The holiday season is meant to be joyful, but it often brings its own set of challenges, from financial stress and crowded social events to managing your health and fitness goals. The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce stress and enjoy the season with more calmness and clarity.
The first step to reducing stress is acknowledging it. The holidays can quickly feel overwhelming, but recognizing and organizing your stress can help you regain control.
Write It Down: Take a moment to list everything on your mind. Use the Notes app on your phone or a pen and notebook to divide the list into two categories: “Things I Can Change Now” (tasks you can complete today or tomorrow) and “Things That Take More Time” (longer-term tasks).
Create a Plan: For the longer-term tasks, break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This will make your to-do list feel more manageable and help reduce anxiety.
Practice Self-Care: It’s easy to get overwhelmed looking at a long list of tasks, so making time for self-care is important. Try journaling, practicing gratitude, or engaging in meditation (there are great apps and YouTube videos for guided meditation). Therapy can also provide valuable, unbiased support. Services like betterhelp.com make it easy to access a therapist through text, call, or video chat.
While exercise can be a great stress reliever, it can also become a source of anxiety if you feel pressure to maintain your fitness routine. If your time at the gym is becoming an added source of stress, it might be time to take a break.
Take a Break if Needed: Progress is not made overnight, nor is it lost overnight. Taking a short break may help you return to the gym feeling refreshed and motivated.
Shift Your Focus: Instead of focusing on performance during the holidays, use exercise as an opportunity to relax, relieve stress, and take care of your body.
From the financial strain of gift-giving to navigating social events, the holidays come with their own unique stressors. Here are a few ways to manage them:
Money and Gift-Giving: Gift shopping can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Focus on giving thoughtful, personalized gifts rather than expensive ones. A heartfelt gift often means more than something costly. Sticking to a budget can also help in order to avoid financial strain. Having a limit in mind can help you make more intentional choices and reduce stress.
Social Events: Socializing is a big part of the holidays, but it can also be draining, especially with large groups or back-to-back events. This is why it’s important to set boundaries. No matter how extroverted you are, you need time to recharge. Saying “no” to certain events or carving out quiet time for yourself can help you maintain balance.
Food Anxiety: Food is a central part of many holiday traditions, but it can also cause stress, especially for those mindful of nutrition. Enjoying seasonal treats is part of the holiday experience. If you want an extra slice of pumpkin pie, go for it! One indulgence won’t undo your progress. Remember that just like exercise, progress with nutrition is not lost overnight. Focus on balance and enjoy the experience rather than stressing over food choices.
The holiday season doesn’t have to be filled with stress. By acknowledging your stressors, organizing your tasks, practicing self-care, and setting boundaries, you can reduce anxiety and make the most of this special time of year!
