This post is about holiday stress.
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As the holiday season approaches, the to-do list seems to grow longer and longer, adding to your existing anxiety. Your routine is completely upset, and you feel out of control. It's no surprise that many people experience heightened levels of stress during this time. However, with a few simple yet effective strategies, you can proactively manage your holiday stress and find joy in the midst of the hustle and bustle.
Stress is not what happens to us. It’s our response to what happens, and response is something we can choose. ~Maureen Killoran
CONQUER HOLIDAY STRESS
TIP 1: Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is crucial, particularly during the busy holiday season when there are additional responsibilities to manage. It's important to carve out time to prepare for the festivities amidst our already hectic schedules. One effective way to stay organized is by utilizing a physical planner or digital tools like the free Google Tasks app. I find the app to be incredibly helpful in managing day-to-day tasks, keeping track of ongoing projects, creating shopping lists, and keeping up with holiday plans. The app lets me offload my mental to-dos in real-time, and there's a sense of satisfaction in ticking off completed tasks. This approach helps me stay on top of my responsibilities and ensures that I can enjoy the holiday season without feeling overwhelmed.
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TIP 2: Don’t Forget the Basics
Don't forget the basics, even when your holiday schedule gets hectic. Despite having less time and a long to-do list, it's crucial to prioritize taking care of yourself. Make sure to eat regularly, get enough sleep, and exercise. Neglecting these things can increase holiday stress, making it difficult to enjoy the holidays. Prioritizing self-care can help you find joy in the little things and make the most of the season.
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TIP 3: Manage Your Expectations
As we approach the holiday rush, it's important to keep expectations realistic and not strive for perfection. While we may have fond memories of past holidays that met our ideals, it's crucial to acknowledge that things may not go as planned. There is no set rule that you need to continue any holiday traditions that are not serving you. That includes spending time with family or people who are toxic. Give yourself permission to say no, and remember that setting high expectations only leads to disappointment. Instead, approach the holiday season with an open mind and welcome the unexpected joys it brings – it truly makes a difference!
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TIP 4: Be Realistic with Resolutions
Resolutions, a common tradition, spark change for some but can be challenging to sustain. When setting New Year's resolutions, start with manageable goals and take each day as it comes. Consider setting SMART goals, as these help you define the goal in detail and set you up for success. Additionally, practice self-compassion and recognize that your value is not contingent on meeting specific resolutions. You should instead concentrate on your aspiration for change and progress steadily and confidently toward achieving your goals.
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TIP 5: Create a Budget
As the holiday season approaches, it's crucial to establish a budget, whether you're accustomed to using one or not. A budget will help you make informed decisions about holiday spending on gifts, food, and activities. Utilizing a budget planner can assist in monitoring expenses and alleviate the stress of overspending. Consider suggesting a Secret Santa gift exchange within your family to streamline gift-giving, or explore the option of homemade gifts, which are always appreciated. Ultimately, prioritize the joy of being with loved ones and cherish the moments spent together, as this doesn't require a financial investment and is sure to bring happiness.
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TIP 6: Try to Simplify
Instead of trying to juggle too many things, keep it simple this year. Trying to do it all will only lead to stress and anxiety. Instead, opt for simplicity. This could mean choosing to forgo traditional gift-giving to spend quality time together. It might also involve ordering take-out instead of preparing an elaborate turkey dinner or keeping holiday decorations minimal to maintain a clean, tidy home. If you must continue some time-consuming or overly involved traditions, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You are not the only person responsible for creating an enjoyable holiday. Whatever your approach, aim to simplify your holiday traditions to reduce stress and increase happiness, and remember to ask for help!
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TIP 7: Check In with Yourself
It's essential to stay connected with your emotions and regularly assess your well-being throughout the holiday season. It's crucial not to let stress and anxiety build up without acknowledging the signs and taking necessary steps. At the end of each day, set aside 5 minutes to reflect on your emotional state. Take the time to acknowledge and tend to your feelings, engage in activities that promote self-care to prevent reaching a breaking point, and have a strategy to manage stress when it arises.
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TIP 8: Practice Mindfulness
Before you feel overwhelmed by holiday stress, take charge with a self-care plan. Step outside, take a walk or bask in the sunlight. Create a serene space for yourself and consider meditation to ease your mind and anxiety. The Insight Timer app offers free guided meditation to help you find peace. If finding a noiseless space is challenging, try the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for a quiet escape—the ultimate way to calm your mind and shut out the outside noise.
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TIP 9: Remember What Truly Matters
As the holiday season begins, it's critical to focus on what truly matters. Take the time to honor the year's losses, acknowledge sad thoughts without letting them consume you, and cherish happy memories. Remind yourself of all that you're grateful for and the achievements you've made this year. Prioritize spending quality time with loved ones and let go of the little stressors. The Five Minute Journal is an excellent tool to help you keep what matters at the forefront of your mind. This guided journal encourages gratitude, allows you to set daily priorities, provides affirmations for confidence, and offers a chance to reflect and learn from each day's experiences. The best part – you can do it all in 5 minutes daily!
Embrace the joy of the holiday season and let it fill your heart this year! To genuinely enjoy this time, it’s essential to conquer holiday stress before it begins. Start with a plan, keep celebrations simple, incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine, and remember what truly matters. By keeping this focus, you can transform potential stress into meaningful, joyful experiences that make the season truly special.
MINDSET | ACTION:
Set aside some time to thoughtfully plan for the upcoming holiday season using a journal or notebook. Reflect on how you will track your holiday to-do list. Consider what tools will empower you to create a budget. Embrace self-care as an essential part of your day. Explore ways to simplify your holiday traditions while cherishing what truly matters. Document your insights and use them to conquer any holiday stress with confidence and joy.
This post was about holiday stress.
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