The holidays may be the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be incredibly stressful. Between hosting dinner parties, shopping for gifts, and preparing to step into the new year, there’s a lot on your plate. Rather than letting the winter woes overtake you, have a holly jolly holiday with these tips for managing holiday stress.
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Take a breather
In moments of stress, sometimes the best thing you can do is step away entirely and take a moment for yourself. Planning a day for self-care will dispel any stressful and anxious feelings and help you refocus your mind in anticipation of the holidays. You should dedicate this day entirely to your own health and mental well-being—spend it doing any activities that bring you a sense of calm and joy. One great way to get a moment of much-needed peace during the hectic holiday season is to engage in a bit of quiet meditation. Supplementing your meditation practice with certain healing gemstones, such as amazonite, lepidolite, and sodalite, can help calm your worries and wipe away your anxieties.
Keep it simple
The pressure of entertaining can send anyone into an anxious tizzy. Rather than worrying about hosting the perfect holiday party, giving the best gifts, or roasting the most delicious turkey your guests have ever tasted, keep it simple this holiday season. After all, the holidays aren’t about material possessions and elaborate parties; they’re about spending quality time with your loved ones. This holiday season, focus on your family, friends, and the joy you feel when you’re surrounded by the people you love. When you spend less time fretting over your holiday dinner, you’ll have more time to spend with the people who matter most in your life.
Stick to a budget
There’s no secret about it: holiday shopping is stressful. Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can quickly send your brain and your bank account into disarray. One of the best tips for managing holiday stress, therefore, is to set a budget beforehand and stick to it throughout the entire holiday season. This way, you won’t have to worry about purchasing gifts you can’t afford or paying off presents long after the holidays have ended. When you’re setting your holiday budget, factor in a rough cost for holiday meals and holiday travel.
Treat yourself
There’s nothing wrong with indulging a bit during the holidays. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for a reason, after all. Treating yourself with something as simple as your favorite holiday treat or a day off from work can help put you back in the right headspace to tackle the rest of the holidays. If you’re looking to go a bit bigger, consider purchasing a small gift for yourself while you’re out holiday shopping.
