Tips for de-stressing during the holidays
Got stress? I know I do! Although we are going to have a much slower holiday this year than in years past, I think that there is something that causes some of us to just tense up and stress when the holiday approach. Is it the expectations you put on yourself? Are there family members who mix worse than oil and water? Is it just the physical work you do that you’re anticipating? Regardless of the reason I thought we could all use some good quick tips on how to keep the holidays a little less stressful.
Tip #1
Keep the focus on the family and friends around you. A lot of us wives and mothers are way too hard on ourselves and we have much higher expectations than our loved ones do for the holidays. Enjoy the time with your family by planning ahead with meals and desserts (you can freeze some of those things and cut the prep time in half on the big days!)
Tip #2
Don’t throw your quiet or down time completely out the window. Yes, there is more demand on you this time of year, but you must schedule that time you normally take for a mental breather still. Even if it’s a little shorter than usual, take it!
Tip #3
Laugh as much as you can! Find some good holiday movies that let you laugh and cry. Enjoy your time and remember that ”a merry heart does good like a medicine!” Laughter really does relieve a lot of stresses.
Tip #4
If you are grieving the loss of a loved one this holiday season surround yourself with those who know what you are going through. Make sure you stay around plenty of loving and supportive people during this time. The holidays really can intensify the emotions of grief.
Tip #5
Eat what you like, but don’t overeat! Overeating can often cause us a lot of discomfort physically and it can cause us to stress about weight and health. Eat what you want for the holidays but slow down and enjoy your food. Savor the moments and the flavors. Research shows that people who slow down when they eat are less likely to overeat because it can take several minutes for the brain to register that the stomach is full.
Tip #6
If you know that a particularly difficult person is coming in for the holidays just prepare yourself mentally for it. Don’t trick yourself into thinking the person may have changed, and don’t set yourself up for a self-fulfilling prophecy by foreseeing disaster! Just remind yourself that you are not responsible for that person, and that you can not change or control him/her. Keep your distance, and when you are near them smile and keep the conversation light! PRAY!
Tip #7
Prioritize your tasks well ahead of time. Nothing leaves us feeling more stressed than a to have a houseful of guests on their way and you are flying by the seat of your pants! Figure out now all that needs to be done. Delegate and do a little each day so that you are not pushed on every deadline.
Tip #8
Keep it all in perspective. So you burned the rolls! So what? In the grand scheme of life it is a very minor incident. Thank the good Lord that you are not Martha Stewart, laugh about it, and tell your dinner guests a good joke about how they will know dinner is ready when they hear the smoke alarm. Don’t take things more seriously than they need to be taken.
I hope these are helpful tips for you. They are things that have gotten me through many seasons of hosting holiday festivities at my home. I love to entertain and love to be with my family, but I know it’s stressful!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!