Stress Less: 5 Simple Strategies for a Healthier Holiday Season
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…It’s the happiest season of all.”
Or at least that’s how the song goes.
The holidays are in full swing, and while the season is meant to be full of joy, love, and laughter, for many of us, it’s often met with a whole lot of stress. Between finding the perfect gifts, creating a menu everyone will enjoy, and ensuring Uncle Joe is on his best behavior, there’s a lot on your plate.
In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, around 38% of people report increased stress levels during the holiday season. And all that stress, well, it can quickly build up to affect your mental and physical well-being during a time of year when we’re supposed to be the happiest!
If you struggle with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we encourage you to set some boundaries and practice more self-care.
Not sure how to do that? Keep reading!
We’re sharing five tips to help manage stress while prioritizing health and happiness.
TIP ONE: Prioritize Your Health
We’ve all heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Humans are creatures of habit. That’s what makes us efficient, and we’re often living at our healthiest when we stick to a daily routine. During the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, people often kiss their routines goodbye, making it hard to stay on top of their physical and mental health. But taking care of yourself should always be the top priority!
First things first, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can increase stress and make you more prone to illness. Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule, even during the holidays.
Next, eat mindfully. It’s easy to overindulge during holiday meals, but eating mindfully can help you feel better in the long run. With that said, please enjoy the Christmas cookies and eggnog; simply aim for balance rather than deprivation.
Last but not least, stay active! We know this time of year makes it hard to get outside in Minnesota, so instead, turn to your local gym or in-home workouts. When you’re feeling extra stressed, movements like walking, yoga, or strength training can release lots of positive endorphins!
TIP TWO: Set Realistic Expectations
This is a big one.
Holidays don’t need to be perfect, and neither do you. Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to unnecessary stress. At the end of the day, the people around you just want to see you happy.
Start by planning ahead with a simple schedule for shopping, meal prep, and activities to avoid feeling rushed. Instead of focusing on making everything “just right,” embrace the joy of the season and remember that the holidays are about connection, not perfection. Often, the best memories come from unexpected moments, so let go of the need for everything to be flawless and leave room for spontaneity.
When in doubt, plan it out and remember to go with the flow!
TIP THREE: Manage Gift Giving
Financial concerns, including gift buying and managing costs, are the number one stressor for families during the holidays, especially if you’re on a tight budget. It’s important to remember the reason for the season. Hint: it’s not the gifts.
If you’re struggling with financial overwhelm this year, set a budget and stick to it. There are many thoughtful yet affordable gifts to give the ones you love. You could even make something homemade!
Give Experiences. In today’s world of overconsumption, think about an experience you could give inside, such as memberships, concert tickets, family outings, or even a homemade meal.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to simplify. It’s okay to give fewer gifts or skip it altogether if it’s adding too much pressure. Perhaps try drawing names so you only have to buy one family member a gift.
TIP FOUR: Do Less
When in doubt, do less.
Trying to do everything can leave you feeling burnt before the holiday season is even over. If you’ve suffered from this feeling in the past, this year, consider scaling back on activities and instead choose simple traditions that bring you joy. If you don’t want to be the one to host the holiday party, don’t. You are not obligated to open your home or attend every gathering. This time of year can be great practice for exercising your right to say “No.”
The holiday season is meant to be a happy time. If something isn’t bringing you the joy it once did, give yourself permission to skip it.
TIP FIVE: Reach Out for Help If Needed
If you’ve made it this far, you can see there are many reasons why the holiday season may be stressful for you, and sometimes, that stress is too much to handle on your own.
If you find yourself in that situation, please know you are not alone. Chances are, many loved ones in your life also feel the weight of it. Take the time to talk with someone about how you’re feeling. Don’t hesitate to share your feelings with a friend, family member, or counselor.
And in that same vein, ask for help! This can be very hard to do but think about how nice it would be to have an extra hand in the holiday shopping, meal prep, and ensuring everyone has a memorable experience this year. Pretty nice, right?
You’re not in this alone. It’s time to step off your island and lean on your village.
The holidays are meant to be a time of celebration and connection, not stress and burnout. You can embrace the season with peace of mind by prioritizing your health, managing expectations, simplifying your plans, and asking for help. Remember, you don’t have to do it all—just focus on what matters most.