If you are looking for ways to have a stress-free holiday, you’re in the right place. It’s very difficult to avoid stress almost any day of the year. However, it’s important to learn how to keep it at bay as much as possible. We’ll be taking a look at the following seven ways on how to beat holiday stress. Not only will you be able to use these during what is the busiest time of year, but it can be done year-round. We’ll also help you handle such instances like holiday depression.
Let’s take a look now at the following list below.
1. Make self-care a priority
Self-care is a great option for those who want to keep mentally healthy this holiday season. It’s important to learn how to identify the things that might lead to undue stress. It can be dysfunctional family members that constantly bicker. Or it can be a task that can lead to stress regularly. You can deal with it in a few days. You can manage it in the best way possible (we’ll show you how next). Or you can extract yourself from the situation. This may depend on where you are. If you are at a family get together at someone’s home, you can leave if you need to.
You don’t want to get caught in the middle of a stressful situation. If anything else, you can always learn how to control your handling of stress. Up next is one of our favorite holiday stress tips that apply to any day of the year.
2. Practice mindfulness
Needless to say, regular mindfulness practice is one of the best ways to destress during the holidays. This can be as simple as going to a quiet room and practicing breathing exercises. It can take about five minutes. If you’re in a time crunch, a minute will be fine. Either way, it’s purpose is to help you become aware of the stressors. You’ll also be more aware that this thing can stress you out. And it gives you the opportunity to move forward and stay cool. Or if the opportunity allows itself, a chance to extract yourself from the situation. Practicing mindfulness is one of the best things anyone can do.
If you really want to know how to beat holiday stress each year, this is one of those things.
3. Practice gratitude
If you’re feeling the holiday blues, it’s important to practice gratitude. What are you grateful for? Is it family? Is it friends? Or are you grateful that you have a chance to live one more day? It may seem tough at first – but you have it within you to get through it. One thing you may be grateful for is surviving every bad day you’ve had. It can make you stronger and more resilient. You can also be grateful that you’ll have someone to talk to when needed.
4. Know your limits
It’s always a good idea to know what your limits are. If you are unable to avoid potentially stressful situations, you need to know what the boundaries are. What is considered ‘too much’? Once you are able to decide what they are, make a note of them. That way, you’ll find an opportunity to step back when you need to. You can avoid doing something if you feel it’s going to cause undue stress.
Remember to pace yourself and take regular breaks. If you feel like there’s too much on your plate, delegate the necessary tasks. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance with something.
5. Reduce the use of social media
Social media is useful for communicating with friends or family. However, you might be distracted by something and it ends up stressing you out. It may be a good idea to reduce your social media use. Keep in mind that you can still communicate with friends and family. There are alternative ways to go about doing that. If you can’t help it, be sure to limit what content you want to see in your feed.
You can unfollow or unlike certain pages. Or you can just install a blocker and take a social media break (announced or unannounced). Keep in mind that social media and real life may be two different things.
6. Make physical health a priority
Your physical health can also be a great way to manage stress. Knowing how to beat holiday stress isn’t always a mental challenge. It’s also a physical one. Exercise on a regular basis and you’ll always be in a good mood. It doesn’t matter what kind of activity it is. Whether it’s walking, jogging, or yoga – it’s always something that will make you feel good.
One more thing, maintaining a healthy diet will also be a huge help as well. Eat plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and reduce the bad stuff like sugar.
7. Seek help if you need it
Sometimes, it can get to a point where you need someone to talk to. It can be a friend or a family member. However, professional help is also another option.
Keep in mind that there is no shame in seeking the help you need. It’s more of a sign of strength than anything. Unchecked stress can lead to poor mental health.
You owe it to yourself to get the help you need now. If you don’t, things can take a turn for the worse. Depression during the holidays is not what you want.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for ways to beat holiday stress, these are the seven ways you want to keep in mind. This will be a great guide to put to good use no matter what time of year it is. Be sure to bookmark this and use it for reference in the future.
Remember, you’re not alone this holiday season. Stress can be affecting other people. Even to the point where they need help in terms of their mental health.
