The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year – it’s all about tradition, family, and eating well. But for many, it often comes with high levels of stress accompanied by packed travel schedules, holiday office parties and last minute meetings. No doubt, this season can be very taxing.
But what if we actually enjoyed the festivities of the season instead of rushing around? Here are five quick fixes to stay stress-free during the holidays.
1. Plan ahead
This is the first step for staying relaxed during the holidays. And it can be as simple as grabbing a notebook and listing everything you need to do, from holiday shopping and activities to meal prep. This will give you a clear vision of your to-dos and calm your stress levels.
2. Budget your spends
It’s the holiday season and you have a long shopping list – a never-ending one! Your budget won’t be able to accommodate expensive presents for everyone. Instead, you can always get creative with DIY gifts, which are affordable and personalized at the same time.
And if you’re supposed to attend different holiday parties on the same day, accept the fact that you’ll only make it to one or two events. Don’t put yourself in a difficult position, or let one host down at the last minute, by promising too much just because you feel the need to please everyone.
3. Don’t mess with your daily routine
Always prioritize your daily tasks – such as workouts, hobbies or reading a book – and don’t try to squeeze in more than you can handle. The idea of a break is to take things easy, relax and unwind so you can return to work fresh and ready to tackle new projects. If time permits, this is also a good time to learn and explore new skills, interests or even do short courses, which might prove useful for career progression or if you’re looking for new job options.
Don’t go overboard during the holidays with shopping, cooking and attending every single party and event. Instead, take care of yourself by saying no at least once—and maybe more. You might even find it empowering.
4. Go device free
Yes – quit the constant cell phone buzz and email alerts that keep you in fight-or-flight mode. Staying connected to emails and group chats is not just exhausting, but also unnecessarily raises stress levels. What better time to turn your gadgets off than during a holiday get-together? Enjoy spending time with your family and friends without worry.
5. Stay positive
The holidays may feel like they’re driving you to breaking point, but don’t let the festive mood get you worked up. Negative thinking can trigger your body’s stress level. Remember, it’s a time to celebrate with your nearest and dearest. A cheerful outlook will help you cope with challenges that come your way and set you up to take on 2018.
