While the holiday season is often the most wonderful time of the year, for many they can also be some of the most stressful. Between gift shopping, party attendance, financial stress, and familial obligations, no wonder that the holidays can burn everyone out. The good news is it’s not impossible to get through the festive season drinking responsibly and whilst looking after your wellbeing at the same time. Below are some actionable tips to survive the holidays.
Understanding Holiday Burnout
Overwhelming demands in (which can) consume you emotionally, physically, and mentally leave you feeling physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted…this is known as holiday burnout. So, it’s important to recognize them early enough so you can tackle them.
Signs of Holiday Burnout
- Fatigue: Not being able to stop being tired however you try.
- Irritability: Feeling annoyed or easily overwhelmed.
- Loss of Joy: Now these activities which at one time used to make me happy seem like duties to fulfill.
- Difficulty Sleeping: I start racing thoughts — holiday tasks, expectations we have of ourselves.
- Physical Symptoms: Feeling tense, having headaches, muscle tension, getting colds often.
Once you identify these symptoms you can take proactive steps to control your stress.
Managing Expectations
A lot of the holiday burnout is caused by the pressure to live up to unrealistic expectations, whether that’s being placed on you by other people or yourself.
Prioritize What Matters Most
What matters during the holidays? Take a minute to think about that. Is it spending time with loved ones? And creating it in a way that … that could be meaningful? The more you give yourself the permission to not be perfect, the more you have the ability to focus on what’s really important.
Communicate Boundaries
Be clear about what you expect of family, friends and coworkers. Don’t feel required to attend every single event – politely decline when you can’t attend. Your mental health is worth more than the approval of everybody.
Let Go of Perfection
The holidays don’t need to be perfect. If your holiday cheer is in short supply, embrace imperfection: a less than perfectly decorated tree or a simple holiday meal. It’s the meaning behind your efforts that matters most.
Budgeting to Reduce Financial Stress
Stress related to financial strain is a primary source of holiday stress. However with proper planning you can make sure you create an unforgettable season that won’t cause you to dig through your toes.
Set a Realistic Budget
Calculate how much you can spend on presents, feasting and entertainment, without breaking the bank. Don’t let postholiday financial regret drive you to bust this budget.
Get Creative with Gifts
Expensive doesn’t mean meaningful. Giving hands on gifts, writing a personalized note, or baking cookies together can be the most cherished gifts when compared to a store bought gift.
Track Your Spending
Track your holiday spending. You can stay organized and well, prevent accidental overspending with the use of apps or spreadsheets.
Time Management Tips
It is impossible to balance work, family and all of the work that goes along with holiday preparation. Time management can help you stay organized and lower stress.
Plan Ahead
Make a holiday calendar to plan events, shopping excursions, and preparations to do. Smaller pieces make the whole easier to handle.
Delegate Tasks
You shouldn’t do everything all by yourself. Ask family members to help with decorating, cooking or wrapping Christmas gifts. Splitting responsibilities lessens the pressure and allows the season to be a lot more fun for everyone.
Schedule Downtime
The hustle and bustle does not give you any time to relax and recharge. A cup of tea, book or walk, these are the moments that can help you hold balance.
Self-Care During the Holidays
Macmillan says that avoiding burnout is all about taking care of yourself. In honor of the festive season, here’s how you can be better at taking care of yourself.
Maintain Healthy Habits
- Eat Mindfully: Have holiday treats in moderation and add them in with some nutritious meals.
- Stay Active: Exercise causes stress reduction, increased mood, and health, the obvious benefits from physical activity. A short walk won’t lose you much.
- Sleep Well: Establish a steady bedtime and make a nighttime routine that is aimed at creating a quality sleep time.
Practice Mindfulness
With mindfulness you can be present and enjoy life as it presents itself here and now. A simple exercise is to try deep breathing, meditation, or just take a moment to soak in the sights and sounds, and to take note of how the season smells.
Don’t Skip Routine Appointments
In times of being busy we frequently postpone appointment of doctor and moreover far away going to the therapy sessions but one cannot neglect the way to go for the health because health is also a way of wellbeing.
Navigating Family Dynamics
But for others, family gatherings are stressful rather than joyous. Here are 11 tips on how to act in tricky situations.
Set Realistic Expectations
Know that no family is perfect. Enjoy the positive moments instead thinking about potential conflicts.
Prepare Responses to Difficult Topics
When you know ahead of time you may have to have some challenging conversations, be prepared for how you will respond. Politely you can change the subject or set up boundaries when you need to.
Take Breaks When Needed
Take a few minutes away from family dynamics if it gets too much to breathe and reset. It can help you to regain your composure by stepping away.
Finding Joy in the Simple Things
In the midst of the disorder, don’t forget to enjoy even the very smallest of the joys that turn the holidays into something special.
Create Meaningful Traditions
Traditions add a sense of comfort and continuity whether it’s baking cookies, taking a drive to see the festive lights, or watching a favorite holiday movie.
Express Gratitude
Reflect on what you’re grateful for. Gratitude can help pull your focus from stress.
Spread Kindness
Adequate amount of kind act, like contribute to a charity or assist a neighbor, can produce a sensation of fulfillment and relation in the period.
Moving Forward with Intention
It’s the time for celebration but your wellbeing doesn’t have to come at the expense of the holidays. You can make this season one that is full of joy and meaning, by managing expectations, practicing self care and focusing on what really matters. Slow down and focus on the imperfections, that’s why it’s awesome.
Frotpox 