Tips to Manage Holiday Stress

By Lisa Owens

Avoiding the yearly holiday stress… or at least doing your best to beat it. Everyone experiences a little bit of stress with the holidays. Don’t try to deny it. Maybe the biggest stress is if you’ll get what you want for Christmas, but to some it’s still considered a valid stress. Though you may not be able to avoid feeling overwhelmed, there are certainly ways you can lessen strong grip of stress.

Here are a few suggestions to beat the holiday stress…

• Shop early, and don’t try to get it all done in one trip! Know what you want to buy so you’re not spending hours going from store to store, and make sure you keep a list of what you’ve bought so you don’t shop for the same person twice.

• If you’re hosting the Thanksgiving feast don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring something! You don’t need to do everything.

• Find time for exercise! To many this may seem like just another think to add to your list. However, many people find that exercising regularly helps them cope with other stresses, and gives them more energy to accomplish everything they need.

• Remember to schedule time for relaxation! Taking just 15 minutes or so can do wonders. Those who take time to relax, breathe deeply, and clear their mind are often more productive.  Don’t be afraid to do something for yourself such as getting a massage, or your hair cut. If you don’t take time to care for yourself then you won’t be able to care for everything else in life!
  • Here is a great exercise that only takes 10 to 15 minutes. Lie down, close your eyes, and focus on breathing deeply. Focus on one area of your body, and visualize your muscles relaxing. Maybe start with your feet, focus on them relaxing, and then move to your calves. Make sure to take extra time on your shoulders, or wherever it may be that you tend to hold your stress. After you have gone through the whole body take a few deep breathes, and then slowly stand up.

• Don’t fill up on sugary holiday sweets! Those sweets will provide limited energy, and will not sustain you throughout the day. Eating healthy will also help keep you from getting sick while trying to get everything ready for the holidays. If you’re going out shopping make sure to eat a health snack beforehand.

• Remember the reason for the season. Put the holidays into perspective, and don’t be afraid to cut out some events that may be making your holidays unenjoyable. Don’t forget to take time to do some service. It’s healthy for your soul…

When you begin to feel overwhelmed this holiday just remember these simples tips. Hopefully they can help you to actually enjoy this wonderful season!