A Healthier Approach to the Holidays: Three Ways to Manage Holiday Stress
We have arrived at the most wonderful time of the year, the holiday season. Many of us have been eagerly waiting to decorate our homes, enjoy our favorite seasonal treats, and share time with the ones we love most.
However, amidst all the fun festivities, the holiday season can quickly turn into a time of anxiety and overwhelm. Did you know that about 28% of Americans report increased stress during the holidays? The reasons are valid and varied, ranging from financial concerns to grief over missed loved ones, to difficult family dynamics, or simply a packed calendar.
This stress does not just exist in your mind. It can present itself physically. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can disrupt sleep patterns, lead to weight gain, and even disrupt your hormone balance. With all of this in mind, whether you are excited to set up the tree or cautiously tiptoeing into the season, here are three great ways to navigate the holidays in a way that prioritizes your health.
Develop a holiday game plan ahead of time
Planning ahead sounds simple in theory, but it can quickly become difficult to execute once the invitations start rolling in. Before you commit to multiple family outings, friends’ get-togethers, and community engagements, sit down with your family or significant other to decide what is truly important to you.
Decide which activities you want to prioritize and commit to those. If you are dividing holidays between multiple households, consider spending an off-weekend in December with one side of the family and Christmas weekend with the other. This allows you to truly enjoy quality time with your loved ones without the hassle of rushing from place to place. When you reduce the frantic rushing, you lower the demand on your body and mind, helping you preserve energy for the moments that matter.
Another big stressor for many is the change in diet during the season. While it is wonderful to snack on your favorite Christmas cookies, consistently eating outside of your routine can leave you feeling physically off your game. High sugar intake also leads to rapid spikes in insulin followed by quick energy crashes, which can make emotional regulation even harder. Make a list of the specific treats you really want to enjoy and stick to those. In between festivities, prioritize water and nutrient-dense meals rich in protein and healthy fats. This will keep you full, stabilize your blood sugar, and can even help to curb the surgar cravings.
Be realistic about your budget
Of the 28% of Americans who reported holiday overwhelm, a majority attributed their stress to the cost of gift-giving. With rising costs, social media advertising, and the general pressure to spend, our budgets can quickly fall by the wayside. This often leaves us with financial regret in January, which can create a lingering background anxiety that can have long-term effects after the holidays are over.
If you plan to purchase gifts this year, set a budget for yourself before you shop. Don’t underestimate the power of a DIY gift! Whether it is a baked good, a framed photo, or a handwritten letter, these gifts are meaningful because they come from your heart and effort. They are often far less of a strain on your wallet and help shift the focus from commercialism back to connection.
Prioritize time for yourself
While the holidays are one of the best times of the year to connect with family and friends, do not forget to set aside time for yourself. Constant social interaction requires a high output of energy. Without breaks, your nervous system stays in a sympathetic fight-or-flight state, eventually leading to burnout.
Whether you engage in your favorite hobby, read a book that gets you in the spirit, or just spend some time reflecting on loved ones you miss this season, giving yourself permission to pause is vital. Try to block out at least thirty minutes a day for solitude to help your body shift into a parasympathetic state, which is where rest and hormone repair happen. Remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your own peace of mind ensures you have the energy to be present and joyful with the people you love.
Ready to bring balance and vitality back to your life? Schedule your one-on-one consultation today and start feeling your best.