5 Tips to Manage Holiday Stress and Find Joy in the Season

The holiday season can be a happy time full of family, parties, and fun. But for many people, it can also be a time of stress and worry. With so much to do, like shopping and visiting family, the holidays can sometimes feel more busy than joyful. The good news is it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning, you can lower your stress and enjoy the holidays more.

Here are 5 tips to help you take care of yourself during this busy time and enjoy everything the holiday season has to offer.

Tips for a less stressful holiday season

It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to make everything perfect, from the decorations to gifts to planned activities. But striving for perfection can often make you unhappy and stressed. Instead of trying to have the perfect holiday season try the following:

• Focus on what matters: Think about what you and your family enjoy most about the holidays. Put your energy there and don't worry about the rest.
• Talk to your family: Be honest with your family and friends about what you can do. Maybe you can have a simpler meal or give fewer gifts. You might be surprised that they feel the same way.
• Be nice to yourself: It's okay if things aren't perfect. A burnt pie or a forgotten gift won't ruin the holidays. The important thing is being together.

The holidays can make you feel like you're being pulled in a million directions. Here’s how you can feel more in control:

• Plan ahead: Use a calendar to write down your plans. Make sure you leave time to rest between events.
• Choose what’s important: Decide which holiday events mean the most to you. It's okay to say no to things that you don’t have time for or feel too stressful.
• Ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Ask your family and friends to help wrap gifts or ask guests to bring a dish to share for dinner or parties.

Worrying about money is a big cause of holiday stress, especially post holidays. To help avoid this, consider doing the following:

• Make a list: Write down everyone you need or want to buy a gift for this holiday season.
• Make a budget: Decide how much you want to spend on gifts, food, and travel before you start. Do your best to stick to it.
• Be creative: Homemade gifts or kind gestures can mean more than expensive ones. Baking cookies or spending time with someone are just a few ideas.
• Shop early: Shopping at the last minute can make you panic and spend too much. Plan ahead to save money and stress.

With so much going on, it's easy to forget to take the time to care for yourself. But self-care is very important for managing stress and staying healthy during the holiday season.

• Stick to your healthy habits: Try to continue eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep. This will help you keep your energy up.
• Take breaks: Remember it is okay to step away when you feel overwhelmed. A short walk, reading a book, or just being quiet for a few minutes can help a lot.
• Don’t be afraid to say "no”: It's important to protect your time and to turn down invitations if you feel too tired or stressed.

The holidays can feel rushed. Slowing down to appreciate the small things can help you feel more grounded. To help with that, you can:

• Practice being thankful: At the start or end of your day, think about a few things you're grateful for.
• Enjoy the little moments: Whether it's a warm cup of cocoa or looking at holiday lights, take time to enjoy these simple pleasures.
• Try breathing exercises: When you feel stressed, take a minute and take a few deep breaths. It is an easy way to help you relax quickly.

There's no such thing as a "perfect" holiday, but you can have a happy one. By letting go of perfection, managing your time and money, and taking care of yourself, you can enjoy a much more joyful season. So, this year, try to worry less and enjoy more. Remember the real magic and joy of the holidays is found in the time we share with the people we love