Finding Peace in the Chaos: How to Manage Holiday Stress
The holiday season can be a time of joy, celebration, and connection—but it can also be a significant source of stress. This year in particular has been a time of high emotions and conflict for many families. Family dynamics are being exasperated by a lot of division and uncertainty in our world. While the scope of things we can’t control can feel overwhelming, there are some things within our control that we can focus our energy on.
Here are a few strategies for prioritizing self-care this holiday season.
Take it back to the basics:
1. Get clear about your values
Let your values inform your decisions this holiday season. Take some time to reflect on what matters the most to you and make your decisions based on those values. Do you value connection with family and friends? Do you value time alone with your immediate family? Do you value tradition and connection even if it comes with some chaos and potential disagreement? All of those are valid values and feelings. Take some time to get clear on what you want and remember that you have agency over where you spend your time and resources.
2. Nourish and hydrate your body
Prioritize well-balanced meals throughout the day. This will help your body feel more regulated which will help put you in a better place for managing your own emotions, being able to set boundaries with others, and handling any other unexpected stressors.
3. Prioritize sleep
Sleep is one of the most important variables in being able to regulate our emotions. From the stressors of dealing with traffic to some potentially harder conflicts that can come up with family, being well-rested will help you be able to navigate stress in a way that is more in line with your values.
4. Decide where you want to prioritize your budget
If you are partnered, this is something you may want to do together. The holiday season often brings about a lot of financial stress for families. There are certain situations we cannot control. If this year you are particularly strapped, this time of year can be extra stressful. There are plenty of ways to make the holidays magical for your family even on a smaller budget.
For those who do have more means but still feel the stress- take some time ahead of time to get clear on where you want to prioritize your spending. Remember it is okay to say no to gift swaps or expensive trips this season. You need to do what is right for your family and loving relationships should allow room for you to say no.
5. Prioritize self-care
From loud parties to traffic and managing expectations, holidays can be really stressful. If you want to show up and enjoy the beauty of the season, you will need to prioritize filling up your cup. Things like scheduling time to be in nature, taking morning walks, making time to move your body in ways that feel supportive of your wellbeing, and staying consistent with any other practices you do throughout the year that help fill you will be so important in helping you feel fulfilled and not depleted this holiday season.
6. Be clear about your boundaries
If you are partnered, this might be a good thing to discuss together ahead of time. Think through some of the challenges you might anticipate and create a plan together for how you might want to handle certain difficult family members or situations you can anticipate.
7. Schedule time with people who fill you up
You may end up spending time around people who drain you this season. Make sure you also schedule time with communities and people that fill you up.
Final Thoughts
Remember, you are in charge of where you spend your time, resources, and who you share your family with. Many people often blow through this time of year stressed and completely miss all the magic that can come with this season. Give yourself the space to go into the season this year clear about your values, prioritizing things that matter to you, and grounded in the truth of your ability to influence where you spend your time.
Take a deep breath, embrace the moment, and enjoy the season in a way that feels right for you.
Resources
Are you feeling triggered and having a hard time figuring out why? Grab our self care check-in to better understand your triggers and how you can take better care of yourself.
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Realistic Self Care For Busy Moms: A Check-in with Amy & Abby
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