How to Deal with Holiday Stress

 

The fall and winter holiday season can be particularly stressful. There’s the shopping, extra cooking, guests, severe weather, strained budgets, overall chaos… and all while you are supposed to be cheerful, happy and jolly. What are some ways to handle holiday stress?

 

 

One important strategy is to avoid stress as much as possible by making holiday plans in advance. Think back to previous years. What was causing your holiday stress? What could you do to prevent those troubles this year?

Plan early, make a list of what has to be done when, and consult it often. View the holiday months as a challenge, not a threat. Expect the unexpected, so allow yourself some flexibility in your plan.

Focus on the positives when things don’t go as you had hoped. Deep breathing can help you remain calm, especially when combined with an affirmation statement. Try saying to yourself “I inhale calm. I exhale stress.” as you breathe slowly in, then out. Other good two-part affirmations are “I do my best, one step at a time.” and “I forgive myself and others. I release the past.”

Having available strategies for dealing with the stress of the holiday season will help you stay healthier and allow you to enjoy this time of year. Here are some articles that might offer additional stress-busting strategies:

• 9 tips to fend off holiday stress

• Coping with Holiday Stress

• 7 Tips to Help with Holiday Stress

• The Holiday Blues: A Public Health Perspective