Coping Strategies for Holiday Stress

We're in the holiday season for most folks. Thanksgiving and Hanukkah just past and with Yule, Christmas, Kwanza and New Years coming up, we’re smack in the middle of gatherings, shoppings and stress. Although parties may still look a little different then they did pre-Covid, it does’t mean that the stress is much different.

The holidays you celebrate can be wonderful times, but they often can also come with new stressors. Attending various get-togethers, being with family, buying gifts and wrapping them, shopping, decorating, baking and cooking can all place extra demands, and ultimately stress, on you and your time.

But the holidays you celebrate, you celebrate because it/they bring you joy. You don’t want to feel stressed. That is were I hope this article can be helpful. Below are some tips for helping reduce some of that stress or maybe even nip it in the bud before it blossoms into its full form.

Plan ahead

Whether you are the host of a gathering or just trying to avoid Uncle Bert at your family dinner, plan ahead. Planning ahead can get rid of that last minute scrambling that can happen and ease those feeling of anxiety. In the case of your Uncle Bert, it gives you a moment to think of the approach you’ll be taking with him.

Learn to say no

This one can be tough for most folks, but your friends or colleagues will understand that you can’t be everywhere and do all the things. If you need to have less things in your calendar pick and choose the ones that you feel are a good balance of your time.

Acknowledge your feelings

Holidays create an array of feelings: happiness, sadness, stress and even grief. It’s also common to feel some of these feeling simultaneously or over the holiday season. All of these feelings are valid and process them how is best for you.

If you are feeling some feelings of sadness, loneliness, or grief, reach out to someone you who can support you as you feel these feelings. If you need additional support reach out to a mental health facility or mental health professional.

Take a break

Find some quiet moments for yourself or an activity that helps clear your mind and brings you to the present moment.

Stay on Budget

Whether is buying gifts or all the nom noms for the party your hosting, be realistic with yourself and what is within your budget to avoid feelings of stress from overspending.

Keep up your healthy habits

If that means getting a good nights sleep, meditating, eating lots of veggies or exercising/moving several times a week or daily, then do your best to stick with your healthy habits. Sticking with a routine can help keep you grounded in this time of busyness.

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Theresa Racicot is the Co-Owner of Reimagym, a small personal training studio in Medford, MA. They love movement, coffee, their spouse and their dog Hector. Contact: Here