It’s no secret that the holiday season can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing time of year. With all the social obligations, family gatherings, and financial pressures, it’s no wonder that so many people feel overwhelmed this time of year. But it doesn’t have to be that way! By following a few simple steps, it’s possible to reduce stress and anxiety and enjoy the holidays to their fullest. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 ways to reduce anxiety and stress this holiday season.
Get organized
The holidays can be a stressful time for many people, with anxiety and worry over how to make everything perfect. One of the best ways to reduce this stress is to get organized. Here are some tips to help you stay organized this holiday season:
1. Make a list of all the things you need to do. Start by writing down all the tasks you have to do, such as shopping for gifts, baking, decorating, etc. This will help you prioritize what needs to get done and when.
2. Create a budget. Determine how much you can realistically spend on gifts and other holiday expenses. That way, you won’t overspend and be left with a pile of debt come January.
3. Make a schedule. Give yourself a timeline of when each task needs to be completed and be sure to stick to it. This will help you manage your time better and reduce any last-minute stress.
4. Shop online. Shopping for gifts online can save you time and money, and also reduce the stress of dealing with long lines and crowded stores.
5. Plan ahead for meals. If you are hosting a holiday dinner or party, plan out your menu ahead of time and make a grocery list so that you don’t forget anything.
Getting organized can go a long way in helping to reduce holiday stress and anxiety. By making lists, creating a budget, scheduling tasks, delegating tasks, shopping online, planning ahead for meals, taking breaks, and getting plenty of sleep, you can make sure that your holiday season is less stressful and more enjoyable!
Set realistic goals
The holidays can be a time of joy and celebration, but for many people, it can also bring stress and anxiety. Setting unrealistic goals for yourself or your family can add to the burden of the holiday season. Instead of trying to do it all and be everything to everyone, set realistic expectations and goals.
Start by making a list of tasks that you need to complete, such as shopping for gifts, cooking holiday meals, and decorating your home. Prioritize the tasks so that you can focus on the most important ones first. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, break the tasks into smaller chunks that are more manageable. For example, instead of tackling your entire shopping list in one day, split it up over a few days or weeks.
Be realistic about how much time and money you have available for the holidays. It can be easy to get caught up in wanting to buy the perfect gift for everyone or going all out with decorations, but it’s important to remember that the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, not buying things or competing with others.
Don't procrastinate
As the holiday season approaches, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with all the things that need to be done. But don't let procrastination take over! Taking the time to plan ahead and create a realistic timeline for yourself can help reduce your stress and anxiety levels.
Start planning early and make sure to give yourself enough time to complete any tasks or projects. This will help ensure you don’t feel rushed or overwhelmed later on. It is also important to take some time for yourself throughout the process.
Take a break if you feel like you need it, and remember that it’s okay to say no to activities or projects if they are too overwhelming. Don’t forget that it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for help if you need it – sometimes a little assistance can go a long way. By taking the time to plan and budget out your holiday season, you can make sure you enjoy the festivities and reduce any anxiety or stress.
Delegate tasks
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of stress and anxiety. There’s so much to do and so little time, and it can feel like the pressure is too much. One of the best ways to reduce your anxiety and stress during this season is to delegate tasks.
Don’t try to do everything yourself. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to do everything alone. Ask for help from family and friends – they’re likely more than happy to lend a helping hand. Whether it’s shopping, decorating, or cooking, sharing the workload can make all the difference in reducing your stress levels.
You may not feel comfortable delegating tasks if you’re used to taking on all the responsibilities yourself. But it’s important to remember that delegating isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s actually a sign of strength and resilience. When you delegate tasks, you show that you trust those around you and that you have faith in their abilities.
Delegating tasks will also give you the opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Let someone else handle the details for a while, so you can relax and recharge. Make sure to give yourself some me-time during the holiday season, so you can be in the best mental and physical state for enjoying the festivities.
Take breaks
The holidays are a time for celebration and joy, but sometimes the hustle and bustle can get overwhelming. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed around the holidays, it’s important to take time for yourself and prioritize your mental health. Taking breaks can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Taking breaks is an important part of managing stress and anxiety during the holiday season. Make sure to set aside some time each day for yourself so that you can stay mentally healthy and enjoy the holiday season!
Here at Blue Oak Counseling Services, we can help you overcome feeling of stress and anxiety during the holidays. Contact us today to speak with one of our caring providers.