11 Ways to Avoid Holiday Stress This Year

There is nothing like the holiday season, and there’s nothing like the feeling of giving and spending time with your friends and family. Most people have primarily positive feelings about the holiday season. But sometimes, the holidays can have some adverse side effects on your health. However, you spend the holiday, chances are that you may feel overwhelmed from the busyness of planning, along with the stress of feeling pressure to spend money. Even when we plan ahead, holiday stress can sneak up on us.

Stress can harm our minds and body. Though stress is expected, we see a greater pressure put on us during this month that our brains and body can react to these stressors.

Here are 11 ways you can reduce holiday stress this year.

  1. Plan the holiday you want to have

We can picture what we want the holidays to look like by setting expectations for ourselves. Vision what you want your holiday to look like. Who is with you at the dinner table? What are you discussing? What music is everyone listening to? Whatever it may be, honor whatever picture you have in your mind and remember why you celebrate the holidays in the first place. Don’t let anything get in the way of the happiness you experience during these times with your friends and loved ones.

  1. Set proper boundaries

Sometimes the pressure to please everyone in our family keeps you from appreciating the holidays. They may want to call the shots regarding what you do, where you go, and how much to spend. But this year, it’s important to remember that you are the one choosing what you want and set those boundaries. Before you commit to parties and events, consider what plans work best for you and your family.

  1. Don’t focus on the things you can’t control

It’s hard not to be a control freak during the holidays. You can only control your thoughts and actions. You can’t control what others do around you, so don’t sweat the small stuff. Once you choose to let go instead of focusing on the little things, you can reduce the stress in your life by not carrying the weight of those problems.

  1. It’s okay to say no

By saying “yes” to things you are uncomfortable with and that don’t bring you joy won’t relieve any stress you are already feeling. No matter how much you want to, no one can attend all the parties and exchange gifts with everyone. Feel free to decline something, you’ll be happy you did.

  1. Take time to disconnect

Sometimes things like social media can be overconsumed. During the holidays, your feed can make the stress feel worse. It’s best to stay off social media as much as possible when feeling stressed and overcome with anxiety. Social media isn’t real, and sometimes it gets in the way of the main goal you set for yourself in the beginning. Spend time with the people that matter rather than looking at your screen.

  1. Stick to Your budget

Creating a budget is another boundary that can reduce stress on you and your bank account. You are the one in control of your spending, and it’s important to stick to that budget and to not overspend and impulse buy. So, plan out a reasonable budget for your holiday shopping and decoration spending, and stick to it.

  1. Manage your sugar intake, it can weigh you down

It’s that time of year where there are indulgences we give ourselves, especially when we are stressed. Holidays are full of sugary snacks that we are allowed to have, in moderation, that is. Those holiday treats are full of sugar that messes up the natural hormones that respond to stress and the chemicals in our brains. Don’t over consume those sweets this year, and make sure to not throw away your usual healthy habits.

  1. Stay healthy with plenty of rest

The most powerful tool to reduce stress and anxiety is, in fact, rest and sleep. By not getting enough sleep, your brain becomes overactive and increases levels of anxiety. Staying up late will only worsen your stress and impact your immune system.

  1. Get outside

Yes, it may be cold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of nature. Nature is essential for emotional and physical wellness and allows us to process and release stress hormones. Bundle up and go for a walk and check out the neat lights and decorations in your neighborhood or have fun in the snow with your family.

  1. Don’t forget about your self-care

By putting yourself first, you can improve your mood and make it easier to take care of those around you. It’s easy to forget about yourself when focused on ensuring everyone else has a great time during the holiday get-togethers. That’s why setting some time aside for the things that you enjoy can reduce stress. Find some time in your day to do your daily routine and exercises, maybe read a book, do whatever makes you happy.

  1. Visit a chiropractor

Traveling, shopping, visiting family, the stress can build up quickly. Chiropractic care may not be able to altogether remove those stressful triggers out of your life, but it can help your body cope with them. Chiropractic can eliminate the tension that builds in the spine and eliminate stress in the forms of the body’s natural response to triggers. If you have ever thought of chiropractic before, the holidays are the perfect time to start.

If you are ready to take the next steps in having a less stressful holiday, visit Cheshire Wellness Center and book a consultation. Dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health through transformational, evidence-based NetworkSpinal chiropractic care; a low force, non-invasive touch that allows your nervous system, your spine and your entire body to function better, heal and stay healthy.

 

Call Us Text Us
Skip to content