Holiday season is here! For most people, the holidays are a time of fun, celebration and relaxation. Many people hold family gatherings or go out to spend time with a large group of friends. Unfortunately, what many people don’t realise is that stress is a big part of the holiday season and many of these events are a source of stress.
But why is stress so prevalent at this time of the year? There are many reasons. The thought of meeting extended family members might be a nightmare for some people. You could also find your place in charge of organising a large gathering or party. For some, the holiday season places a lot of pressure on their finances.
Whatever the reason may be, stress might get the better of you these holidays. Luckily, we can offer some helpful tips on how to stay stress free in the coming weeks. So don’t let stress ruin your holiday and read on!
Tip 1 – Spend time with loved ones
It goes without saying but surrounding yourself with people you truly feel comfortable with is a great way to remain stress free during the holidays. It’s important to have these types of people for you to rely on when the stress gets a little too much.
It may be one person or a handful, but either way, putting yourself in the midst of these people will make enjoying gatherings and parties much easier! And if you’re unable to meet up with thes close friends and family members, the option is always there to FaceTime or give them a ring.
Tip 2 – Avoid triggers
What does it mean to avoid triggers? Triggers are anything, whether it may be a type of entertainment, conversation topic or a specific person, that will put you in a bad mood.
So in order to keep stress levels low, avoiding them is super important! For example, if a topic which makes you uncomfortable arises, stay calm, create a distraction and move on to another subject. Or if a specific person at a party makes you feel uneasy, take steps to distance yourself from them.
Tip 3 – Make a budget
Christmas and the New Years usually means that you’re going to be spending more than usual. The cost of numerous outings, and buying gifts for friends and family can add up. The financial and stress impacts can be overwhelming!
That’s why it’s a good idea to take time to create a budget and set financial limits for yourself. This will help you manage your money and prevent you from overspending these holidays. Having the peace of your mind that your money is well managed will help reduce your stress!
Tip 4 – Try to get outdoors
Fresh air, shining sun and the ambience of nature can help you destress and forget about your worries for a while, so try to get outdoors as much as possible! Going for a walk or a hike can be great ways to alleviate some tension. Organising your christmas parties and functions to be held outdoors are also fantastic ways to get some fresh air during this time.
Tip 5 – Try to stay healthy
Easier said than done, right? Especially with the amount of delicious food and late nights partying you’ll probably end up doing. While it’s perfectly fine to indulge, letting these get out of control can be very detrimental to your health – both physically and mentally.
That’s why we recommend to be mindful of the food you eat, stay hydrated and sleep adequate hours. Making sure your physical health is taken care of, will make taking care of your mental health a lot easier.
Tip 6 – Take time just for yourself
What better way is there to take a break from the constant social interactions these holidays? Time for yourself! Finding a night or two amongst your busy schedule will do wonders for your mental health.
Take time to do something you enjoy and will help you relax. Examples may include reading with a glass of wine in hand, enjoying a face mask and a massage, or watching your favourite cheesy Christmas movie on Netflix.
Tip 7 – Meditate
Meditation is a great stress reduction technique. It’s useful in a lot of situations. Do you feel like everything is starting to fall apart? Take a step back, focus on your breathing and meditate. Stress inducing thoughts starting to creep in as you relax? Zone out, practice some deep breathing techniques and meditate. Meditation will allow you to focus on your mind and body and reduce the stress and tension you may be feeling.
Stress relief made easy these holidays
Hopefully these 7 stress relieving tips will help you enjoy your holiday season without too much tension or worries! Feelings of stress and anxiety are normal but the important thing is to not let it get the better of you – especially so in such a happy, festive time of the year!
At OSIM, we’re all about helping you live a stress free life. That’s why our Wellness Hub has been specially created to provide you with information and tips to help you live your best life. So if you liked this article, check out the rest of our healthy lifestyle articles!
