5 Tips to Help Manage Holiday Stress
A MAMA'S GUIDE TO MAKING ROOM FOR JOY AND TRADITION AROUND THE HOLIDAYS WHILE MANAGING STRESS
Holidays are a time many of us feel stressed. Between the presents, the food, family gatherings, time with friends, and the expectations, it’s easy to let overwhelm dim the joy. But don’t worry – we’ve got some tried and true tips to de-stress so that you can enjoy this holiday season and soak in the real stuff.
Value shift so you don't lose sight of what's important.
Choose a theme to avoid burnout and reduce financial stress.
Set boundaries! Remember it's ok to say 'No.'
Do the endless gifts and gadgets drive you mad? Do the expectations for a perfect five course meal served piping hot steal the joy from your day? Are you steering away from what matters to you and your partner to meet expectations of others?
Clarify your boundaries and communicate those without hesitation. Maybe this year you’re going to cater that meal you despise cooking over all day or request a potluck. Or perhaps you’re going to set a three toy limit on Christmas gifts or request an “experience” versus more gadgets. Maybe you prefer to do Christmas morning at home with your kids and you’re willing to travel on other days or maybe you need to reduce the number of holiday gatherings altogether.
Whatever it may be, protect your sanity by putting healthy, flexible boundaries in place. Nodding yes but wondering how to set those boundaries? Here are our tips for setting boundaries. Just remember it’s perfectly ok to say, ‘no thank you.’
Add breathwork to your anxiety arsenal to reduce stress and depression.
“Take a deep breath” can be annoying advice when your stress and anxiety have you on a leash. Instead of going for that early afternoon cocktail to reel it back in, take back the control by learning quick and effective deep breathing exercises.
Breathwork is a powerful tool that can bring your physiologic body back to a state of calm when you feel overwhelmed, after only a few moments of focusing inward (and it can be done in the comfort of your in-law’s basement!). We’ve all heard of box breathing which is a common exercise (inhale through the nose for 4, hold for 4, exhale through the mouth for 4) and effective at restoring balance. Sharing my go-to healthy habits in the members only holiday resilience guide. Learn more about the exclusive resources in our motherhood community.
Practice gratitude to promote mindfulness.
Focus on what’s really important this holiday season by staying true to your values, setting boundaries, and practicing gratitude. You’ll be able to keep stress and overwhelm at bay and improve your mental health so you can enjoy the holidays.
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Lauren Hays, PMHNP
Lauren was a licensed and trained registered nurse in the NICU and has since made a career shift to focus on mental health. Lauren is now a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, focusing on women’s health and wellness. She is a mom of three precious little men who has turned her pain into passion.
