The holidays can be a stressful time for many individuals. According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said that their stress increased during the holiday season. This stress can lead to depression, anxiety, physical illness, sleep disruption, weight gain, and substance abuse. All these things can be caused by financial strains, disrupted routines, social pressures, and immoderate diets.
Although the holidays can bring much joy, it is important to be mindful of the physical and emotional stressors you may be putting on yourself. There are always high expectations and obligations people may feel about the holidays, but it is good to keep realistic expectations in mind to avoid burnout. The founder of Scheer Medical Wellness, Dr. Alexander Scheer, offered five tips on how to maintain your overall wellness and happiness during the holiday season and going into the New Year:
Plan and Prioritize
Dr. Scheer recommends making a detailed plan for the entire holiday season. This can be done by making a list that can include gift shopping, decorating, cooking, and attending events. Break down your holiday list by prioritizing each task based on its importance and deadline. By making manageable steps, you can ensure that you won’t forget anything and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Another thing to add that can help deal with financial stress is setting a budget for gifts and any other expenses.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is always important in everyday life, but some people may get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, that they forget to prioritize this. Adequate sleep and a healthy diet are two simple things that are essential in managing stress, especially during the holidays. Eating and drinking alcohol in moderation is also key, but especially not forgetting to implement nutritious foods alongside holiday treats. Remember to drink water and stay hydrated, as this can positively impact mood and stress levels.
Some extra activities that can be added to your schedule to help you relax are things such as meditating, exercising, or even taking a leisure walk. Doing these simple activities can quickly boost your mood and relieve stress. Also, don’t ever be afraid to say no to any social obligations or commitments! Sometimes making too many commitments can become overbearing on your well-being, so it is completely okay to say no. Self-care allows you to recharge and handle the holiday demands in a much better manner.
Delegate and Collaborate
Collaborating with family members and friends on holiday preparations such as decorating the house or cooking a meal can ease stress and make the holiday more enjoyable. Delegating tasks lightens the workload and brings a sense of togetherness through shared responsibilities. Remember, you don’t have to do everything on your own!
Set Realistic Expectations
Having unrealistic expectations can lead to stress and disappointment during the holidays, so it’s important to remember that perfection is not necessary. The purpose of the holiday season is to spend time with loved ones, so it’s okay if everything doesn’t go exactly according to plan. Adjust your expectations to how much time and energy you have and be realistic about what you can accomplish without over-exerting yourself.
Focus on Meaning and Gratitude
Amongst the materialistic aspects of the holidays, it’s important to remember the true meaning behind them. You can shift your focus from materialism to meaningful connections by engaging in acts of kindness and charity to those in need. Emphasize the spirit of love, giving, and gratitude, and reflect on important values and traditions of you and your family. By focusing on meaning and gratitude, you can reduce stress caused by holiday commercialization and rediscover the triumph of the season.
Incorporating these tips from Dr. Scheer during the holiday season can help ease your holiday stress. By maintaining your physical and mental health, you will be able to truly enjoy the holidays without any extra pressure. After all, you deserve to do self-care and have a happy holiday!
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
Featured photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
