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During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be hard to stay calm and avoid holiday stress. We all face stress in our daily lives from various factors and it can affect your health in several ways. For many people, stress is a constant struggle. There are many ways to abstain from stress, such as planning or exercising.
Four Tips & Tricks to Avoid Holiday Stress
In the midst of the holidays, there is a whole new bundle of emotions and stress. Going to visit Santa, Christmas plays/musicals, and cookie exchanges are events that consume us. The cluster of seasonal tasks can become overwhelming. Here are some tips and tricks that will help relax and enjoy the holidays!
Stop & Enjoy Traditions
Many people have their own particular holiday traditions. Decorating the home with festive seasonal decor is a common and lasting family tradition. Playing Christmas music while adorning the Christmas tree with ornaments and tinsel or dressing up the mantel with stockings are two important places to fixate on. These traditions are the moments you will remember the most. Make these fun times a priority. The holidays come and go so quickly, and if you are too focused on to-dos, you will allow these precious moments to slip away from you.
Plan Ahead
To stay sane in the whirlwind of endless holiday opportunities, you must plan! Planning your days is only going to further benefit you. Make lists of supplies and gifts you need and keep your calendar up to date with events. Doing both of these things will keep you organized. A good tip is to meal plan. Prepping one-pot cajun pasta or spicy cast iron steak and peppers for dinner ahead of time will reduce stress amongst everything going on. Having meals ready to go will make it easier to focus on added activities.
Don’t Change Your Normal Day-to-Day
A common way we naturally avoid stress during the holidays is by eliminating a normal chore and supplementing it with a holiday-related responsibility. Don’t do this! If you go to the gym, continue to go. If you choose to take events out of your normal day-to-day that makes you happy, you will inevitably crumble. This is where planning is essential because you can arrange seasonal events around your normal ones. At the end of it all, everything will be accomplished, without having to sacrifice anything important to your everyday routine.
Relax
While all of these things are pulling you in different directions, it is important to take time to focus on yourself. Relaxing will be your key to function during the busiest time of year. It allows you to shut off your mind, re-energize and think clearly. Some options to help you unwind includes:
- Meditating
- Journaling
- Exercising
- Reading a book
- Taking a bubble bath
- Doing yoga
- Crafting
- Take 15 minutes to be alone
Everyone’s relaxation outlet is different. Practice what will rejuvenate yourself in order to keep up with the added chaos.
Planning your days, taking in every second of holiday traditions, keeping to your normal schedules and relaxing are the best tips and tricks to avoid holiday stress this Christmas. Although there may be some responsibilities that need to be completed to achieve the holidays you envision, it is not worth the mental toll. The holidays are about being surrounded by your loved ones. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth and successful holiday season!
