Holiday Survival: Coping With Stress
Holidays can be a hit or miss each year. Sometimes we are more than excited over the perfectly picked gifts and amazing food platters. However, traveling, family stress and financial troubles get in the way of us enjoying ourselves. It’s not worth taking the risk – let’s put together a plan of action!
The holiday season becomes much more tolerable when managing stress and your routine! Let’s get through the next few months with this handy survival guide that is sure to make this holiday season one for the books!
Coping with overstimulation.
Friends and family are what make life so beautiful. However, when it comes to the holidays, even our favorite pals and relatives can become the breeding ground for stress. Let’s go over a couple of ways to cater to your inner introvert and manage the kind of communication you have this holiday season. Our
loved ones deserve a heartfelt update – so let’s give it to them!
Holiday Cards: Organic, personal and perfect for giving every relative an update on you and your situation! Include photos or create custom postcards – whatever works best! Office Depot, Staples, Walgreens and your local pharmacy usually offer holiday deals for printing cards! Check your local area for savings now.
Video: Thank you, technology! Now you can literally be at any holiday event from your phone! Pop in and say “hi to the group and get back to your own fun! Or, record a quick video telling your loved ones “happy holidays!” Send it off the morning of the holiday and it’s even more personal than a phone call! Let’s be honest – sometimes family phone calls on the holidays never end. Videos are a perfect way to say what you need to say and get on with your day!
Fighting financial stressors.
Finances are always on our minds during holidays. Whether it’s accumulating trace costs or copious amounts of gifts, the holidays can put a real dent in our bank accounts. However, some see the holidays as an opportunity to reap the benefits on cashback and rewards for whatever credit card they may have.
Let’s go over a couple of different ways to take the stress out of finances this holiday season.
White Elephant: this style of gift exchange may be the most economic and enjoyable option available! Each person in attendance brings a single gift. From there, playful games of swapping gifts ensue and becomes a night of friendly competition amongst those closest to you. The safest way to play this game is to set a budget for all those purchasing a gift. A common choice is to request gifts of a $20 value. Others insist on more – whatever your group prefers!
For Credit Card Users: The holidays may be the perfect time to consider changing your credit card. Everyone receives advertisements in the mail showcasing new and exciting reasons to switch your credit card. Some offer 0% interest financing while others give you cash rewards for money spent within a period of time after receiving the card. While debt is not fun by any means, it can be made more manageable with the right credit card.
Awkward Family Conversations.
We’ve all been there – sitting at a kitchen table and awkward silence because of a rather serious disagreement. Sure, the obvious answer is do not talk about politics, religion or finances and all should be good… Right? Below is a list of conversation starters to use with family that won’t lead to an uncomfortable disagreement. Hopefully these come in handy and help you enjoy the holidays as much as possible!
• What was the best part of your day?
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
• If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?
• If you had one wish (and you can’t wish for more wishes), what would you wish for and why?
• If you could eat just one food everyday for a month and nothing else, what would it be?
• If you could pick your own name, what would it be?
• If you could be animal, what would you be and why?
• Which character in a book best describes you and why?
• If you could have any pet, what would you choose and why?
• What three words would you use to describe yourself?
• What is the nicest thing a friend has ever done for you?
• What is your favorite movie and why?
• What is your favorite family tradition?
• What is your favorite sport to play?
• If you could play any instrument, what would it be and why?
• What is your favorite holiday and why?
• What is one thing you are grateful for today?
Clean. Yes, seriously.
There is simply too much research to support the idea that cleaning helps bring mental clarity.
This question simply explains itself. Start with your personal spaces – bedroom, bathroom or even a closet! You may not be aware of how much stress a disorganized home can bring you. When you see things out away and in their place, it allows you more mental clarity to focus on getting through the holidays. If you have a family, make a holiday game out of it! Think of an Easter egg hunt – give the family a little incentive to muscle through that mountain of laundry or play space gone astray.
Some prefer to clean alone which can, at times, become more so stress relieving! Throw on some of your favorite music and dance around the house with some rubber gloves. Embrace your true Monica Geller!
Stick to Your Personal Routine.
‘What’ you do does not matter here. It’s the repetition of a routine that can keep you and through the holidays! Follow the simple steps below to get your routines and check so you can stick to them and feel more in control through the holidays.
Pick your morning routine. It’s simple. Brush your teeth, hop in the shower – the basics. There are also some natural ways to relive stress in the morning, such as lavender oils or CBD! With daily intake, CBD can help you navigate through the stressors of this season without getting overwhelmed. Something to consider in the morning!
Pick one exercise to do every day. Each day can be a new exercise, but just be sure to make one exercise happen. This isn’t meant to help you lose dramatic amounts of weight or improve your physique. Instead keeping your body in an active routine can help overall body process including stress levels! Whether it’s a walk in the park or some yoga, your mind and body will thank you.
Get settled into your evening routine. Skin care, reading a book and meditation are some awesome ways to naturally wind down and prepare your body for a meaningful night of sleep. The more prepared you are for bed, the more prepared you’ll be for the morning!
With this survival guide, you’ll make it through the season like a champion. Holiday cards, talking to family, shopping, cleaning and sticking to a routine can make the next few months actually feel like a holiday!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure and disease or illness.