10 Ways to De-Stress During the Holiday Season

The holidays can be one of the most overwhelming times of the year. Here are 10 Ways to De-Stress During the Holiday Season before, during or after the angst sets in.

10 Ways to De-Stress During the Holiday Season

1. Say no – I feel like this is the most overlooked (and easiest) way to de-stress during the holiday season. Constantly staying busy can affect your well-being in the worst way – so just say NO if you’re feeling overwhelmed or if you generally don’t want to go somewhere. There are no rules about attendance during the holidays!
2. Prioritize what bring you joy – If you want to feel happy then you need to know what makes you happy. Write down things that brings you joy during December and do them first.
3. Simplify – Love decorating Christmas cookies but hate the actual art of baking? Buy pre-made cookies – no one cares whether or not you made them from scratch. Hate wrapping gifts? Use gift sacks.
4. Find time for fresh air and sunshine – Many people struggle with some feelings of depression during the winter months with fewer hours of sunlight and more time spent indoors. Spending time in the outdoors is scientifically proven to improve your mood and lessen stress.
5. Keep up with healthy habits – We all love to indulge around the holidays, but do so in moderation. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, staying physically active, and incorporating healthy food choices in-between the cookies.
6. Ask for help – Don’t try to do everything on your own. There is always a friend or family member willing to help – you just have to ask!
7. SLOW DOWN – I know it sounds easier said than done, but really… SLOW YOUR ROLL. Focus on the present moment and what you can control. Countdowns can add pressure – so nix them if they don’t bring you joy.
8. Figure out finances – Just because it’s called ‘the season of giving’ doesn’t mean you have to give away all of your money. Instead, consider a handmade or homemade gifts, Secret Santa, or experiences over presents. Sometimes time spent with loved ones is more meaningful than anything.
9. Remove ‘should’ from your vocabulary – “A lot of our stress during the holidays can come from the ‘shoulds’—our expectation of what the holidays should look like, how we should feel, and what we should be doing to celebrate,” says Joe Grasso, PhD, Lyra’s senior director of workforce mental health. “But often those expectations can set us up for unhelpful anxiety and unneeded disappointment when things don’t look picture-perfect.” (source)
10. You are not alone in your feelings. Remember that.

It is possible to think you’re taking care of yourself while your mental health is actually suffering. We should never neglect our mental well being, especially during busy times in life. Take a moment to read 6 Signs You May Be Struggling During the Holiday Season and do not neglect your mental well-being.

Talk to your mental health professional or your primary care physician if you have been feeling anxious or depressed for more than two weeks, or if the holidays are long gone and you are still feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed.

Supporting Your Mental Health During the Holidays

Tips for Managing Mom Stress During Christmas – I bet you’ll find a new trick!

Avoiding Post Holiday Blues and New Year Anxiety – Prepare yourself now.

How to Handle Holiday Anxiety and Depression – Don’t let the holiday blues consume you.