Your Guide to Holiday Stress Relief: Practical Coping Strategies for a Calmer Season
The holiday season is such a joyous time of the year, but it can also bring a lot of stress, and you aren’t alone in this. The American Psychological Association reported that about 9 out of 10 Americans feel stressed during the holidays because of finances, missing loved ones, and family conflict. When we are stressed out, it is important that we have healthy coping strategies ready in our back pocket.
Seven ways to make this season less stressful and more joyous
Don’t forget to take care of yourself
Get sufficient sleep, exercise, and eat healthy meals. During this time, most people are focused on how they can give to others, but not how they can give to themselves. Take a break from running around doing errands, cooking, cleaning, planning, and decorating. Set aside time in your day to do something you enjoy, such as going for a walk, watching a movie, reading a book, painting, or many other activities.
Don’t overbook yourself
The holiday season comes with lots of parties and social events, but you don’t have to go to them all. Focus on the activities that bring you the most joy and the least amount of stress. Try to find out what activities you are required to do and which ones are optional.
Create a budget in advance and avoid going over your spending limits
You don’t have to spend beyond your means to let people know you care about them. Small gifts and thoughtful handmade gifts are just as meaningful!
Do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself when you are around family
Seeing family can be fun, but also stressful due to differing perspectives and opinions. Try your best to find a common ground, or just take a break from the gathering by going on a walk, talking to someone enjoyable, or spending time alone. There is nothing wrong with needing a break.
Do make space for grief
This time of year is especially hard for those who have lost loved ones. It is okay to feel grief during the holidays. You are allowed to mourn, reminisce, and feel whatever emotions come up for you. Try creating a small ritual like lighting a candle, looking at photos, or sharing stories with others to bring you comfort and connection. Give yourself permission to feel your feelings without judgment.
Set realistic goals and expectations
As with everything in life, things don’t always go as planned, and that is okay! The holidays don’t have to be perfect for them to be fun and meaningful. Try letting go of that pressure to make everything perfect, and focus on creating moments of joy, connection, and gratitude with your loved ones. When you allow yourself to embrace the imperfections in life, you leave room for genuine enjoyment.
Stay present
So much tends to happen at once during this time of year, and it is easy to get caught up in everything. Take a few moments throughout the day to ground yourself. You can do this through breathing exercises, pausing to check in with what your body is trying to tell you, stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, or placing a hand on your chest to bring you back to the present moment. Staying present can help reduce any overwhelming feelings and increase your sense of calm.
As the holiday season continues, remember this time is about connection, joy, and gratitude, not perfection, pressure, and constantly working around the clock. By slowing down, prioritizing yourself, honoring your limits/boundaries, and making space for your emotions, you can navigate this season with less stress and more intentionality. Be kind to yourself and allow this season to be whatever you need it to be for you.
-
Doing More than Surviving “Happy” Holidays in Maryland
Coping with Grief on Holidays and Anniversaries
Growing Around Grief: Connection Matters
Feeling Helpless: Finding Hope in Therapy
Therapists’ Top Tips for Managing Depression & Anxiety
Things Our Maryland Therapists Want You to Know If You’ve Been Avoiding Starting Therapy
Unmasked: How Looking Into Pain Can Help You Discover a Value in Disguise
Search Our Other Blogs!
Interested in Online & In-Person Counseling for Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Anger/Frustration, Communication Skills, or Boundary Setting?
If you’re a Marylander who knows that counseling is the direction you need to take, the therapists at LifeSpring Counseling Services are here to help. We offer online counseling services for mindfulness, depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief and loss. We also offer Brainspotting as a specialized service, and Brainspotting can be done online, too!
Here’s how you can get started! Online and in-person counseling for anxiety, depression, life transitions, anger, frustration, communication skills, and boundary setting aren’t the only service offered at our Baltimore, MD office.
The counselors and social workers at our Maryland office also offer counseling services for trauma, grief and loss, boundary setting, communication skills, and difficult life transitions. We also offer specialized counseling services including Brainspotting and spiritually-integrated counseling. Because we are located next to several local universities, we also work with college students.
