5 Tips to De-Stress this Holiday Season
It’s beginning to look a lot like stress.
Between giving gifts, organizing family events, and planning travel, the holidays can feel completely overwhelming.
Here at KMA Therapy, we know you want to be at your best during the holidays so you can enjoy the time with your family.
We also know how stressful the holidays can be.
For over 14 years, we’ve been helping our clients manage their stress and focus their mental energy on the things they enjoy.
We’re here to help you manage stress this holiday season and allow you to focus on the special moments.
After reading this article, you’ll know 5 ways to manage your holiday stress.
How to De-stress During the Holidays
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be equally exciting and overwhelming. But following these five simple tips can help you spend less time worrying about the things you need to do and more time enjoying your holidays with your loved ones.
Here’s the most crucial list to check twice this holiday season:
5 Tips to Manage Your Holiday Stress
1. Take Time for Yourself
2. Plan Ahead
3. Set a Reasonable Budget
4. Don’t Play the Comparison Game
5. Seek Professional Support
1. Take time for Yourself
Yes, the holidays are a wonderful time to be with your friends and family.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t still need some alone time.
Taking a few minutes to unwind with a cheesy holiday romance book or get a power nap will recharge you – and set you up to enjoy the time you’re spending with others even more.
If you’re feeling pressed for time, check out these tips for making the most of a ten-minute break.
10 Quick Ways to Relax
- Watch a YouTube video of bloopers from your favourite show
- Have a quick check-in phone call with a good friend
- Make a mental list of 10 things you’re grateful for
- Follow a ten-minute online stretch routine
- Read a few pages of a feel-good book
- Make a cup of tea or hot chocolate
- Take a brisk walk around the block
- Listen to a feel-good playlist
- Snuggle with a favourite pet
- Follow a Guided Meditation
2. Plan Ahead
We all hear horror stories about that family member who becomes a micro-manager during the holidays – but sometimes, they have a point.
You don’t need to have everything scheduled down to the last minute – but creating a list of everything you do and breaking it down into manageable tasks is a great way to keep track of your progress and identify what needs to get done.
3. Set a Reasonable Budget
It can be tempting to go all out on holiday presents for family and friends (especially if your love language is gift-giving.)
But spending beyond your budget will add to your stress, causing more harm than good.
Exploring niche interests on websites like Esty and Redbubble can be a great way to find low-budget and meaningful gifts.
Keeping track of what you’re spending throughout the season will help you to not go overboard – and avoid a shocking credit card statement in the New Year.
4. Don’t Play the Comparison Game
You might love to scroll through Pinterest, checking out the best Holiday Inspiration photos.
While this can be a great way to envision what you want your holidays to look like, try not to feel pressured to make them picture-perfect.
It can be fun to admire other people’s holidays, but yours will also have unique memories.
Remember that the photos and videos you see online are often heavily edited and curated to show only the perfect results.
Behind those perfectly iced sugar cookies is a messy kitchen that needs cleaning.
Remember all the magic that your holidays will hold, too.
5. Seek Professional Support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed even after trying these tips, that’s okay (and normal).
Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is seeking advice from a mental health professional, like a therapist.
Having someone dedicated to listening to you, empathizing with your problems, and helping you find solutions, can be a great way to ease some of the stress you’re carrying.
If you’re pressed for time, speaking to an online therapist can be a great way to get the support you need from the comfort of your own home (or even from your car in an empty parking lot if you need a bit of extra peace and quiet).
Next Steps for Busting Your Holiday Stress
After reading this article, you know five tips for managing stress this Holiday season.
Here at KMA Therapy, we understand that the pressure you put on yourself can become overwhelming.
For over 14 years, we’ve helped our clients find solutions that work for them and fit into their busy lives.
Book an introductory appointment to start your therapy journey today, or contact our team to learn more.
If you’re not yet ready to book an introductory appointment, check out these resources for more information:
- If you’re interested in online therapy, read: How to Find an Online Therapist in Toronto
- For tips on how to be more gentle with yourself, read: What is Self-Compassion - and How to Build It
- If you’re dealing with a high amount of anxiety that doesn’t fade after the holidays, read: What’s the Difference Between Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
