The holidays can be a bit tricky for many people. On one hand, they’re filled with parties and gatherings with family and friends, which can be a blast. But on the other hand, they can bring a lot of stress. What’s fun for one person might be overwhelming for another.
Not everyone looks forward to going home for the holidays, and sometimes the sheer number of holiday parties can get exhausting.
And the stress doesn’t just disappear once the holidays are over. So, here are 5 ways to tackle pre- and post-holiday stress:
First off, in 2015, Americans added an average of $986 in holiday debt, with over half using credit cards. The problem? Paying off that debt, with interest, could take months. While using credit cards might reduce stress temporarily, it creates more stress later. Instead, try to save money throughout the year and only spend what you’ve saved. If that ship has sailed for this year, at least try to stick to a budget and minimize your credit card use. Come spring, you’ll be glad you did.
Next, holidays often come with a never-ending list of social commitments, which can be exhausting. So, make sure you carve out some time for yourself, whether it’s a few hours or a whole weekend. Think of it like recharging your phone—sometimes you need to unplug, too. This might also be a good time for a digital detox. With everyone wanting your attention during the holidays, it’s okay to turn off your phone and focus on what really matters to you.
Another thing that often gets sidelined during the holidays is your fitness routine. While you don’t need to maintain peak performance, try to fit in a few workouts. The holidays usually come with heavy meals and decreased energy levels. Plus, many people experience a bit of the “holiday blues.” Exercise can help boost your mood and energy, so even a brisk walk or a quick yoga session can make a difference.
During the holidays, people tend to focus on others—shopping, cooking, and entertaining. While that’s great, don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Pampering yourself a bit can go a long way. Whether it’s a massage, a nice soak in the tub, or treating yourself to a gift, remember that you deserve a happy holiday, too.
Lastly, setting boundaries is crucial for minimizing holiday stress. This could mean limiting the number of parties you attend, telling family you can’t make it home this year, or even refusing to work overtime. Boundaries are important year-round, but they’re especially challenging during the holidays because of the guilt factor. Accept that you might disappoint some people and that’s okay—they’ll survive.
The key to reducing holiday stress is letting go of the mindset that you have to do everything. Besides essential activities like eating and sleeping, there’s very little you truly have to do. Don’t let others make you feel obligated; focus more on what you want to do and less on what you think you “have” to do.
