Ways to Avoid Family Stress During the Holidays
Holidays are great, but they can also be stressful, especially when they are together. What can you do to help make this holiday season go more smoothly?
Before The Holidays
Be Organized
It helps to get yourself ready for the holidays. Whether you use your phone or a calendar or a list. Write down the things that you have planned and want to do during the holiday season and the gifts you want to get. This will help you to feel prepared going into the season.
Simplify Gift Giving
Remind yourself that it’s the thought that counts. Talk to your family about your holiday gift-giving. Are you drawing names? Are there price limits? Should the gifts be handmade? Remind yourself that gifts do not have to be fancy or expensive. And then think about what that person likes and go from there.
Get Support
If you are feeling anxious or depressed with the holiday season on the way, reach out to your doctor or a counselor.
During The Holidays
Get Sleep
Holidays can get busy and it is easy to miss out on sleep. But sleep is crucial to feeling good. Losing just a little sleep can affect your mood. So do your best to get a good night’s sleep during the holidays.
Eat Healthily
Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated during the holidays. It’s not always easy with holiday treats everywhere, but do your best to eat fresh foods and drink lots of water to keep feeling good.
Try Something New
If you’re sick of the same old thing every year, try something new. Maybe your family can go on vacation and celebrate together in a new place. Or maybe you simply take a group and go ice-skating or play a new game together. Change it up and see what happens.
Take A Break
If you need some time away from your family:
- Take it.
- Go for a walk or find a quiet room.
- Find a place where you can be alone so that when you are back together with your family you are ready to enjoy them.
Set Boundaries
If you have family members who bother you, limit your time with them. Then you can spend time with the family and friends you really want to be with. And if you end up talking with someone who makes you uncomfortable, you can always walk away.
Let Go Of Perfection
Don’t expect your holiday season to go perfect. Give you and your family the chance to be human. Do your best to stay off social media because many of the posts will give the illusion of a perfect holiday. Let go of perfection. Know that there may be parts of your holiday season that aren’t great and that’s ok. Enjoy the good and let go of the bad.
Enjoy The Moment
Disconnect from your phone and electronics and connect with the people around you. Think of all the things that you are grateful for and enjoy. Give yourself the best chance to have an awesome holiday season.
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Ways to Avoid Family Stress During the Holidays
Holidays are great, but they can also be stressful, especially when they are together. What can you do to help make this holiday season go more smoothly?
Before The Holidays
Be Organized
It helps to get yourself ready for the holidays. Whether you use your phone or a calendar or a list. Write down the things that you have planned and want to do during the holiday season and the gifts you want to get. This will help you to feel prepared going into the season.
Simplify Gift Giving
Remind yourself that it’s the thought that counts. Talk to your family about your holiday gift-giving. Are you drawing names? Are there price limits? Should the gifts be handmade? Remind yourself that gifts do not have to be fancy or expensive. And then think about what that person likes and go from there.
Get Support
If you are feeling anxious or depressed with the holiday season on the way, reach out to your doctor or a counselor.
During The Holidays
Get Sleep
Holidays can get busy and it is easy to miss out on sleep. But sleep is crucial to feeling good. Losing just a little sleep can affect your mood. So do your best to get a good night’s sleep during the holidays.
Eat Healthily
Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated during the holidays. It’s not always easy with holiday treats everywhere, but do your best to eat fresh foods and drink lots of water to keep feeling good.
Try Something New
If you’re sick of the same old thing every year, try something new. Maybe your family can go on vacation and celebrate together in a new place. Or maybe you simply take a group and go ice-skating or play a new game together. Change it up and see what happens.
Take A Break
If you need some time away from your family:
- Take it.
- Go for a walk or find a quiet room.
- Find a place where you can be alone so that when you are back together with your family you are ready to enjoy them.
Set Boundaries
If you have family members who bother you, limit your time with them. Then you can spend time with the family and friends you really want to be with. And if you end up talking with someone who makes you uncomfortable, you can always walk away.
Let Go Of Perfection
Don’t expect your holiday season to go perfect. Give you and your family the chance to be human. Do your best to stay off social media because many of the posts will give the illusion of a perfect holiday. Let go of perfection. Know that there may be parts of your holiday season that aren’t great and that’s ok. Enjoy the good and let go of the bad.
Enjoy The Moment
Disconnect from your phone and electronics and connect with the people around you. Think of all the things that you are grateful for and enjoy. Give yourself the best chance to have an awesome holiday season.
Read More: