The Best Ways To Deal With Christmas Stress

What we all need right now is a traditional Christmas! You know, the one with the perfectly chosen gifts piled up around the tree and family warmly recalling the memories of the year. Definitely not the one that makes us anxious.

Christmas is supposed to be a joyful time, but for many people, it can be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment, or loneliness. Christmas brings with it plenty of expectations to be perfect, smiling faces with parties and gifts, but not all of us can live up to these christmas that we watch in movies.

Also, Christmas can bring out feelings of grief and despair for people who have just lost a loved one. Some people face feelings of loneliness, financial difficulties, or heightened family strife during this time of year, making it an extremely stressful period.

For all of these reasons, we’ve compiled a list of do-it-yourself ideas to ensure that your Christmas season is as joyous as you want it to be. Continue reading to feel delighted rather than overwhelmed…

The Ultimate Stress-Free Activities for You!

Mental health does not take a holiday, and with all of the added stress that might accompany the holiday season, it is critical to take care of yourself.

Relax for a while.

Stop, take a breath, and delegate! There’s no reason to do it all yourself; you’ll just wind up tired and exhausted. Make sure to schedule some “me” time each day.

Between errands, it could be breathing exercises, meditation or yoga, walking the dog, or simply sitting in the garden with a lovely refreshing drink. The point is to make time for yourself.

Laugh and enjoy yourself

It’s all too easy to lose sight of what the season is all about during the crazy rush leading up to Christmas – celebration and FUN!

Traditionally, Christmas was not so much about the commercial element of buying huge amounts of presents as it was about spending time with loved ones. After all, the objective is to spend your energy appreciating the people around you.

Take note of your energy.

It’s Christmas, so you might be fatigued, but remember to listen to your body. Most people’s energy levels are highest in the morning and begin to decline around 3-4 pm, as a result of the body’s normal hormonal sleep and waking cycle. 

When we rely on artificial energy boosters, weariness becomes an issue. Caffeine, which produces abrupt increases in cortisol and adrenaline, causes energy highs and lows, depleting the adrenal glands over time.

Fortunately, there is a simple solution: drink your coffee, but only one! Alternatively, you can use green tea, which is less stimulating and contains the naturally relaxing amino acid, L-theanine.

Furthermore, make appropriate food choices that offer your body adequate energy. Instead of sugary snacks, opt for whole foods, fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds. You don’t have to forego all of your favourite goodies; simply make healthier choices, and your body will be able to cope better with holiday excesses.

Every 90 minutes, Take a break!

Our bodies have a 24-hour clock known as the ultradian cycle, and in order for this cycle to function properly, you must take a break every 90 minutes. You cannot maintain high energy levels if you do not routinely relax. By break, we mean try to opt for a pause which hinders the monotonous feeling.

You’re probably aware that continuous stress saps your energy. Magnesium and B vitamins are important supplements to help you get through the holiday season. Try incorporating these nutrients into your wellness routine right away.

Examine your general health 

If you find yourself lacking motivation or not enjoying the holiday season as much as you used to, it could be due to a general lack of energy, rather than a lack of Christmas spirit.

You shouldn’t be fatigued all the time. This might be iron deficiency, megaloblastic anaemia (a lack of B12 or folate), or low thyroid function. Food allergies can also be a source of long-term weariness. So seeing your doctor for a blood test is a good place to start. 

Examine your mood

Depression and anxiety can also be more prevalent around the holidays, especially if you have terrible family relationships or are spending the holiday alone. Consider including a 5HTP supplement in your daily regimen; it is a precursor to serotonin and helps to maintain healthy serotonin levels in the brain. 

Serotonin is a feel-good molecule in the brain. Low levels have been associated with depression, premenstrual syndrome, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and carbohydrate cravings. Unlike antidepressants, which recycle serotonin, 5HTP promotes serotonin production in the brain.

Taking care of financial concerns

Is the holiday season draining your bank account? Here are some suggestions for managing your Christmas expenses and decreasing financial stress over the holiday season:

• Determine the source of your financial stress: Purchasing presents and attending social gatherings can be costly. Plan strategies to save money. You may, for example, advise your family and friends that you exclusively buy gifts for children, or you could organise a “Secret Santa” among the adults. Make and stick to a budget.

• Find inexpensive ways to have fun:  Don’t let money keep you from seeing your family and friends. If you can’t afford expensive restaurant meals or cocktail get-togethers, throw a BBQ in the park or a house party where everyone provides a plate of food.

Loneliness Management

There are techniques to overcome loneliness if you are isolated or grieving the loss of a loved one over the holiday season.

• Maintain contact with friends and family. Even if you’re separated by distance, you can communicate with loved ones by phone or online.

• Volunteer. Why not donate a hand to a local shelter around Christmas? There are numerous nonprofits in need of assistance. You’ll meet new people and feel good about making a difference.

• Participate in community events. Learn about what’s going on in your community and get involved. Getting out and about, whether for Christmas carols or local markets, can help alleviate loneliness.

• Make preparations for Christmas Day. Make a strategy ahead of time to avoid feeling gloomy or overwhelmed on the big day. Make yourself a special breakfast, purchase a gift in advance to savour on the day, attend a local church service, or take a stroll in the local park to pamper yourself.

Deal with family tension

Just because you are related does not guarantee that your family members will get along! Sometimes Christmas anxiety may be exacerbated by split families and unsolved problems. Anxiety can be triggered by family and relationship issues. Hence here are a few suggestions for you to follow. 

• Set reasonable expectations: Christmas may not be the wonderful family reunion you had planned for. Plan how you will deal with any anxiety or depression that may occur.

• Prioritize your children: If you have children, think about putting aside continuing adult issues for their sake. Consider Christmas to be a day for the children, with the goal of facilitating their delight.

• Consume alcohol in moderation: While it may be tempting to overindulge during the holiday season, alcohol can contribute to stress, anxiety, and melancholy. If you drink to cope, alcohol may be a problem.

• Stay away from recognised triggers: Don’t bring up a topic that your family has a history of bickering about.

Note: If you’re having trouble managing your stress or anxiety, seek professional assistance from one of our HealthifyMe professionals.

Conclusion 

Recognizing and altering stress-inducing behaviours will help you get through the holiday season. Remember to keep healthy – eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep can all help you deal with the stress of the holidays.

In addition, the suggestions above can help you feel a little more festive this holiday season. Listen to your body, surround yourself with positive people, and, most importantly, try not to take this festive season too seriously.

“Merry and A Healthifying Christmas Y’all”