It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the happiest season of all…maybe. We all know that with the Holiday season comes an added load of Holiday stress. We’ve come to accept this stress as normal around this time of year, but the truth is, the Holidays don’t have to be so darn stressful.
In the past, Christmas and the Holidays used to be about spending time with loved ones, taking a moment away from work and everyday life to celebrate the end of another year and reflect on everything that we have. Now, with Christmas spending advertised and encouraged more than ever, the Holidays focus around consumerism, being the perfect hostess, and doing everything bigger than the year before. But treating the Holidays like they’re a time to be out done year after year creates unachievable goals and stress out the wazoo! Here are our simple tips to try and keep this Holiday season as stress free (or at least less stressful) as possible.
1) Stick to a budget…One of the biggest sources of stress around this time of year centers around money. We’ve been convinced that this season and its success revolves around giving gifts to anyone and everyone. While giving should certainly be a part of your Holiday season, sticking to a budget keeps you from experiencing extreme buyers remorse. You should never regret giving a gift, and you should never feel obligated to buy something for someone simply because you know them. Take a moment to think about whether your gift will actually be used or if it’s even needed. We’ve all been gifted so many things through out our lives that we instantly got rid of or can’t remember. Why spend the money when a hand written card or even a hug can do the same thing!
2) Be realistic…Don’t get ahead of yourself. We all want to be the perfect hostess during the Holidays, have the best decorations, have the perfect tree, and spend a morning unwrapping presents without any meltdowns, but the truth is that no ones’ life is like a Martha Stewart Christmas Special. Things will never be perfect, so don’t try to make them so. Maybe forgo that nice Christmas china to avoid it breaking, keep your Holiday menu small to avoid cooking catastrophes, just take a moment to really think about what you can realistically achieve with your time.
3) Plan ahead…Leaving things to last minute is always stressful, especially this time of year when grocery stores clear out and shops close. If you’re cooking dinner for lots of people, go grocery shopping the day before, or even two days before. Try to wrap gifts and send cards out two weeks before Christmas at the latest!
4) Enjoy time with your family…This is what the Holidays should really be all about. For some of us, spending long periods of time with extended family can be exhausting, but remember that this is a once a year event. Be sure to set aside any and all differences you ay have with family members and simply enjoy each others company. Laugh together and play games, avoid any talk of politics or current events, and just remember that you won’t always be so close to so many family members all at once.
5) Acknowledge your feelings…Sometimes, you just won’t be feeling the festive Holiday cheer, that’s okay. Just because it’s the Holidays doesn’t mean you have to be happy. If you’re feeling lonely, sad, stressed, what have you, acknowledge it and let it out. You are still human during this time of year and will continue to feel feelings despite the twinkle lights and snowflakes.
6) Don’t abandon your health…Sure, it’s the Holidays and you should allow yourself to indulge in some pie and eggnog, but don’t let turn it into a time to push it over the edge. Even when you’re eating delicious comfort foods, you can still listen to your body. Stop eating when you’re full and continue to drink a lot of water. Squeeze in some extra exercise if you can (a great way to relieve stress). The fact of the matter is that if you keep your health in mind and eat a few greens here and there instead of gravy 24/7, your body will feel better and ultimately your mood will be elevated.
7) Take time to breathe…Take moments to practice some habits that relive stress! Here are some suggestions. Meditate, practice breathing exercises, go for a walk or even a run, take a nap or simply lay down to close your eyes for a bit, laugh, take a five minute dance break and groove to your favorite tunes, do anything that isn’t Holiday related!
In the end, the Holidays should be a time to relax, sit by the fire and sit with family. Running around trying to find the perfect gifts for everyone and organizing the perfect Holiday party creates unnecessary stress. All of this added stress releases excess cortisol in the body, which can cause weight gain, loss of sleep, depression, and then some. While we are a business and obviously think that buying our DNA-based health management programs for all the loved ones in your life would eliminate a lot of stress right form the get go, we firmly believe that focusing on your health and happiness should be a priority year round. Focusing on the Holidays should never be an excuse to let your health take a back seat. Do your best to keep the stress to a minimum this year! You’ll find that you enjoy the true meaning of the Holidays even more.
