When the holidays come around, do you find yourself feeling more stressed out than usual? You wouldn’t be the only one.
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 44 percent of women and 31 percent of men reported feeling more stressed during the holidays. Some of the reasons included not having enough time, not having enough money, and feeling pressured to buy gifts.
Although there are some things you can’t change, like the expectation to provide gifts for every family member, there are also things you have control over that can greatly reduce your stress levels. As long as you know what steps to take, you’re on the path to letting go of negative energy you don’t need.
Whether it’s at work or in your personal life, let’s look at four ways you can de-stress during the holidays for overall better health.
Set clear intentions
It’s easier to destress and accomplish your to-do list when you’re mindful of what you’re going to do. Setting intentions is about using awareness to plan your day so it goes as smoothly as possible. It refreshes your mind and prepares you for what’s ahead so there aren’t any surprises that could cause problems.
When you wake up, set your intentions for the day. Think about everything you need to do and make a mental note of it as you start getting ready. This allows you to prepare for what’s ahead so there are no unwelcome surprises. Whether you need to create an online store or run errands, reiterating this in the morning sets you up for daily success.
Accept shortcomings
Some things will go your way and some things won’t. That’s how life unfolds for everyone. While the unexpected may happen, what’s important is how you deal with it. The more you focus on the negative aspects of a situation, the more power they have against you to weigh you down. No one has complete control over anything, but you do have control over your perspective.
When something happens that you weren’t expecting or a blunder occurs, learn to accept it. No one’s life is perfect, and certainly no holiday celebration went without a hitch. Not everything is going to go according to plan, and that’s okay. As long as you’re trying your hardest, others will recognize that effort and appreciate it too.
Organize your time
During the holidays, the one thing you can’t seem to get enough of is time. Not only is there less sunlight during the day, but there’s also less time to squeeze in shopping, planning for celebrations, and cooking. With so much going on, it’s crucial to create a plan for your time so you know you’re spending it wisely.
Create an organized schedule for this time of year where you can track all of your personal and professional tasks. You can split this up into two separate calendars or only make one for all your needs. Whether you need to create a new blog post or grocery shop for holiday dinner, looking at your upcoming schedule lets your mind compartmentalize your time so you know where it’s going. It helps to keep you focused on what you need to check off your to-do list so you can rest easy.
Communicate
If you want to reduce your stress levels, then communication all around is key. Without it, it’s impossible to know what you have to do and who’s in charge of doing what. Clear communication is essential in all areas of life and you need it to succeed in any endeavor.
Wherever you need correspondence, make sure to take the initiative. Create an online RSVP form for your holiday parties and events so you can keep track of attendance. Reach out to those you need answers from as soon as it’s on your to-do list. The longer you put off your tasks, the more frazzled you’ll be. The more information you can gather, the smoother everything will go. It’s easier to plan accordingly when all parties keep an open line of communication.
Conclusion
It’s normal to feel extra stressed during the holiday season as there’s so much going on and not enough time to keep up. Following these tips is sure to help you de-stress and find the calm within the storm this time of year.