The most magical time of year can also be the most stressful time of year. It’s not that way for everyone or every year but most of us could benefit from some holiday stress relief.
If any of the following things stress you out this time of year, holiday stress relief is on the way. You will probably discover that you can apply what you learn now to everyday stress too..
- family
- health
- wardrobe
- food/drink
- gift giving
Holiday Stress Relief: 5 ways to feel calm on the inside when it’s chaotic on the outside
1. If people are stressing you out.
Create a mantra. I start with, “Everyone is doing their best.” From the grocery store to the dinner table, not everyone is going to arrive with the same amount of grace, presence, humor or awareness that you might be looking for. Because you can’t fix other people, the problem is not how they show up but that they show up differently than you expect or desire. When you notice that your expectations are frustrating you, silently repeat your mantra, “They are doing their best.” If that doesn’t work, use author, Elizabeth Lesser’s Mantra, “Do no harm, take no shit.”
2. If your health is stressing you out.
Prioritize self-care. If your stress is causing you to feel rundown or you are stressed because you anticipate feeling tired or overwhelmed, stop. Prioritize self-care and let a few things go. Here are 25 simple ways to take care during the holidays and here are 8 unconventional ways to take better care.
3. If getting dressed is stressing you out.
After 2020, you might not be ready to dress up again or maybe there are a lot of things in your closet that you never wear. Instead of buying new things, dress with less. Eliminate decision fatigue and frustration by assigning 1-3 “going out” outfits and put them on repeat through the end of the year. Then, consider minimalist fashion challenge Project 333 for the new year to really get a handle on your closet chaos.
4. If your relationship with food/drink is stressing you out.
- Listen to this.
- Read this.
- Remember this: This holiday season (and always), when you notice someone isn’t eating or drinking what you eat and drink, or what you think they should eat or drink, instead of pushing (come on, just try it) or asking for an explanation (Why aren’t you drinking? Just a sip for the toast? Are you pregnant?), just let them be, love them and enjoy spending time with them. And then repeat forever. ❤️
5. If gift giving is stressing you out.
You can change your gift giving traditions anytime. Here’s how.
Option A: If you would prefer to opt-out all together, do it. Start with 1:1 conversations with people you usually exchange gifts with. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised that most want to opt out too.
Option B: Focus on experiences over things. Take a holiday walk together instead of exchanging gifts. Bake with or for each other. Donate to each other’s favorite charities.
Option C: Send 31 Days of Gifts You So Deserve to everyone on your list. They’ll be delighted every day in December and it will be the easiest, fastest, least expensive and most meaningful gift you can give to yourself and share with friends, family, co-workers, book clubs and anyone you think of.
