6 Tips to Reduce Stress This Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … or is it? Instead of enjoying the holiday season, many people seem to dread it and feel relieved when it’s over. The stress of family gatherings, holiday feasts, and shopping take over and the joy of the season quickly disappears. But it doesn’t have to.

It’s important to take a few minutes to identify the sources of your stress. Are you trying to create the picture-perfect holiday celebration while forgetting about your own needs? If you don’t take care of yourself, chances are your whole family will suffer the consequences.

Here are 6 tips to make your holidays more enjoyable this year.

1. Have realistic expectations – There is no perfect Christmas or Hanukkah; this is an idea that you build in your mind and is a major source of stress. Stop trying to make every family member happy, buy every gift on your child’s wish list and decorate your home from top to bottom. By the time you complete all of the items on your self-imposed checklist, most likely you will be burned out and unable to enjoy the occasion with your friends and family.

2. Remember what’s important – Holidays aren’t about the gifts, cookies or perfect decor. It’s a time of year to reflect on the good things in your life and be grateful for your family and friends (despite their quirks!). Write down one thing each day that you are grateful for to remind yourself. Don’t forget that it’s the season of giving too. Make a donation to a charity or volunteer your time. When you give to others, not only will you be helping someone in need, you will feel good too.

3. Plan ahead – Create a schedule in advance and decide what’s important to you and your family. Maybe you love making gingerbread houses with your kids or going shopping with your mom. You don’t have to give these things up to get rid of stress; just plan ahead so you can make time and not feel rushed.

4. Ditch the guilt – Maybe this year you can’t make it to every party. That’s ok! Overcommitting leads to stress. When you accept all invitations and run from gathering to gathering, you aren’t fully present and enjoying the activity at hand. Instead, you’re stressing about what’s next on the to-do list. Holiday activities shouldn’t feel like chores. Remember, keep your expectations realistic and only do the things that are important to you.

5. Treat yourself, but in moderation – Cookies, pies, holiday drinks; many people indulge this time of year. While it is ok to give yourself an extra treat here and there, you shouldn’t use the holidays as an excuse to go overboard with food and alcohol. Once the season passes, guilt might set in when you think about your overindulgence (and the few extra pounds on the scale).

6. Don’t forget to exercise – Stop looking at exercise as something you do only to stay physically fit. It improves mood, boosts energy, and decreases stress and anxiety. So in between trips to the mall and batches of cookies, plan to spend 30 minutes at the gym or go for a brisk walk.