Do you hear what I hear? It’s the sound of holiday stress settling in for a long visit.
Talk about scary ghost stories! Most of us feel some stress around the holiday season. Don’t get us wrong, we love celebrating the holidays, but research shows that common concerns like holiday budgets and gifting are driving up our stress levels. Whether you’re worried about finding the perfect present, affording the finest trimmings at your Christmas feast, traveling across the country or cleaning the house before your in-laws arrive, holiday stress can dampen anyone’s spirits.
But there are ways to combat holiday-induced stress. Here are some stress management techniques to promote relaxation during the holidays.
Set boundaries
To manage an overwhelming holiday schedule, prioritize what’s important. Choose the traditions and seasonal hallmarks that matter most to your family, and save the rest for the years to come. Be content with saying no when your schedule becomes fully booked. Be willing to compromise. For example, if you’re too busy to attend a holiday party, perhaps include the host on your Christmas card list instead. And consider seeking an outside opinion from a friend to ensure your commitments are manageable.
Budget wisely
Create a budget as early as possible. Consult trusted online resources to decide how much money you can comfortably spend during the holidays, and stick with your plan. Discuss your holiday budget and priorities with your partner and family. To make a little more room in your finances, get creative by giving homemade gifts or experiences, simplifying your get-togethers and exploring lower-cost alternatives, such as sending Christmas greeting emails instead of physical cards.
Set the screens aside
For many, this is the only time of year that extended family members gather together. Savor this time by putting your phone aside. Set a personal goal to avoid excessive screen time, and invite your loved ones to do the same. Distance yourself from stressors like work emails, non-essential notifications and social media pings. And speaking of social media …
Don’t give in to FOMO
FOMO, or fear of missing out, is rampant among social media users. When friends and influencers share flawless holiday moments, don’t compare your life to their post — it rarely shows the full picture. Instead, practice gratitude and take time away from social media if necessary.
Mindful relaxation
When you’re running between activities, shopping, parties and other events, you may not pause to consider your well-being. When you feel yourself tensing up, use techniques like meditation and progressive muscle relaxation. Even just a few deep breaths can help conquer stressful moments. And remember to indulge in purposeful self-care with Scentsy Body products that make you feel your best.
How do you deal with holiday stress? Comment your ideas!
