How to Stay Stress-Free This Holiday Season: Tips for a Merry Christmas
It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas
- written by Joy Onu
- 4 min read
- 11 Dec, 2024
It’s the holiday season again, and I don't know about you, but there's just something about it that makes you want to scream, in a good way and in a bad way. Everyone is showing off their holiday best, people are being grateful for a lot, and don't call us the Grinch, but it can feel incredibly lonely, especially if you've had a tough year.
To add onto that, there are a lot of preparations that come with the holiday season, ticking things off a to-do list suddenly becomes the reason for the season. It's easy to get overwhelmed by everything going on throughout the holidays, but the trick is to remember all the good tidings it brings, and the only way you can do that is by minimizing stress. Here are some ways to make the season less stressful and more jolly.
Take Time Out To Think About All The Things That Went Right
It’s easy to get distracted by all the things you did wrong, and all the things that went wrong, but if you could just for a second think of one thing that went right, even if it's the littlest of things, it might just be what you need. I hate to see a cliche pep talk coming as much as the next girl or guy, but there's a reason why they are still a thing— practicing gratitude and a positive mindset makes all the difference.
Stick To a Simple Schedule
The holiday season is just one thing after another, there are a lot of guests, lots of parties, and lots of responsibilities, but it's important to remember to pace yourself, you're going to need it. Focus your energy on the most important tasks to the least important, and remember to not over-schedule activities beyond your power. Also, make sure you save some time for some fun for yourself, you're allowed to have the time of your life.
Reach Out To People You Love
It might be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also the loneliest time of the year. If you live all by yourself, don't be too shy to reach out to family and friends during this period. Especially if you're down bad with holiday blues, talk to people in your corner, and if none come to mind, it might be time to invest in therapy.
Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone
I'm all in for a good routine and a good comfort zone, but sometimes what you need is to step out of the box you've created, even if it’s just for a second. Do things you've only dreamt of, try new things, go out and eat some weird food you've never tried before, meet new people, and experience new things. A little sunshine away from your comfort zone might do the trick a little more than you could ever imagine
Remember To Give Yourself Permission To Say No To Things
A big part of self-care is that you need to prioritize yourself. A growing trend in society today is the need to keep going no matter what, but sometimes, you can stop for a moment and keep going when you can. Say no to things that make you uncomfortable, and don't please others in a way that is detrimental to your happiness. It's okay to put in the work and effort, but it's also okay to know when you've reached your limit. Try to take moments for yourself even when it feels selfish, because at the end of the day when we put in time and effort into ourselves, we can also give to others.
Remember The Reason for the Season
It's so easy to get caught up in the chaos of the season, trying to make it perfect is the goal, and it's not a bad goal to have, but you need to remember why the holidays are such an important part of human life. It is the one time of the year when we stop with the grind, even if it's just for a moment, and we enjoy life to its fullest. A big reason for the season is giving to others who are less fortunate, and spreading the love, and it’s super important to share peace and cheer as you navigate the season and all it comes with.