Avoiding Holiday Stress

Much of the stress and tension we experience during this time is a result of our expectations.  We do want to please everyone on our list and make the holidays memorable for all hence we can overextend ourselves to the point of exhaustion.

Regardless of whether you’re grieving a loss,  or not you’re possibly feeling the anxiety and stress of living in these pandemic times.

Many areas are opening up while others are closing down again.  We are continuing to live a roller coaster ride.  The everyday realities of our day to day lives are already stressful without adding on the holiday season.

The question is “how do we avoid this stress?” Before you begin your whirlwind of seasonal preparations, ask yourself what the aspects of each holiday are. 

There’s shopping for the perfect gift for everyone on our list.  Organizing and getting our homes ready for entertaining and being the perfect host. What about the parties we may be expected to attend? Our minds are working overtime while in reality, we want to remain calm. 

We have Hollywood and marketers to thank for helping to create these unrealistic expectations.

Sometimes it takes grieving for us to realize the pressure we put on ourselves to live up to what we believe “others” expect of us.

5 Ways to Simplify

Take time now to step back and decide what you want the holidays to be about.

1. If you always host – decide if you need help and ask for it or
2. Let everyone know, you’re not hosting this year and let someone else step up
3. Simplify gift-giving – draw names instead of buying for everyone just because you always do!
4. Chose which parties you feel you have the energy to attend. Speak to the host and if you’re grieving let them know it may get a bit much and you’ll simply leave.  Plan your exit strategy as this will help you feel more relaxed.
5. If you’d prefer not to bother with any holiday festivities – then share your intention with your family. 
6. Decide to give yourself a gift of your own company and book into a hotel, share your intention and be guilt-free about it.

Just for this year consider transforming your approach to your holiday celebrations instead of letting your expectation and Holywood perfection guilt you into doing more.

Your body and your bank balance will thank you for it!