Holiday Stress Prevention Tips

Posted: December 7, 2022

The holidays are right around the corner! Christmas time is one of my most favorite times of the year. The gatherings, the food, the baking, and the time to just be with friends and family. I love it all. But as I have grown older, I have come to realize that it is easy to develop certain expectations for how the holidays will look. Especially as a new mom – I had many of these expectations and hopes for where we would go, what we would see, and the fun we would have. But I didn’t take into account the fact that my little ones had agendas of their own, would catch sicknesses that prevented us from being with friends and family, etc. etc.

There can also be the tricky dynamics of having to navigate family gatherings with people you’d rather not see. Or maybe you have shared custody of your children and so they will not be with you on the days you had hoped for through the season. And lets not forget about the consumerism of outrageous proportions which has become the societal norm and expectation which can cause piles of stress if you are unable to attune to your values and what is most important to you during the holiday season.

If you tend to get a little stressed over the holidays, here are some tips to help you stay grounded, calm and peaceful.

Embrace Flaws

Nothing and no one is perfect. No matter how hard you try to have “the perfect holidays,” it likely won’t be the perfect ideal you have pictured for one reason or another. Accept imperfections, embrace reality, and focus on connecting with loved ones. And set good healthy boundaries with family and friends when needed!

Be Kind

Some of the people you will come in contact with will be stressed as well. And some people feel very sad and depressed around the holidays because of loss and other trauma. Since you can’t know what’s in other people’s hearts and minds, and you can’t control other people’s actions, focus on controlling your own and show kindness. You’ll be surprised how you can completely touch another’s heart and change their attitude with just a smile or thoughtful act.

Practice Self-Care

Often, when we feel stressed, our good habits go right out the window! It can be difficult to eat healthy when there is endless treats and goodies around. But unhealthy foods, too much alcohol and not enough sleep can exacerbate any stress you may be feeling. So be sure to treat yourself well and take care of your health during this time.

Speak with Someone

If you are having a hard time dealing with stress, it’s a good idea to talk with someone. This could be a friend, family member, clergy, or therapist. Often, just having someone else hear us and validate our feelings can help relieve stress.

If you’d like to speak to someone, please get in touch with me. I’d love to help you de-stress so you and your loved ones can enjoy the holiday season.

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