“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” The Christmas lights are twinkling, the hot cocoa is poured, and you’re cozied up to a warm fireplace with your loved one. That sounds so peaceful right?
For many, this is a season of family, laughter, and celebration. But, it’s also a time of year that can get us really stressed out. From the pressure of finding the perfect gifts, to the many social events, the demands of the season can quickly feel like too much to handle. In addition to the usual responsibilities, the colder weather, financial strain, and family dynamics can add to the tension.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed this December, you aren’t alone. Over 60% of adults reported feeling stressed during the holiday season! As we make our way towards Christmas, it’s important to recognize the signs of stress. When we’re aware, we can take steps to manage it. This ensures we can enjoy this festive season and have a peaceful holiday.
What Is Overwhelm?
Overwhelm happens when a person believes their stressors are more than they can manage. It becomes increasingly difficult to make decisions. You might even decline social events or skip out on your responsibilities because your just can’t bring yourself to do it. Because a number of factors can spark feelings of anxiety, fear, or anger, it becomes quite difficult to understand the exact source of the stress.
When this happens, what should you do?
Here are a few tips to get you through the overwhelm so you can enjoy the things worthy of celebrating…
Take Mental Breaks
When you’re feeling tense, it’s difficult to see anything else. You’re figuratively “stuck in the middle of the forest, not seeing the trees.” When you’re overwhelmed, mounting pressures, or any little task might set you over the edge. It can feel like you’re fighting your way through your to-do list until you get a chance to catch your breath.
Whenever you feel that survival mode kicking in, pause.
Take a few slow, deep breaths—nice and long. Pause for a moment to create some distance between yourself and the situation, allowing time to reflect and regain perspective. You can also try box breathing: inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four, and pause for four. Repeat this cycle for a few minutes and notice how much calmer and more peaceful you feel afterward!
Avoid the “What If?”s
The parties, the dinners, the presents – every part of the holidays feels like an unknown this year. In these times, it’s tempting to dwell on the “What if?”
What if someone gets sick or we’re unable to travel?
What if there’s family drama…again?
What if we don’t have enough money for all the gifts we want?
These statements heap fuel on the fire of worry and tension. The more time you spend worrying about what could happen, the less time you have for what’s actually in front of you. This includes the actions you could take to help you stay calm and keep your stress levels at bay.
Whenever those nagging “What if?”s start to creep in, acknowledge what’s going on. See how you can turn those thoughts around into positive statements:
Let’s have an amazing time together on Christmas Day – and maybe even start a new tradition!
I’m looking forward to family time that’s full of laughter and joy.
We’re creative. We can find or make perfect gifts without spending a ton of money.
“Reframing your thoughts” is key when it comes to addressing those negative thoughts. With better mindfulness, you can protect your ideal peaceful Christmas!
Make Time To Laugh
In the height of holiday planning, it’s easy to forget to carve out time for fun and laughter.
Laughter is an amazing form of stress relief and provides a number of short and long-term benefits.
In fact, laughter:
- Increases your intake of oxygen, stimulates your heart, and boosts endorphins.
- Calms down your stress response, causing a relaxed feeling.
- Improves your immune system, can function as a natural painkiller, and can lessen depression or anxiety.
So, next time you find yourself tensing up, find a funny YouTube video. Or, look up a funny joke, or play a game with the family. This is a great way to spend quality time and get everyone laughing!
May Your Days Be Merry and Bright
Remember – you may not be able to control everything happening around you. However, you can influence and control what goes on inside your head. No matter what comes your way, commit to enjoying and cherishing the people around you.
Try out one of the above ideas this holiday season, and may you be filled with true peace and joy this year.