These easy tips to reduce holiday stress can make the difference between an exhausting Christmas season and a cheerful and joyful season. Visiting relatives, making big purchases, and attending events can be exhausting. If you’re feeling overwhelmed this holiday season, here are some ways to reduce holiday stress.

WHY ARE THE HOLIDAYS SO STRESSFUL?

The list of reasons why people feel stressed during the holidays can be very long depending on who you talk to about it.

There are many added expenses during Thanksgiving and Christmas and when the budget is stretched it can induce a lot of pressure on families. 

The addition of lots of extra activities into an already busy calendar takes away some of the downtimes that people need in order to stay rested. 

Some people feel the extra family obligations very taxing and tiring due to different family dynamics. The changes in the seasons can also cause seasonal affective disorder issues that can lead to seasonal depression.

Don’t forget that some people feel emotional around the holidays due to the loss of loved ones and not being able to celebrate with the people they have lost.

The list of reasons for holiday stress is big, but there are some easy ways to reduce at least a little bit of holiday stress. 

EASY TIPS TO REDUCE HOLIDAY STRESS

I have five simple tips to help you reduce holiday stress. These are things that anyone and everyone can do.

Following even one or two of these tips can help you reduce your tension during what should be a wonderful time of year.

GET OUTDOORS

The holidays are a cozy time when many people snuggle by the fire and curl up with hot chocolate and watch Christmas movies. All that time indoors can be giving you cabin fever.

Mix things up by taking a walk outside even if it is cold. If it’s snowy out, bundle up to go sledding, make a snowman, or have a snowball fight.

Winter hikes are often a great way to get in touch with nature and see your surroundings in a totally new way. Leave your stress at home and stay in the moment as you breathe in the crisp, winter air.

CITRUS CAN HELP

The smell of an orange, lemon, or grapefruit can relax you. This is because citrus can boost norepinephrine, which improves your mood.

Consuming foods containing Vitamin C can reduce stress and also boost the immune system. This is an added benefit during the winter months when the flu is usually running rampant. Try eating some citrus foods at least once a day.

Essential oils can provide a similar effect if you don’t have a citrus fruit handy. Use the oils in a diffuser for a lovely smelling home too!

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

The holidays can be full of annoyances. Between your loved ones smothering you and the constant craziness, it can be easy to feel irritated.

Instead of getting cranky, stop and count your blessings. If you feel yourself getting annoyed, try to see things from another light.

Remember the importance of empathy and don’t forget that you don’t know what is actually going on in each person’s life that you encounter. The more kindness you show the less irritability you will have!

SAY NO

It’s easy to say yes to everything during the holidays. But if you’d rather sit an event out, speak up and say so. There is only so much time in the day and you have to be a little pickier with your time during the holidays.

Your physical and mental wellbeing still needs care throughout the holiday season. Rest is an important part of self-care.

Be kind to yourself and do less. With less to do, you’ll be able to be more mindful and present at the events you do choose to attend and they will be more meaningful. 

Remember to be cautious about your children’s time too. They can easily become overwhelmed with too many activities and the excitement of the holidays. Stressed kids are more irritable and this can lead to issues within the family. Make sure the children are getting the rest they need.

KEEP REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

It’s one thing to have standards. It’s another thing to have unrealistic expectations for the holidays.

Perhaps you were expecting a better gift from a loved one. Instead, try to see the joy in what you were given. Remember that is truly is the thought behind the gift that counts.

When visiting a loved one’s home, don’t expect the event to be picture perfect. If your mom and your sister-in-law never get along, chances are they won’t become best friends around the Christmas tree.

Don’t try to fit every single new Christmas tradition into one month. Instead pick a few traditions that are very meaningful to you and your family and make those events extra special.

If you are realistic about your expectations you will find yourself experiencing much less holiday stress. Sometimes, you have to let go and just go with the flow. 

Keep in mind that the holiday season goes by quickly. It’s a special time of year that should be cherished. But don’t forget to take the time to be kind to yourself and try to follow these easy steps to reduce holiday stress.

Comment and let me know your favorite stress-relieving tip!