There is a lot to look forward to with the holiday season around the corner. This is the time of the year when families spend time together, and maybe even go on a winter vacation.
Although the holiday season is a cheerful time of the year, it can also feel like a burden. With so many holiday events to attend, and shopping to do, the holiday season can easily become very stressful. According to a study done by the American Psychological Association, eight out of 10 people anticipate stress over the holidays.
Here are some ways to minimize stress and enjoy the holiday season.
Get Your Exercise
It’s easy to forget about exercise when you have shopping to do, and holiday events to attend. However, whether you realize it or not, exercising will help minimize your holiday stress. There are plenty of physical activities that help get the endorphins going. Producing endorphins can help create a positive feeling in the body, simply by boosting the mood and reducing feelings of anxiety.
Some physical activities to consider this holiday season are walking, swimming, biking, jogging, and aerobics. Set aside 30 minutes, three times a week, for physical activity.
Set a Budget
Let’s face it, you can’t survive the holiday season without spending any money. It’s easy to spend hundreds of dollars shopping for friends and family. Although holiday shopping is unavoidable, there are ways to cut down on expenses to help relieve stress.
Before beginning to shop, set a budget. Start by planning ahead and reviewing your finances. Based on your finances, create a realistic budget for purchasing gifts. You should never compromise paying your bills or adding on credit card debt just to purchase gifts.
Keep Everything Simple
The holiday season can become a burden when it feels like there’s a lot on your plate. If you have family coming from out of town and you’re hosting a holiday party, then it’s easy to become overwhelmed. If you’re hosting a holiday party, don’t do everything yourself. Get your friends and family involved and assign them a dish to bring to the party. Or maybe you hosted a party last year, and decide that this year it’ll be too much. Don’t feel obligated to entertain friends and relatives every year. You should know your limitations, and don’t be afraid to say “no” sometimes. Sometimes it’s nice to keep it simple during the holidays.
Have Some “You” Time
Reduce stress this holiday season by setting aside time for yourself. While it may be tough to set aside time when there’s so much going on, try reserving 15 minutes for yourself every day. Whether you go for a walk, or listen to relaxing music, make sure you give yourself a break from the holiday shopping and obligations. Doing so will help clear your mind, and help you maintain your sanity during the holiday season.
There is no need to worry about being stressed this holiday season. Reduce stress by:
- Getting exercise
- Setting a budget
- Keeping things simple by sharing responsibilities
- Scheduling some you time
Follow these simple tips, and experience a stress-free you this holiday season.
