Mountain Pacific Blog

When people struggle to feel the holiday cheer, that struggle often stems from the pressure and stress the holiday season can bring. If you are not feeling all that cheerful, here are three tips to better manage holiday stress and focus more on the joy and festivities of the season.

1. Be realistic about family expectations and your budget.

If we hold ourselves to our idea of “the perfect holiday,” we can easily become overwhelmed. One key step to managing stress is to ask yourself, “How does this particular item or event ‘fit’ into the big picture?” Then prioritize your time and money around what matters most and make a plan.

• Calendar the events you simply do not want to miss and give your regrets to the rest.
• If possible, find “down” times to do your shopping, like weekdays or weeknights.
• Spread out your errands, so you are not trying to accomplish too much in a short amount of time. You can also ask others to help, so you are not doing everything yourself.
• Make a budget. Stick to the budget as best as you can and allow a bit of wiggle room for unexpected costs that might pop up.

You may also want to think about prioritizing experiences and time above shopping and buying gifts. The holidays are about being with our loved ones. We can be generous with our time and focus on creating memories rather than generous with our wallets and spending a lot of money.

2. Be kind.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be frustrating. There is usually more traffic, more people and long lines. Remember: you have no control over other people, only over yourself. If you are frustrated with a slow driver, a rude shopper or a slow line, take a deep breath and put the moment into perspective.

There may be a reason the driver is going slowly, perhaps out of safety or concern for something you do not know about. The line may be long, but it will not last forever, and the cashier is likely going as quickly as he or she can. The rude shopper could be in a bad mood for any number of personal reasons, and besides, he or she will be out of your life in a matter of minutes.

Being patient with others can actually be a calming gift you give to yourself.

3. Take care of yourself.

Running yourself ragged over the holiday season not only causes stress but can also be unhealthy. Put your health at the top of your priority list and take these steps.

• Try to stick to your regular sleep schedule and get plenty of rest.
• Eat healthy foods, drink water and avoid self-soothing with junk food or alcohol.
• Make time for physical activity. Park far away from the store while you are doing your shopping. Do an extra lap around the mall before you leave. Play with your kids or grandkids. Organize a family outdoor activity. Exercise is proven to improve your mood and help reduce stress.
• Pamper yourself with a long bath, a trip to a salon or spa, a hot cup of cocoa or some other form of self-care that gives you a few moments of relaxation.
• Remember to laugh. Not only is laughter a stress reliever, but it also has short- and long-term health benefits, including stimulating your heart, lungs and muscles and improving your immune system.

By planning ahead, putting kindness first and taking care of your physical and mental health, you can trade the seasonal frustration and stress for joy and holiday cheer. Happy holidays!