Benefits of Stress Management: Managing Stress During the Holidays
The holiday season brings joy, happiness, and sometimes…stress. It can be overwhelming juggling family, friends, and work while trying to find the perfect gifts for everyone. Scheduling in some much-needed "me time" can increase the benefits of stress management. Managing stress during the holidays can help calm you down and even re-energize you so that you can get everything you need done, happily.
Managing stress during the holidays is as simple as creating your own space to go to when things get a little hectic, like thinking of what helps calm you down and building around that. For example, if scents like lavender and vanilla help soothe you, then sprinkle a few candles or incense around your dedicated space. If you can't relax until your body is, then consider looking at a zero gravity chair that has massaging/heating effects to feel like you're at a mini spa.
How to Manage Stress During the Holidays
89% of U.S. adults reported feeling stressed(1) during the holidays, with 41% saying their stress heightened the most during this time versus other days of the year. Fortunately, there are ways of managing stress during the holidays without losing your cool. Here are some easy tips for stress free holidays:
- Go to the spa, or create your own special space
- Exercise
- Create boundaries/know your limits
- Stick to a budget
- Simplify your schedule
- Meditate
- Relax your muscles
1. Make it a Spa Day
Whether you go to your favorite spa, or treat yourself to an at-home spa day, both are great options for managing stress during the holidays. A good massage is one of the benefits of stress management as it can help relieve anxiety. If you can't get to a professional spa, then create your own by investing in a zero gravity recliner that has massaging and heating capabilities. Depending on your stress levels, aim to schedule a spa day at least once a month or more if needed.
2. Exercise
Exercising is a great way to destress yourself when holiday planning. Not only does it take your mind off of the stress, but it increases your endorphins which helps make you feel better. This doesn't mean you have to workout daily, but taking a brisk stroll around the block or lifting weights to your favorite song can do wonders in a small amount of time.
If you're looking for a low impact exercise that doubles as a stress reliever, consider yoga. You can do it anywhere, any time, and all you need is a yoga mat to get started. Yoga helps quiet the mind while incorporating deep breathing methods to leave you feeling calm and collected after the session is done.
3. Create Boundaries
Knowing when to say no can be tough for anyone, especially when coupled with the holidays. If hosting guests this season, learn what your limits are and stick to them. Creating a budget is also a great tip when managing stress during the holidays.
If you are hosting a large party and you've never cooked for a crowd before, consider hiring a catering company to take care of the work for you. If you still want to add some home cooked items to your menu, then take on small tasks such as making a salad, some home made biscuits, or coming up with a special drink or dessert.
4. Stick to a Budget
Financial stress can be a main factor when it comes to managing stress during the holidays. It can be tempting to pay a lot of money for the "perfect gift", but the impact afterwards can be stressful. Instead look for Black Friday sales, and track your favorite items so you can purchase them when they're at their lowest cost.
5. Simplify Your Holiday Schedule
Plan ahead of time as much as possible to simplify your schedule and reduce your stress. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a look at your to-do list and see which things are unnecessary and can be removed. Ask others to help you out, whether that's with cleaning, cooking, or gift-getting.
Creating a menu ahead of time and making a list of the ingredients you need is a great tip when managing stress during the holidays. Buy what you can ahead of time such as dry goods, spices, and meats you can freeze, and prepare as much as you can a few days before the holiday. Purchasing ahead of time is one of the benefits of stress management since you can save money, time, and headaches over trying to track down the perfect ingredient along with everyone else.
6. Meditate
Dealing with holiday stress can be difficult, especially if you suffer from chronic stress. Sit in your favorite position or zero gravity recliner, and take a few deep breaths in a quiet space. Meditating quiets the mind and relaxes your body which is one of the best benefits of stress management.
Setting the mood can help you meditate more easily and more seamlessly. Choose a place that makes you feel calm and pick a comfortable spot. You can meditate on your own or pick one of the many meditation apps to guide you through the experience.
7. Relax Your Muscles
Relaxing your muscles is a great idea for how to manage stress during the holidays. You can do it anytime and anywhere which makes it a convenient exercise for reducing stress. Focusing on each muscle group, slowly tense and then release each group one by one. Progressive muscle relaxation increases the benefits of stress management by reducing anxiety and provoking a calming mindset.
Keep the Benefits of Stress Management Going After the Holidays
The benefits of stress management get you through the holidays, so don't stop there. Use what you've learned to stay on track after the holidays such as continuing to work out, meditate, and defragment from the holiday rush. The same tactics you used for managing stress during the holidays can help you in your day-to-day life.
You Don’t Have to Manage Stress During the Holidays Alone
Work and family life can contribute to stress during the holidays, as well as the pressure to find the perfect gift, tree, decorations, and so on. Finding alone time, whether that’s choosing a zero gravity recliner to relax your body in a quiet corner of the house or creating a small space for spa day activities, is key to making you feel calmer and less alone.
Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t, and remember to enjoy the holidays.
Additional Sources:
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/soul-console/202312/holidays-are-not-always-the-most-wonderful-time