Surviving the Holiday Chaos: Tips for a Stress-Free Jolly Time

It is on! It is once again that “best time of the year” season to experience joy, wonder, gratitude, togetherness, and — for many people — a massive amount of holiday stress. If you’re prone to stress and some form of general anxiety during normal circumstances, the holidays can be particularly more intense. For some people, financial obligations and gift-giving may well be the source of such stress. Others may be triggered by holiday parties, crowded stores, travel, and other social obligations; especially if one must deal with difficult family members or suffer from social anxiety.

Alternatively, the absence of family or lack of social connections is often heightened during the holidays, causing feelings of loneliness and isolation. There’s just something about the constant hustle and bustle of the holiday season that can make even the most laid-back person feel run down and stressed out.

Regardless of the source, holiday stress — like any other stress — can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. Mentally speaking, when you are stressed, you may experience everyday anxiety, restlessness, irritability, anger, sadness and depression. The physical effects can be serious, too. For example, stress can trigger a spike in the release of epinephrine and cortisol, aka the stress hormones. In extreme stress, too much epinephrine can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes; too much cortisol can increase blood sugar levels, suppress the immune system, and constrict blood vessels. Though everyone experiences stress in different ways, common physical symptoms of stress often include tension in the muscles, tightness in the chest, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, and dizziness.

So what do we do then? Well, here’s our holiday survival kit with some practical ways to tame the holiday chaos and put you back on track to enjoy the season.

1. Don’t overschedule yourself
   The holiday season is a time of joyful moments and other social gatherings. Remember that you don’t have to do it all. Focus the majority of your energy and time on activities that are fun for you. Prioritize moments that matter most, such as a quiet evening decorating with loved ones or a spontaneous stroll to admire the lights. Your happiness is an important consideration in planning how you spend your time.
   
2. Accept imperfection
   Perfectionism is another trap that can sap your holiday spirit. The picture-perfect images we see in movies and on social media set an impossible standard. Instead of striving for flawlessness, embrace imperfection as part of the charm. Maybe the cookies burn, or the wrapping paper doesn’t match, but those little quirks often create the fondest memories. Shift your focus from achieving an ideal to simply being present.
   
3. Manage gift-giving
   For many, the holidays are a time of gift-giving. This can be a lot of fun, but it can also be financially stressful. Do your best to make a budget and stay within the spending limits that you have set. Even a small gift lets people know you cherish them. Thoughtfulness matters more than extravagance. Consider making gifts, instead of buying. Thoughtful handmade gifts and homemade goodies are often appreciated. And the process of preparing them can become a fun holiday tradition for you.
   
4. Don’t lose sight of what really counts
   While it can be enjoyable to see family during the holidays, some people find extended family time to be stressful. Accept that not every family gathering will be perfect. Focus on enjoying the positive moments instead of dwelling on conflicts. Do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself. If necessary, take a break from the gathering. Go for a walk, call someone you enjoy talking to, take some alone time if you need it.
   
5. Take time for yourself  and be mindful of your mental health
   Consider giving yourself the gift of time during the holidays, whether it’s through reading, meditating, or enjoying a cup of tea. For example, block out 30 minutes for yourself in the evenings, or incorporate gentle exercise like yoga, even a brisk walk to relieve tension. For instance, take a post-dinner walk to enjoy holiday lights in your neighborhood. On the other hand, do your best to stick with healthy eating choices. Moderation is key, especially with holiday treats and alcohol. Many of us succumb to the pressure to overeat or drink to excess during the holidays. Try to stay within your moderate amount of food and drinks. Remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
   
6. Rethink your resolutions
   Typical New Year’s resolutions set you up for failure. If you want to better yourself in the New Year, start small and be realistic. Break your goal into tinier steps over the course of the year. If weight loss is your goal, it doesn’t have to be drastic. Try to eat more veggies during your first month and gradually cut back on sweets throughout the next. Be kind to yourself. If you didn’t achieve last year’s resolution or stray from the path this time around, let it go and maybe try again.

Taming the holiday chaos doesn’t mean eliminating it entirely; it means navigating it with grace and intention. After all, the first Christmas had a very humble beginning: Jesus was born in a simple manger (and not in a king size bed), a symbol of peace and modesty amidst the chaos. His birth teaches us that the true spirit of Christmas lies not in grand gestures and expensive gifts, but in the quiet moments of love, kindness, and unity. Perhaps there’s a little something we can all learn here by embracing this humble spirit i.e. reduce the stress of the holidays and focus on what truly matters and let go of unnecessary pressures. This way you can create a season filled with warmth, joy, and memories that last well beyond the twinkling lights. Isn’t that what we all want after all?

The StressOut team would like to wish you a less stressful Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!