The holiday season is usually the most wonderful time of the year, yet it can bring overwhelming stress for many women. They have to juggle family gatherings, gift shopping, cooking, and managing everyday responsibilities, which can lead to burnout. Add to that the stress of year-end deadlines and the financial strain of overspending, which can stretch women even more. APA survey findings show that added holiday stress, on top of already disproportionately high-stress levels in women year-round, makes it hard for women to relax.
It is no wonder that, for many women, it is a stressful phase. The never-ending to-do list is the only thing that jingles this time of year! While the holidays are meant to be a time of joy, relaxation, and celebration, the demands placed on women can sometimes spoil the fun. However, taking it slow and incorporating mindful strategies can help women enjoy this time of the season. This article will provide practical tips for managing holiday stress and helping women spend this festive time without sacrificing happiness.
7 Practical Ways To Manage Holiday Stress
#1 Set Realistic Expectations
Women often set unrealistic expectations for themselves, thinking they must do it all, leading to holiday stress and anxiety. From planning dinners to buying perfect gifts to hosting celebrations- you name it, meeting these expectations can be exhausting.
The Power of Saying “No”
Cut yourself some slack and say no more often. Dismiss the idea of anything that might feel overwhelming. You don’t need to attend every party or host gatherings. Instead, focus on what matters to you the most, like your family or loved ones.
#2 Share the Load and Celebrate Together
Women naturally feel pressure to take on the lion’s share of holiday preparations. But it is important to remember that you don’t have to do it all alone. Learn the art of delegation, and involve your family to share the burden. Share the workload in tasks like wrapping gifts, setting the table, or cleaning up after meals.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Encourage others to share the load, and remember, sharing responsibilities doesn’t take away from the magic of the holiday—even the joy. When everyone pitches in, the fun of the season is felt by all. As they say, a shared holiday is a multiplied holiday.
#3 Simplify Gifting
Even though gifting is an integral tradition during the holiday season, the pressure to buy the perfect token of love can be pretty stressful. Instead of wasting countless hours searching for extravagant gifts, move to simpler and more meaningful options that they cherish for life. It is never about the price tag; the thought behind it matters.
The Personal Touch
The holiday season is often marketed as an expensive affair, but gifts don’t need to break the bank. A simple framed photo, personalized stuff or hand-made card can be more heartfelt than something store-bought. Or you can think outside the box and offer an experience like a movie night, a day out, and more. Gifts are exchanged to create moments and memories that last longer than material things. You must be all in for expensive gifts if you want, but if they give you stress, you better shift to simpler ones.
#4 Practice Self-Care
During holiday chaos, it’s easy to forget to care for yourself. The holidays should be about joy, not burnout. By prioritizing self-care, you can stay physically and mentally fit throughout the season.
Small Acts of Self-Love
Take small breaks whenever possible, have a cup of tea, go for a short walk, or relax in a peaceful place. Also, remember to have nutritious meals, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive, either. You can go for a relaxing bath or a yoga session, read your favourite book, or refresh with music.
#5 Stay Active
Exercise is a powerful stress reliever, but the holiday season can mean putting yourself last on the to-do list for women. Finding even a few minutes daily to move your body can do wonders for your physical and mental health.
Movement as Medicine
Physical activity releases endorphins that help combat stress and boost mood. Go for fun activities during festival events, participate in holiday-themed sports, or work out at home. These movements will not only burn extra calories from all the cookies but also boost energy levels while releasing stress and anxiety that can sneak up during the holiday season.
#6 Let Go of The Guilt
Women tend to feel guilty when they prioritize themselves or take time out. But they must know self-care isn’t selfish; it is vital to maintaining their sanity and health. They recharge and enjoy the season, too.
Be Kind to Yourself
If you need to cancel extra plans or take a break from hosting, you must do that. Let go of any guilt about not doing everything perfectly. You are doing your best, and that is more than enough. Acknowledge that taking care of yourself will let you show up as your best self for others.
#7 Honour the Losses
The holidays can be challenging for those who have lost loved ones this year. Be sure to make space for your grief. Honouring the losses, be it the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job or personal dreams, can be a powerful way to find healing and peace during this time.
Create a Ritual of Remembrance
Set aside time to think about and honour what you have lost this year. It could be as simple as lighting a candle in memory or writing down your feelings—whatever makes you feel better. Consider changing your traditions to make your feelings of loss more manageable, or find a way to weave in the memory of your loved one into your holiday rituals.
Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos, Find the Joy
The holiday season is meant to be celebrated and not be stressful. When you focus on what is really important to you, you can turn the holidays into the best time of the year. The holidays are more about being present with your loved ones than checking off a to-do list. Enjoy the sweet chaos, laugh through the mishaps, and savour the memories you create along the way.
How WellAura Can Help Combat Holiday Stress
At WellAura, we understand the importance of maintaining balance during this busy time of year. Our mental health experts are here to support you with personalized wellness consultations, mental health care, and holistic solutions tailored to your needs.
Don’t let holiday stress take away the joy of the season. Prioritize your well-being by scheduling an appointment with WellAura today. Let us help you embrace the festivities with a healthy mind and body. Book your appointment now!
