The holiday season can be a time of excitement, festivities and promise. In reality, with this time of year comes increased stress. The loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, strained family relationships and hectic schedules contribute to elevating stress levels. A few simple tips can help you minimize holiday stress.
Be realistic
Let go of unrealistic expectations, especially the desire for perfection. It is okay if the popovers don’t pop or the gravy has lumps. Focus on the people you love. It is the time spent together that matters most, not if your holiday dinner looks like a Bon Appetit cover page.
Take stock of your personal expectations of the holidays. Make sure that your expectations are realistic. This time of the year is no different than any other. If your inner experience contrasts with what is being hyped, trust your own instincts. Do not try to be what you are not. Keep your normal routine for these days will pass.
Keep expectations manageable
Set realistic goals, pace yourself and prioritize important activities to best manage your time. Choose the activities that you enjoy and accept the invitations that will bring you pleasure. Don’t spend the holiday season fulfilling obligations and doing what you think others want you to do. Don’t overextend yourself or your family. Take time to relax.
Set a holiday budget
Loss of income is a stress factor all year long. Financial difficulties add to stress during the holiday season. Set a holiday budget and don’t equate love with the cost and quantity of gifts. Shop early and take advantage of sales. Make gifts, such as homemade cookies and jams. Offer your services, such as babysitting, mowing the lawn or helping with household chores in lieu of a purchased gift.
Teach your children to be realistic. It is okay to tell them that a gift is too expensive. Tell them that you, and even Santa Claus, have limited funds. Guide them in choosing one or a few gifts that fit into your budget. Take this opportunity to teach your children that their wishes are not everyone’s command and to curb their desire for immediate gratification.
Reach out to others
If you find yourself alone this holiday season, seize the opportunity to reach out to others. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen. Many churches offer holiday meals for those in need. Take this opportunity to be of service to others. Consider volunteering at your local hospital on a specific holiday. Interacting with other people may ease the stress of being alone.
Enjoy free activities
Take a drive to enjoy the holiday decorations in your area. Take a stroll to enjoy the window displays in local shops. Take advantage of free local holiday concerts or plays. Go caroling in your neighborhood. Watch a holiday movie on television and enjoy some popcorn and hot cocoa with your family. Spend an afternoon baking holiday cookies with your children. Purchase refrigerated cookie dough to reduce stress in the kitchen.
Ease family tension
Be realistic about your family and accept that some degree of family tension and stress as normal. Avoid disagreeable topics or controversial subjects. Instead, focus on positive topics of discussion and conversation. Approach time spent with difficult relatives by listening to them, asking questions about their interests and trying to view life from their perspective. Avoid long visits with difficult relatives and include good friends to traditionally-family gatherings to help ease tensions. Maintain a sense of humor.
Remember the true meaning of the holidays
At this time of year, focus on the importance of family. Reflect on the blessings in your life. Let go of picture-perfect images of the holidays and disliked holiday traditions and consider celebrating in new and different ways. Include family and friends in planning and preparation. Take time to relax. Have fun and enjoy the holidays.
Sources:
Mental Health America: Holiday Depression and Stress, Nov. 15, 2011
http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectid=c7df954d-1372-4d20-c80ed0a7ab69d250
Cleveland Clinic: Coping with Holiday Stress, NOV. 15, 2011
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/healthy_living/stress_management/hic_copin...
Reviewed November 16, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith