20 ways to make the holidays less stressful this year

Shopping for gifts is one of the most stressful parts of the holiday season. Manage your stress by getting it done early. You’ll avoid the crowds, save money, and won’t have that gargantuan task lingering. Even getting a good chunk of it done ahead of time can make the season more relaxing. 

If you can’t get all of your shopping done early, shop online. Many small businesses have an e-tail platform, so you can still support local shops, and shopping online will help you avoid crowds and overconsumption, which can cause stress. 

Decorating is lots of fun, but it can also cause some stress. If having too many decorations out makes you feel overwhelmed or claustrophobic, don’t put them out. Only put out the decorations that you really love. 

If you don’t want to go to a holiday party, if you don’t want to travel, or if you just want to avoid anything that might trigger your stress, stay home. It’s good to get out of the house, but it’s good to stay home, too. During a time when balance is hard, don’t be afraid to just stay put. 

You don’t have to say yes to every holiday invitation that comes your way. If you only want to attend one holiday party, say no to the others. If you don’t want to participate in a gift exchange, say no. Say no to the extraneous bits of the holidays that’ll cause you stress. 

The entire world gets caught up in giving gifts to every last person in their life. While it’s nice to show someone you care, don’t feel obligated to give everyone a gift. Reserve that for the most important people in your life. 

It’s so easy to get out of your routine during the holidays, but it’s an important time to keep your routine in place. Routine will help keep your stress level down, so don’t get out of it just because you have a Christmas tree at work. 

Exercise is a proven stress reliever. It’s tough to find motivation at the end of the year, especially when it’s cold, and there’s so much excitement in the air, but moving your body can help relieve that extra stress. 

Eating well helps regulate stress, too. It’s okay to indulge in the treats that abound during the holiday season, but don’t forget to fuel your body well at breakfast, lunch, and dinner so that you feel up to enjoying those treats. 

Budgeting is truly tested at the end of the year, but it’s so important. Money is a huge stressor for many, especially when expenses pile up during the holidays. But setting a budget and sticking to it can help you survive the holidays in a relaxed mode and start your next year off right. 

It’s tough to maintain a good sleep schedule when there’s so much excitement and irregularity, but try your best to get a good night of sleep every night, even on holiday eves. Sleep is one of the best ways to keep your stress level low. 

There’s so much alcohol around us during the holidays, but alcohol can cause so much stress on your body and brain. Either avoid alcohol entirely during the holidays or keep it to a minimum. It’s not always easy to do, but it will make you feel much better. 

We’re supposed to enjoy the holidays, and for some people, enjoyment comes from taking a break. If that’s you, don’t feel bad about taking some time for yourself. Use up the last of your vacation days for the year and enjoy some peace and quiet. 

Everyone made fun of Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis for wanting to take a holiday from the holidays, but they were on to something. If you don’t want to deal with the stress of the season this year, go elsewhere and enjoy yourself. 

A massage, at least temporarily, can make all of your stress go away. It’s not a cure-all, but it will help ease your burden. If you don’t like massages, do something else that will help you relax. 

With everything we feel we have to get done during the holiday season, it’s easy to lose sight of everything we already have. This year, make yourself a gratitude list and take a moment to be thankful. Having some perspective can ease your stress. 

Everyone wants a cinematic holiday, but that’s not realistic. Set realistic expectations for the season. Whether it’s the gifts you want to receive, the events you want to attend, or even what the weather is going to be like, don’t expect perfection. 

Again, having perspective can help you feel less stressed. If you need to gain some, volunteer. Sure, it’s another task you have to do, but it’ll make you feel good, and it’ll remind you that your holiday season could be much worse. 

Planning ahead is another great way to ease some stress. Even if you can’t plan things perfectly, having at least a loose idea of what your schedule will be like or when you’re going to get certain things done will help you feel calmer and ready to take on all your holiday tasks. 

Don’t forget to enjoy the holidays. They’re supposed to be fun, and it’s easy to let the stress of the season get in the way of your enjoyment. When opening gifts or out for a holiday event with your family, take a moment to forget about what you have to do later and enjoy what you’re doing now.