Holiday Stress - No More

It’s been a while, I’m aware. With the hubbub of holiday madness, it’s hard not to get caught up in everything that you feel you need to be involved in and even more difficult to not get wrapped up in the drama of everyone else, family or otherwise. Why do you think so many people only see their family once a year? And why do you think so many people want to take vacations, after their vacations. It’s nothing new.

Here a few holiday tips that might make everyone’s holiday merrier and brighter (especially yours!)

-         Don’t be afraid to say “No” to an invite. There is nothing wrong with wanting a night in, to relax, catch up on your DVR, wrap presents, eat ice cream, organize your sock drawer, or any activity you want.

-         Don’t go overboard on sweets, alcohol, or binge eating. This time of year certainly suggests that it is a grand activity. But exercise some moderation, if you want. A couple of cocktails or a small helping of desert will feel just as festive – versus doing a keg stand with your grandma and having your yearly s’more eating contest with your brother. And you’ll be thankful you didn’t have to undo your pants another notch (like everyone else).

-         Try to get sleep and keep hydrated. There is nothing worse than having someone tell you, “You look tired.” It’s a really nice way of saying you look awful. (And be wary of southerners who “Bless your heart”) Drink lots of water and go to bed at your normal time – try to keep your norms. That way your body won’t freak out and get sick. No fun my friends, no one wants a cold for Christmas (Or Hanukkah… or Kwanzaa… or the solstice) In fact, don’t be afraid to add some magnesium into your vitamin regimen. Magnesium helps deal with anxiety – and as someone who wakes up at 3am in a panic over nothing – it makes a HUGE difference.

-         Bring a change of shoes! When out at parties, slip a pair of flats in your bag, your feet will thank you.

-         Don’t feel like you have to uphold every family tradition. It can feel like too much pressure and make everyone dread an event. Feel free to make new traditions or instead of controlling the evening – just let everyone be, and see where the conversation goes.

-         Take a breather! Family and old friends can get intense. I’m always the first one to offer to run errands (Christmas morning runs to any open grocery store have been come a bit of a habit with my family) that way I can get out of the house, get time to work out my annoyances, and watch other family dynamics to make me appreciate my own, even more.

-         Make you time! Whether it’s a little bit longer of a shower or a solo trip to Starbucks, being by yourself can really make things better. Think about it, you’re around your family (ALL OF YOUR FAMILY) and friends and people you haven’t seen in years – and usually you see people when you make plans. And that’s probably not everyday. You might not even realize it, but a little you time will make YOU a lot happier.

The holidays are wonderful, but not something you should ever dread or lose sleep over. They are only overwhelming if you let them be. So make the best of it, enjoy yourself and your time with family and friends. And know that you don’t have to be everything to everyone. They like you because you’re you. Not because you can juggle flame swords and drink a bottle of whiskey, as the same time, in 30 minutes. Just like you great aunt used to do, back in the ‘20s. Even if it’s a tradition.