Are Holiday Demands Bringing Out Your Inner Grinch?

Five Ways to Manage The Stress of the Holiday Season!

The images of a perfect, happy holiday seem to bombard us everywhere this time of year on television, social media, in the car and in every store and restaurant. Companies try to tempt us with perfection at every turn: the perfect gift, the holiday they’ll never forget, the must-have toy of the season. It’s really easy to feel overwhelmed by it all. So as we head into the holidays and the year-end hoopla take a deep breath and keep these simple tips in mind.

Just Say No. Holiday decorating, shopping, baking and planning will take up a good part of your already full schedule. Before you accept every invite and offer, think through what kind of time commitment or extra preparation will be needed. It’s okay to stay home for some much-needed quiet time.

Everything in Moderation.‘Tis the season of indulging in food, drinks and extra spending, so don’t lose sight of the big picture. Gaining weight back that you’ve worked so hard to lose will leave you feeling down. Same goes for racking up credit card debt.

Focus on Fun, Not Perfection.Think of your most memorable holiday moments. Was it the time that the power went out just as Thanksgiving dinner was served? Or maybe when the cat climbed up the Christmas tree and sent it toppling to the ground? The fun is in the flaws, so embrace them. Picture-perfect holidays make for compelling TV commercials but real life is so much more interesting and memorable.

Keep Your Routines. All of the extra activities can push the boundaries of your schedule and maybe your sanity too! Adhering to the daily routine can really be a comfort when things get hectic. Don’t skip your morning exercise or daily dog walk or any other “me moments”. Give yourself those small gifts each day.

Give Back. One of the best remedies for the holiday blues is volunteering your time to others. Step outside your life for a couple hours and help out at a shelter by serving meals, collecting gifts or lending a hand in some way. It will leave you feeling fulfilled and grateful. If you want some ideas on where to volunteer, just click on our post about helping others during the holiday season.