The holidays can be joyful, but as we also know all too well, they can be tremendously stressful. Several factors contribute to holiday stress, including disruptions in our routines, lack of rest and sleep, financial challenges, difficult relationships and feelings of loss, loneliness and depression.
Here are 10 tips that can help you manage some of the holiday-related stresses we all are likely to experience:
1) Consider your needs
Take some time well in advance of the holidays to first consider your own needs. Try to picture how you would like the holidays to unfold. Do you want to be with others nonstop or build in some time to nurture yourself? Is travel in the picture or are you staying at home? How much time can you be away from work? Who do you want to visit, or just as importantly, are there those who have hurt you that you wish not to see?
2) Clarify expectations
It can be very helpful to have some conversations with friends and family to clarify everyone’s expectations for how the holidays will be celebrated. Are there customs, traditions, or events you may be expected to participate in? Are there special people who would like you to spend time with them?
3) Plan ahead
A little planning can indeed go a long way. Use the information you gathered in the above steps and start to sketch out plans for your work and travel schedule, special events or people you don’t want to miss, your budget for gifts, and so on.
4) Be flexible
Even if your plans are well thought out, leave room for the unexpected, such as travel delays, a sick family member, or losing your phone. Try to be open and accommodating when schedules and plans change at the last minute.
5) Navigate transitions
Transitions can include the first holiday since the loss of a dear family member, children becoming independent young adults, new babies, and needing to care for older relatives. Open communication and flexibility are critical in navigating these situations and role changes.
6) Steer clear of sensitive issues
It’s often said to avoid discussing politics, religion, sex and personal finances. There may be other sensitive topics to steer clear of to keep the holidays a bit more joyful. Or if you and your friends or family rejoice in debating sticky issues, then dive right in.
7) Be present
Disconnect as much as you can from work, chores and technology during the holidays. Be mindful and present in the moment, focusing on those around you during the limited amount of time you are together. Remember what the holidays represent and try to tune in to the values of peace, love, hope, and giving thanks.
8) Express gratitude
The holidays are a great time to reflect on the people and things in your life you are thankful for. Take a moment to express your appreciation to those special people, either in person or with a quick call, text, or note. Or jot down a few things in a gratitude journal that bring you happiness and peace of mind.
9) Maintain self-care
As much as is feasible, try to maintain your basic routines for self-care, such as rest, physical activity, staying hydrated and healthy eating (so hard to do!). Bring a focus on health into the holiday routine. For example, organize a group walk after the big dinner to knock off a few of the calories.
10) Allow time for re-entry
If you can, allow one full day at home before returning to your regular routine to rest, recharge and regroup. Also try to keep your schedule light the first day back so you don’t have to hit the ground running.
I hope these suggestions can help you better manage the stress that is all too common around the holidays. Please check them out and see if they are helpful for you. The holidays really can be enjoyable and a time to make new memories with those we love. So I’ll close by wishing you happy holidays!
Here’s a question: What other tips have you found helpful in managing holiday stress? Please leave a comment. Also, please subscribe to my blog and feel free to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, “like” my Facebook page, or connect on LinkedIn. Finally, if you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend.