As wonderful as the holidays are, we are often relieved when they are over. This is a stressful and for many of us, an exhausting time of year. Over-committing ourselves to work, family or friends, leaves us feeling depleted and drained.

If possible, we want to spend more time engaging with friends and family, and perhaps rekindling some connections. All the festivities can be enjoyable without zapping our energy, if we allow ourselves to stay present and in the moment. How can we do that with all the various stressors the holidays can bring?

Here are a few tips on how to make the holidays less stressful this year:

1.    Make sure to do something special for yourself!! 

Your friends and family are not the only ones who deserve more of your time. It’s important that you make a little extra time for yourself as well, so that you can start the new year feeling refreshed and replenished.

2.    Set boundaries.

It’s okay to say “no,” rather than over-committing yourself or agreeing to do something you don’t really like or have time to do. This takes practice, so I understand that it’s easier said than done, but I encourage you to try it.

The next time you’re asked to do something that you do not want or have time for, politely say “no,” and perhaps offer up another idea or another time that works better for you. People will understand. You cannot be everywhere all the time and still be present for you.

For example, if your cousin invites you to her holiday party, but you don't feel up to going because you have a busy day at work, kindly decline and suggest meeting up for lunch instead.

3.    Let go of ideas about how things “should” be.

Maybe you don’t need to cook 15 different things during the holidays to please everyone. Maybe you just pick the top 5 favorites.

Sometimes we get stuck in inflexible patterns of thinking about how we “should” be, and when those expectations go unmet, we are left feeling disappointed, guilty, and frustrated. What if we could flip the script, and instead of focusing on what’s missing or what “should” be, pay attention to what is already there in front of you, and spend time enjoying the moment.

For example, if you've always hosted a big holiday dinner and feel stressed about cooking and cleaning for days, consider scaling back this year. Maybe suggest a potluck-style meal, where everyone brings a dish to share, or even order takeout and enjoy the meal together without worrying about cooking and cleaning.

4. Make time for exercise and physical activity.

Physical activity is an excellent way to reduce stress and boost your mood. Keep it fun and enjoyable. You don’t need to hit the gym, if this is something you normally dread doing. Think about what makes you feel good.

Maybe it’s a short walk outdoors either alone, or with a friend or family member, or maybe it’s dancing to your favorite tunes, in the kitchen, while still wearing pajamas!! Try to find time for movement each day, even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes.

5. Plan ahead for meals and gatherings.

The holidays can be a time of indulgence, but that doesn’t mean you have to completely abandon healthy habits. Plan ahead for meals and gatherings by choosing healthy options and practicing portion control.

If you’re hosting a gathering, consider asking guests to bring a healthy dish to share. For example, instead of serving traditional holiday dishes, you may opt for healthier alternatives or nontraditional foods that you love.

6. Connect with loved ones.

Focus on experiences. While the holidays often involve gift-giving, it’s important to remember that the most joyful part of the season comes from spending quality time with loved ones.

Consider planning activities or outings with friends and family that allow you to create memories and build connections. This could be something as simple as baking cookies together or taking a walk in nature.

7. Practice gratitude.

Take some time each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for. It can be easy to get caught up in the stress of the holidays and lose sight of what’s important to us.

By practicing gratitude, we can shift our focus to what is going well, rather than what is going wrong. This can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress and increase feelings of joy and contentment. You can practice this, by keeping a daily gratitude journal where you list at least 5 things each day that made you smile.

8. Make time for rest and relaxation.

It’s important to prioritize self-care during the holiday season, as it can be a very busy and demanding time. Make sure to take breaks when you need them, and engage in activities that help you relax and recharge. This could be taking a hot bath, reading a book, or practicing meditation or yoga.

9. Practice self-compassion.

Be kind and gentle with yourself, especially during times of stress. Recognize that it’s okay to not be perfect and to make mistakes.

Give yourself permission to take a break when you need it, and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go according to plan.

Remember, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones and creating special memories, not about achieving perfection.

10. Seek support if needed.

If you find that you’re struggling with feelings of anxiety, stress, or depression during the holiday season, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, or consider seeking support from a mental health professional.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

By implementing these strategies, you can reduce stress and enjoy the holidays more fully. Remember to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and focus on what really matters – spending quality time with loved ones and creating special memories.

Take care of yourselves this holiday season and I wish you all a very Happy New Year!