4 Tips to Prevent Holiday Stress
You know it’s the holiday season as people crowd malls for last minute shopping, Christmas songs repeat on the radio, and everyone makes holiday plans with colleagues, family, and friends. This time of year can be merry for many people, but it can also be very stressful. All of the plans to make, gifts to give, and growing to-do list items can make life seem overwhelming! Or maybe this season reminds you of unpleasant memories from the past. This year, you can prepare yourself with these helpful tips to reduce your holiday stress!
- Set a realistic budget: You don’t have to exceed your budget when buying great gifts for loved ones. Instead, give a gift that is practical and meaningful to the person. Think about your spending limit and stick to it. It doesn’t have to be expensive! Get creative and think of something that shows you care.
- Spend quality time with loved ones and be present: This is a great time to learn to be present and practice awareness when spending time with loved ones. Create meaningful traditions and do activities in which everyone can relax and enjoy. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect and be grateful for quality down time. Be mindful of the simple pleasures and enjoy it to the fullest. Don’t obsess over getting the perfect pictures—capture the moments in your mind instead.
- It’s okay to say “NO”: Maybe you’ve hosted every dinner party this year and you wish someone else would host this time. Don’t stretch yourself think and become overwhelmed as you get closer to the festivities. Learn to say “NO” to some things and make wise decisions about what responsibilities you can realistically handle. It’s always important to have time to breathe and relax alone during this busy season.
- Seek professional support: If you feel overwhelmed and need additional support, seek professional counseling. For many individuals, the holidays can trigger unwanted memories and events. Seeing a therapist during this time can help you to develop some stress-reduction strategies.
If the holidays are creating stress or even a sense of dread for you, follow these suggestions. They can help you relax during this much-needed vacation and family time. You deserve to enjoy this wonderful season. Happy holidays, from the entire Mindsoother team! ❄️🎁🎄🎉