Summary

The article provides eleven strategies for managing stress during the holiday season, emphasizing self-care and emotional well-being.

Abstract

As the holiday season approaches, stress levels can skyrocket due to the increasing demands of shopping, cooking, socializing, and family interactions. The article "How to Handle Stress Around the Holidays" offers practical advice to help individuals cope with the pressures of the festive period. It suggests engaging in quick art projects like coloring, maintaining a regular workout routine, reducing caffeine intake, indulging in light-hearted movies, journaling, setting aside time for emotional release, scaling back on holiday preparations, allowing oneself small treats, planning ahead, delegating tasks, and reflecting on the joys of the season. These strategies aim to alleviate anxiety, improve mood, and help maintain a sense of calm and gratitude amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.

Opinions

Art, such as coloring, is seen as a therapeutic activity that provides a sense of accomplishment and a brief respite from holiday chaos.
Exercise is highly recommended for its endorphin-boosting and stress-relieving benefits.
Caffeine should be consumed in moderation to avoid increased anxiety and sleep disruption.
Watching cheesy holiday movies is a simple pleasure that can lift spirits.
Journaling is considered an effective method for processing emotions throughout the year, including the holiday season.
The concept of an "emotion window" is introduced as a structured way to deal with daily stress without letting it consume one's life.
It's suggested that opting out of certain holiday traditions, like extensive decorating, can be liberating and enjoyable.
Occasional indulgences, such as a special coffee drink or an extra cookie, are encouraged as a form of self-care.
Planning and completing holiday tasks ahead of schedule can reduce stress and allow for relaxation before the main events.
Delegating responsibilities to family members or friends can make holiday chores more manageable and less daunting.
Reflecting on the things one is thankful for and staying present in the moment is advised to fully appreciate the holiday season and the memories being created.

How to Handle Stress Around the Holidays

Eleven Ideas for dealing with stress

As the holidays approach we find our to-do list growing and growing. Shopping, cooking, invites, and decorating. On top of that, we have the stress of actually having to deal with family. Plus friends in social situations. Don’t forget all the retail workers and people in busy stores we run across. Holidays can be so stressful. What can we do about it? Here are some ways to manage your stress around holidays.

1. Art

I know, if you barely have time for cooking, how can you have time for art.. You can try something out, like Johanna Basford’s “Little Victories” (no affiliation, I make no money). This allows you to finish a coloring piece in five to ten minutes. That time can help you relax and give you a little space to yourself. Plus you get the added bonus of feeling like you’ve accomplished something.

2. Workout

Exercise increases feel-good endorphins which will improve your mood. It also helps relieve stress. I like to do high-intensity activities around the holidays to blow off some steam.

3. Avoid too much caffeine

How can you make it through your to-do list without your cup of Jo? Too much caffeine can make you anxious and interrupt your sleep if you drink it too late in the day. Moderating caffeine can help keep your anxiety down and also help you get your eight hours of sleep. Being well-rested will make you less stressed.

4. Watch a B movie

Everyone knows all Hallmark movies are pretty much the same. But they work for a reason. Try finding the cheesiest movie you can. Pop some popcorn and enjoy a sappy romance. That attorney from the big city will always fall for the flannel-wearing farmer.

5. Journal

This helps during all seasons but can be useful during the holidays too. Find even five minutes to vent on paper. It doesn’t have to be pretty writing, a flow of consciousness will do. Get all your feelings on paper, then set it aside and move on.

6. Try an emotion window

This is where you set aside some time every day to deal with whatever is bothering you. For instance, you can take fifteen minutes and cry scream, or punch a pillow. When those fifteen minutes end, you go back to regular life. The point is to set a regular appointment with yourself to deal with your emotions. Then you can spend the rest of your life doing what needs doing.

7. Do less

Say “No” more. Last year my mom was in hospice and my dad was in a skilled nursing facility. We didn’t feel like decorating. Instead of caving to the pressure that your house has to look like joy came to town, we didn’t decorate. Not at all. It was very freeing and we still enjoyed the holiday.

8. Treat yourself

I know I said caffeine should be limited. It’s okay though to treat yourself to that occasion Starbucks drink that you want if it makes you feel better. Or maybe you want to eat an extra cookie or buy yourself an advent calendar. Whatever brings you joy. Treat yourself.

9. Plan Ahead

Give yourself plenty of time to achieve everything. Try to not wait until the last minute. Finishing everything a few days early will give you a much-needed break before all the craziness starts.

10. Delegate

Pass on the chores. Get your kids and spouse involved. Or even see if a friend will help out. Even if you decide to do everything together with a friend instead of alone. The tasks might not feel so daunting, but if you divide them up you will do more in less time.

11. Reflect

Think about all you are thankful for. Think about all the wonderful memories you are making. Try to stay in the moment when you are doing things like making cookies with kids or friends. Take pictures. Build memories. Enjoy the holidays for what it should be. Time with family and friends.