How to Deal With Holiday Stress

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But for so many of us, the most stressful.

The craziness of shopping for gifts, the hectic schedule, holiday parties, children’s Christmas concerts, finishing up projects at work and the list goes on.

Here’s the deal, the holidays are not stressful. Our perception of what the holidays mean is what stresses us out. The expectations we put on ourselves and how we perceive them is what causes this stress and anxiety.

The holiday season can actually be a moment to savor time with your family, take a break and gasp- even have fun.

Stress doesn’t have to define your holiday. Use these tips to survive the season and boost your holiday cheer.

Don’t “Should” all over yourself

Decide that your holiday doesn’t need to look like a Norman Rockwell painting or a lifestyle magazine. Drop all the unrealistic “shoulds” and silly expectations that create stress, conflict and resentment — “we should all get along, simply because it’s Christmas!”, “the table should be decorated like a Pinterest page”, “I should make homemade gifts for the kid’s teachers”, “we should keep the traditions exactly as they’ve always been…” and so on. It’s the attachment to how everything should be, that creates the majority of holiday stress. Let’s let it go and enjoy it for what it really is.

Remember your family loves you.

No matter how bananas you think your family is or how much they push your buttons (and to my beautiful family reading this, I’m sure I push yours too ? ) please remember; no matter how great everyone looks in their Instagram feed or Facebook page — no family is perfect… we all have our shit. It’s not just you. Most of us feel a little nuts around our families. Just breathe, and remember that behind the craziness, is love.

Elizabeth Gilbert has amazing advice on this. Watch this video.

Keep your exercise routine going.

Schedule in specific work out times so you don’t miss them. All you need is 12 to 20 minutes a day. Stay consistent. All the extra food, booze and parties will make you feel like crap if you don’t move your body at least a few times per week.

Don’t beat yourself up over food.

There’s no need to lock yourself up in food jail. It’s unrealistic -not to mention no fun, to completely deprive yourself during the holidays. Don’t freak out about it. Be conscious of your choices. If you love cookies or chocolate, eat them. Enjoy it then let it go. That being said, holidays are days, not weeks. Enjoy yourself on Christmas, New Years Eve and your holiday parties. But don’t make excuses to overeat every day because it’s two weeks before Christmas and one week after new years.

Relax + Have Fun!

Having fun during the holidays isn’t just for the kids. As adults, it’s so common that we get so caught up in the shoulds, the holiday to do list, and the family drama that we forget it’s supposed to be enjoyable. Give yourself permission to have fun. It’s not that serious. Allowing yourself to be silly and playful will lower your stress hormones and probably reduce family tensions.

Now I’d love to hear from you!

In the comments section below, please share the one should you’re going to let go of this year.

Un abrazo,
Ana