Ways to Reduce Stress Over the Holidays
The holiday season brings with it a mix of emotions from excitement to anxiety. We expect a great deal of ourselves financially, emotionally, physically, and socially. This leaves us coming into January with high levels of depression, burnout, relationship problems, and financial issues. I want to talk about some simple ways to take care of yourself during the holidays. I often hear people talk about doing self-care in ways that I feel can add to our stress and overburden because we feel the need to add something extra or end up in shame for not doing the one thing extra to take care of ourselves. So, let’s discover ways we can care for ourselves and meet the holiday expectations.
Gratitude has been shown to combat mental illness and improve our overall well-being. So, finding a way to add gratitude to our holiday routine can combat the stress of the holiday. Instead of focusing on what you want this year take time to write of list of what you have and are grateful for. You can also employ this with friends and family by sending them a list of ways you are grateful for them instead of what you want from them. You can give to all of your co-workers by doing an act of kindness instead of giving small gifts that take time and money. At the conclusion of the holiday season take the time to sit down and write out thank you cards to focus on what you have and what you have been given. Send these out as a way to boost the mood on the giving and receiving end.
Using the creative parts of your brain can balance moods and lessen feelings of stress. We spend so much time thinking, planning, and worrying during the holiday taking time to be creative can be helpful in fighting the holiday stress. This holiday season try to get creative maybe by creating a new recipe. This can be something healthy to feed your body and take care of yourself physically or it can be a new treat for sharing with family and friends. This is an extra bonus as often during the holiday, we become so focused on the to-do list that we forget to feed our body and care for it. This can be an excellent way of remembering to feed ourselves and care for the body by giving it a gift during the holiday season.
Creativity and art are such fantastic ways to care for ourselves and fight holiday stress. It is my go-to and allows me to get out of my head. Truly getting into the zone and letting go of the stress really realigns me. A few ways you can do this while also not adding to the holiday burden is to write letters as gifts this season. I started this with my family about 5 years ago. We all treasure the letters we get from each other and have them stashed away in special places to read when feeling down and to keep for future memories. Take the time to write letters instead of buying gifts. A handwritten letter has become rare in the world of computers and printers. I enjoy shopping for stationery each year and taking the time to write out my feelings of love, hope, and gratitude for each of my children and my spouse.
Another way to get creative is to write about a personal story or memory and share it with each of the people on your shopping list. Do this instead of the little 10-dollar gift. I promise it will be more cherished and bring more joy. We all want to bring joy to others and give them a gift that makes them feel cared for and appreciated. Do this with words and not money. The impact is greater and something they can go back to over and over. A simple card or letter is very valuable.
Create a music playlist that instills calm, peace, and joy for self-care. For some holiday music is soothing and amazing while others dislike it. Whatever music brings calm to your soul, tee it up and make a playlist as a go-to stress reducer. Hopefully, one you can move to, sing to, and really takes you to a happy place.
Take an electronics break for the day and stay away from the phone, computer, and media. You can use the day to check something off of your list and find ways to feel accomplished. A sense of accomplishment and completion is another way to lower stress and bring about a feeling of control and satisfaction, in turn helping to manage the holiday overwhelm. Choose a new task you want to master (you could even use it as a gift) and create a sense of accomplishment for yourself.
Spend time outdoors to get some natural sunlight and fresh air. You can make this part of your holiday routine by walking in between shops, walking to see Christmas lights, walking around your neighborhood to take neighbor gifts, and taking a break from holiday worry to just get out and breathe. You will come back feeling more centered and ready to dive back into the hustle and bustle. I do this in the morning before work, taking at least 5 deep breaths before getting in the car, and then at night by taking time to admire my lights outside and breathe again before going into the house. While this only takes a few minutes it gives me a breath of fresh air to move forward.
Find ways to relax and take care of yourself. A spa day or massage is great if this is within your budget or time constraints. If not, find little ways to relax like expanding bath times, taking a nap, reading a book, taking the scenic route if you are traveling, lighting candles, and enjoying sitting alone in quiet. Relaxation does not have to be a long or expensive thing. It can be done in small amounts; the important part is being mindful taking the moment in and providing your senses/body with a moment of care. So doing this for even a few minutes each day can make a big difference.
Don’t be afraid to opt out, I know for me every weekend from the first of October until after New Year's is booked. This can be too much and sometimes you just have to decide to prioritize your own care and stay home. You also don’t need a reason or an excuse, saying no is acceptable!
Remember, this too shall pass. The hustle and bustle will come to an end, there will be a slowing down and a return to the status quo. Sometimes keeping this perspective helps us get through hard things.
Remember we here at Hilltop are cheering for you and we are all in this together. I truly wish for you to create change and space around the holiday where it works for you and increases wellness instead of increasing stress and decreasing your sense of well-being.
Happy Holidays,
Penney