busy, but if you can find time to 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.
Take It Easy
It’s especially important this time of year that we need to take time for ourselves.
We may not have as many parties this year, but hopefully we’re still connecting by Zoom or Facetime or whatever.
And these days, it seems that Zoom has taken over our lives. We’re spending an awful lot of time on it.
It’s great to be with the ones we love and laugh about the old days.
You shouldn’t miss all those great times, but what you should be careful of is setting unrealistic expectations.
You can’t do everything, and it’s okay to take time out for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes.
Stay Smart
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 just add to your stress.
Enjoy yourself but try having healthy snacks and don’t’ go too crazy with over snacking.
Make sure that you’re getting plenty of sleep, as you are more likely to overindulge after a poor night’s sleep.
Choose Your Battles
We all have someone in our circle that rubs us the wrong way.
It’s only natural- not everyone can always get along.
Allowing someone else to get under your skin, though, is only going to 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.
Bottom Line
Self-care is conscious choice and this is even more true during times of more stress, such as 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.
Now I’d love to hear from you!
What ideas do you have to handle holiday stress.
What are you going to do different this year with this crazy pandemic.
Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
We’d love to hear them!
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