The holidays are a time for family, friends, and festivities. But they can also be a time of stress and anxiety. If you’re feeling overwhelmed this holiday season, take a deep breath and check out these five tips for de-stressing.
Set Realistic Expectations
The holidays are a time for tradition and celebration, but that doesn’t mean they have to be perfect. Don’t put pressure on yourself to create the “perfect” holiday experience. Setting unrealistic expectations will only lead to disappointment and added stress. Instead, focus on what’s really important: spending time with loved ones and creating happy memories.
Take Some Time for Yourself
The holidays can be hectic, so it’s important to make some time for yourself amidst all the hustle and bustle. Whether it’s taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk outdoors, or just taking some time to read your favorite book, make sure you schedule in some “me” time to recharge your batteries. Schedule massage services to give you a chance to be alone and slow down.
Simplify Your Holiday Menu
One of the biggest sources of stress during the holidays is trying to cook an elaborate meal while dealing with everything else that’s going on. So why not simplify things this year? Stick to tried-and-true recipes that you know everyone will enjoy, or order takeout from your favorite restaurant. No one will mind if dinner is a little (or even a lot) simpler this year—trust us!
Delegate Tasks
Another big source of holiday stress is feeling like you have to do everything yourself. This year, delegate tasks to other family members or friends so you’re not shouldering all the responsibility yourself. Having help will make things much easier (and less stressful) for you in the long run!
Create New Traditions
If the thought of following all your usual holiday traditions is stressing you out, then ditch them! This is the perfect opportunity to start fresh and create new traditions that everyone will enjoy. From watching festive movies to decorating gingerbread houses, there are endless possibilities when it comes to creating new holiday memories with your loved ones.
The holidays are supposed to be a joyous and fun-filled time, but they can also be stressful. If you’re feeling overwhelmed this season, take a deep breath and try out these five tips for de-stressing. From setting realistic expectations to taking some time for yourself, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy this holiday season stress- free!
About the author:
Emma is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2