10 Simple Tips for Stress-Free Holidays With Loved Ones

Oh, the holidays. Do you have mixed emotions? If so, you're not alone.

 

Maybe you've even asked yourself, "How can I reduce holiday stress?"

 

Nearly 9 out of 10 adults surveyed admitted they had added stress during the holiday season. This stress ranged from gift-giving to healthy eating to anticipating potential conflict with other family members.

 

Can you relate?

 

Members at Goode Health sure can. That's why we say, "Keep it simple." We're embracing this motto as we prepare for holiday activities with a mindset to stay calm with ALL the things happening.

 

Here are some stress relief tips to help you navigate the upcoming holiday season so you can spend more time "enjoying" and less time "stressing."

 

Preparing for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

 

Half the battle is taking time to prepare mentally. The season can be joyous, but ignoring potential stresses can catch you off guard.

 

#1. Set Realistic Expectations

 

Admit to yourself (and potentially your family) that you can't do everything.

 

The holidays open the door to many opportunities. You might have work gatherings, family events, friend meet-ups, Christmas tree traditions, and other experiences to consider.

 

But the truth is it's hard to do it all. And you don't have to.

 

You may also feel pressured to hold onto past expectations of handed-down traditions, but consider creating new traditions that fit with what your whole family wants to do.

 

Set expectations upfront of what you want to do to invite more joy, and say no to the rest without judgment.

 

Planning Ahead and Staying Organized

 

If you plan ahead over the holiday season, it can help with any anxious thoughts and keep you organized.

 

#2. Make a To-Do List & Break Down Tasks

 

This quickly shows you what needs to get done and maybe what would be "nice" to do. Breaking down tasks makes it more manageable.

 

Good old paper and pen work fine for this. You can also create this list in a Google Doc (which is free) and easily share it with your loved ones. Or you can record this on your phone in a Notepad app, which can also be shared with others and edited on the go.

 

Managing Holiday Stress

 

As with life, stress isn't going to go away. It's likely heightened during the holidays, but some practical tips can help.

 

 

#3. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

 

No need for fancy apps. You can practice mindfulness by finding time in the day to find a quiet place and practice deep breathing.

 

Brief walks outside also seem to help as well.

 

Schedule time to check in with yourself so you can avoid feeling overwhelmed. This will help when you find yourself rushing around trying to do all the little things.

 

Maintaining Healthy Habits

 

If you can maintain healthy habits during the holiday rush, you can build a foundation of stability when new events or different people are occupying your attention.

 

#4. Eat Balanced Meals

 

Of course, the holidays create more stress around this than normal. However, a very easy way to stay consistent is not skipping breakfast.

 

Stick to eating whole grains and protein in the morning, or try this berry goode smoothie recipe or blueberry vanilla oatmeal.

 

You won't be able to avoid the holiday treats completely, but you can eat them in moderation while prioritizing healthier food options to help keep you going.

 

#5. Get Plenty of Sleep

 

And as tempted as you may be to cut out sleep, prioritize rest when you can. Seven to eight hours is sufficient for most people.

 

The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, but only if you feel energized. Sleep helps with that.

 

#6. Exercise

 

Physical movement is a big one for your body and mental health.

 

Suggest a walk after a meal to add some physical movement with family members. This will limit long periods of sitting and give you an energy boost.

 

Navigating Social Situations

 

With the holidays comes the likely chance of needing to be around different groups of people—maybe people you aren't used to seeing very often during the year. And these moments can get uncomfortable, so be proactive.

 

#7. Seek Social Support & Protect Your Peace

 

Look to those close to you that you can reach out to and be honest about your feelings or if you're struggling with depression.

 

Do your best to respect differences in conversations with others. Differences in opinion are bound to happen.

 

If you have a lot of anxiety about the holiday season, consider scheduling an appointment with a licensed professional who can help you talk through your fears and concerns. They can also give you coping tools to utilize.

 

If you're struggling with mental illness, don't be afraid to ask for help.

 

Managing Finances and Gifts

 

 

Financial stress and spending money are some of the biggest holiday stressors. But you can mitigate this burden.

 

 

#8. Create a Budget and Stick To It

 

If you're worried about money, you can help manage stress by mapping out a realistic budget and not overspending.

 

Outline how many people or events you think you'll need to spend money on over the holiday season and create a budget based on realistic spending limits. To be safe, add 10% of what you think you need.

 

Those you love don't care about more stuff. They care about spending time with you.

 

Some more affordable gifts could include giving your time, such as providing meals or helping with household chores. Handmade gifts are always special as well.

 

Prioritizing Mental Health

 

Your mental health is always a priority, but it is especially important during the holidays when a lot happens.

 

#9. Safeguard Your Mental Health by Prioritizing Self Care

 

Remember to take breaks and participate in activities you find fun and relaxing. Your well-being is important, and focusing on events that bring you joy is vital.

 

Maybe it's going for a 30-minute run, curling up and reading a good book for an afternoon, or listening to our Goode Health playlist, "To All a Goode Night."

 

Take time for yourself and make self-care a priority.

 

Embracing the Holiday Spirit

 

The holidays should be all about embracing the present moment.

 

#10. Focus On the Experience

 

You can bring joy by focusing less on material possessions and more on making memories. But if you feel pressured to buy gifts, consider these healthy holiday gift ideas.

 

Remember, the key is to keep it simple.

 

Spend only what you can, be realistic, and cherish time with friends and family. Consider volunteering and helping others more in need this season.

 

Do what you can to enjoy this time. It will never come again!

 

 

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