The festive season can be a wonderful time to celebrate and spend time with your friends, family, and people that you love. But for many, Christmas can become hectic, making it much more stressful than it is enjoyable.
It is essential to look after your wellbeing, especially when life is going 100 miles per hour. This blog will reveal the best tips and tricks for staying happy and healthy over the Christmas period, so you can begin relaxing and enjoy it to the fullest.
What is stress?
Stress is an emotion that lots of people feel from time to time. It can come at any point in your life but is most common when you are dealing with a significant change or life challenge. It is caused by the body releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
Not only can stress affect your mental health, it can also manifest in physical symptoms such as: fatigue, headaches, feeling sick, and panic attacks.
What can cause stress over the festive season?
Despite Christmas being a time meant for holiday cheer, it can become difficult for people for various different reasons. Some of the reasons why Christmas can be tough and may affect your mental health include:
- Worrying about money
- Finding childcare
- Having enough time to do everything
- Grieving those that you’ve lost
- Loneliness
- Difficult situations and relationships
- Societies expectations
It’s important to acknowledge these challenges and remember that it’s okay not to have these feelings. Seeking support and taking action to reduce stress can help manage these emotions.
Ways to reduce stress this Christmas
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing stress, because what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some well-known strategies that may be able to help.
Despite the pressure that Christmas can bring, with a few practical approaches, you can reduce your stress and enjoy the holiday season more fully.
Understand that stress is a normal feeling
It is important to recognise that feeling stressed around Christmas time is completely normal. With increased responsibilities, social events, and financial pressures, it is very easy to become overwhelmed.
Understanding that you are not alone in experiencing stress around this period can help you feel more in control and less anxious.
Prioritise self-care
Taking time for yourself during the holidays can make a big difference in relieving stress. Whether it’s enjoying a relaxing winter walk, meditation, or indulging in a relaxing bath, finding moments to recharge will help you restore your energy and take care of your wellbeing.
Set realistic expectations
It is easy to get caught up in the pressure of creating the “perfect” Christmas. Instead, focus on what really matters to you and your loved ones. Making simple plans and setting realistic expectations can help reduce the feeling of frustration and disappointment, allowing you to enjoy the season without comparing your Christmas experience to others.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Make sure you are asking for assistance or delegating tasks to others e.g. wrapping gifts, preparing meals, or decorating. Sharing this workload can make you feel a lot less pressure and alleviate your stress.
The holiday season is meant to be enjoyed together, and getting others involved will also foster a sense of connection and support.
Have a holly jolly Christmas
To stay stress-free over the Christmas holidays, it’s important to take a step back and focus on what matters. Instead of overloading yourself with tasks and expectations, make simple plans and embrace the moments that bring you joy.
Recognise your limits and allow yourself to take breaks when you need them. By doing so, you’ll find that you can enjoy the season more, feel more present, and manage the holiday stress with greater ease.