The Surprising Science Behind Holiday Stress and How to Beat It
When the Christmas and holiday season start up, many people are beyond excited. They are eager to get their trees put up, they are looking forward to going on that first big shopping trip, and they cannot wait to find everything that they have been looking to get their loved ones. However, if you fast forward a week or so into the Christmas and holiday season, those who were once eager may look as though they are ready to crack. The stress of if it all is getting to them. What you once thought was going to be a fun shopping trip turned into not being able to find what you had on your list, crowded stores in which you felt as though everyone was coughing or sneezing on you, and misprints on prices that led to you spending more than what you wanted to spend. It is easy enough to see why stress is a huge issue during the Christmas and holiday season.
So, what can you do to reduce stress? While many people want to avoid all the shopping, decorating and the like associated with the Christmas and holiday season, sticking your hand in the sand, so to speak, is not really the best way to avoid the stress. After all, if you do not go out and get the presents, decorate or the like, you may find yourself feeling stressed and depressed over not celebrating the Christmas and holiday season like you should It is a double edged sword for most people, but we have a few tips that can help you in reducing your stress levels this Christmas and holiday season.
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- Have no fanciful ideas about what your shopping will look like. If you know you cannot stand crowds, then reduce your stress by looking online for gifts for your loved ones. Take advantage of shopping days like Cyber Monday to get even better deals.
- Remember that when decorating your home, it only matters what you think. You do not have to decorate your home as if it is going to appear in a magazine. Decorate how YOU want and be happy with what you end up with. After all, you only want to please yourself.
- You can say no to something during the Christmas and holiday season. Just because you have been asked to attend, does not mean that you have to. If you are booked up solid, then you know that saying yes will make your life harder. Do not do this! Just say no.
- Ask for help when you need it. If you are hosting a gathering for the family and need help with the food, there is no shame in asking the other family members to bring a dish. In fact, it can make your Christmas and holiday season much better when you take some of the load off of your own plate and evenly divide this.
We get it…the Christmas and holiday season can be stressful. But, before you have a meltdown, take a deep breath and just enjoy the day to day!