The holidays are fun, but they can also be incredibly stressful. If the thought of throwing a great Christmas celebration is already making your heart pound, you might want to try a few of these stress-reducing tips.
1) Start Shopping Early
Last-minute gift buying is never fun, but it’s a particularly bad idea during 2020. This year, save yourself the worry by doing all of your online shopping at the start of December. Then, you’ll be able to sit back and relax while the postal elves make sure that your holiday happens exactly on time.
2) Create a Budget
Overspending is an incredibly common response to holiday stress. Unfortunately, money can’t actually buy happiness; if you try, you’re more likely to end up with an empty wallet and an incredibly anxious holiday.
As a solution, set a firm budget for your holiday spending before you even begin. Know how much you have for gifts, how much you have for food, and how much you have for spontaneous ice skating. Then, stick to your budget, and relax knowing that you’ll be starting the new year with your finances in good order.
3) Eat Healthy
When you get stressed, it’s tempting to load up on as much junk food as possible – especially when all of those holiday treats are on the table. Unfortunately, a poor diet is actually a major contributor to lasting feelings of stress and depression. If you’re having a hard time making it through the holidays, consider keeping your diet on the healthier side.
To start eating healthy, make sure you’re getting an adequate amount of vegetables, whole grains, and other fibrous foods. Fill out your plate with leaner meats, and make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. As long as your normal diet is healthy, you can safely eat a few cookies when Christmas Eve rolls around.
4) Get More Sunshine
Seasonal affect disorder is incredibly common during the winter months. If you just can’t shake the holiday blues, it might be because you’re not getting enough direct sunlight. Pull back the curtains from your windows, and try going for a short walk every day. You can also purchase a sun lamp or light box to bring a little sunshine into your quarantine.
5) Call Someone You Love
Connecting with friends and family is one of the best ways to help yourself feel less stressed. This year, when you start to feel the darkness of winter rolling in, break your cycle by picking up the phone. Find a friend or family member who you can call or text when things get to be too much. With any luck, they’ll be happy to spend the holiday season chatting with you.
Seasonal stress is normal, but lasting depression shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re struggling with your feelings this year, don’t be afraid to schedule an appointment with us; we’ll be happy to help you figure out what’s going on.