Ways to Reduce Stress During the Holidays
Holiday Stressors
As much as most of us love the holidays, we also know it can be a very stressful time of year. Knowing this ahead of time is a good start to reducing the amount of stress between you and your spouse, family, and friends.
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Financial Stress
The number one stressor for couples and individuals alike is finances. Because of this, I want to talk about it first. Finances are stressful anyway, but during the holidays they are even more stressful. Though it is fun to buy gifts during the holidays, try to remember what the season is truly about. Take the time to do the following:
- Set a Budget and Stick to It
- Discuss Whom You’ll Buy Gifts For
- Shop Early
- Make DIY Gifts
- Learn to Say No
Tips to Reduce Your Stress
I am a big advocate of getting outside as much as possible, staying active and eating healthy.
Get Outside: Take the time to go on a hike with your spouse and/or kids. Or simply go outside and play for 30 minutes. Right now, we have a lot of snow so it is a great workout trudging through it all. Get together with a friend for coffee and a walk. Taking 30 minutes to an hour for these simple things can really improve your mood and reduce your overall stress.
Workout: In addition to getting outside to soak up some vitamin D, make time to workout. There are many many more food temptations you will give into during the holidays, combat that with working out more, not less. Your mind and body will thank you.
Eat Healthy: As hard as this may seem, make good choices the majority of the time so you can indulge during the special occasions. A lot of people take the approach of just starting over in the new year, but why? It is not necessary. Take the time to stay on track and hold yourself accountable.
Volunteer & Donate
A great way to improve your mood is to help others and one way to do that is by volunteering in your community. Help out at your church, your local Salvation Army, at your children’s school…the opportunities this time of year are endless. Even better, volunteer as a family. This will not only help others but also give you and your family more time together, remembering what is truly important. If time isn’t in your favor, donate instead. Many families need a little extra help this time of year.
Forget Perfection, Do Less & Enjoy More
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, remember what the holidays are for. Don’t worry about wrapping the presents just so, buying the expensive gifts and committing to too much. Instead, spend quality time with your family and friends. Enjoy any time you may have off from work, hold your loved ones tight, pray for those less fortunate or those going through difficult times and be thankful for those blessings in your life. May you all have a peaceful and stress-free (or at least less stressful) Holiday Season!
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