The holidays are finally winding down but with family still in town, holiday cooking that still needs to be done, and gifts that need to be returned our stress levels can be at an all-time high. Stress and seasonal depression, not to mention post-holiday blues are often brought on by the demands of the season. A more active than usual social calendar, shopping, cleaning and baking can seem overwhelming to many. Here are a few tips to help cope with holiday stress.
Let others lighten your load
If you are the one who usually has everyone over during the holidays it may be time to turn the reins over to someone else. Or, let everyone pitch in and either bring food or let them help you clean and prepare the meal. No one is going to think any worse of you if you ask for help.
Throw your ideas of a “perfect” holiday out the window
People often put more pressure on themselves during the holidays than they do at any other time of the year. They have pre-conceived notions of a “perfect” holiday that they have built up in their minds for the past 12 months. It takes no more than a perfectly timed snow storm to thrown everything off track. Instead of setting yourself up for potential disappointment try taking it down a notch. Line for returns too long? Put it on the back burner till later. Most items can be returned to the store within 30 days. Turkey dried out or pies burned? Throw some lasagna and pie in the freezer for backup and take it out if needed. Giving yourself a break is the greatest gift that can be given.
Seek medical intervention
It is true that the holidays can bum some people out. But SAD, seasonal affective disorder, is not just post-holiday blues. If your holiday stress seems to be more severe than usual it may be time to see your Doctor.
Stick to a holiday budget
Money cannot buy happiness but it can stress you out more than usual during the holidays. Worrying about money is something that can keep you up at night year-round. Sit down and figure out how much you plan to spend on things such as food and entertainment as well as gifts for next year using this year’s budget as a guide for what or what not to do.
Take some time for yourself
You have made it to the home stretch! In the days following Christmas take some time for yourself by getting a manicure or a massage or even just going to the movies. Take a few hours away from the madness and congratulate yourself for holding it together.
Coping with stress and depression this holiday does not have to be a daunting task. Remember just what it is that you love this time of year and all the stresses that come with it.
Photo credit: blog.spiritofcaregiving.com