The holiday season is a time of year we look forward to all year long. The build up to Halloween, then to Thanksgiving, and the grand finale of Christmas and the new year is pretty big. There are so many events to plan, holiday activities to host, and Santa to prepare for!
All in all, it’s understandable, to say the least, that many people get stressed out throughout the holiday season. A recent study shows 71% of people felt stressed throughout the holidays… needless to say, it’s something clearly everyone experiences.
Although it might be the most wonderful time of the year, there’s so much to do during the holidays. Women are likely to be more stressed than men, too. Females have a lot on their shoulders. Getting all the presents for the children, family, and friends as well as traveling, cooking, and spending time with your loved ones; the docket is pretty full. Not to mention, there’s countless holiday movies you’ll want to watch.
So how do you keep the stress from repeating next year?
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Stick to a budget
How many times do you find yourself looking at the bills post-holidays, and you’re shocked with the totals? It’s easy to pick up another little thing for your boyfriend, just one more gift for your mother. It’s common to spend more than you planned. By sticking to a budget, you won’t spend more than you can afford.
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Start your shopping early
Why not start your holiday shopping earlier in the year, so that way you’re not running around trying to find the perfect toy for every tot? Starting your shopping prior to the holiday season means you’ll have more time to spend with your family and friends. You’ll be making memories instead of worrying what gifts you still need to find.
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Remember there are only 24 hours in the day!
Being realistic about what you can accomplish in a day will help you ward off stress.
Sometimes, stress makes us think we need to conquer more than we really do. When we’re stressed, we tend to get overwhelmed. That doesn’t help us get anything done, so it’s important to remember that there are finite hours in the day. Choosing what’s important to you will help you keep your schedule from becoming too full. Besides, more than 60% of people reported that spending time with loved ones is what makes them the happiest at the holidays.
Don’t worry, you have tomorrow to finish your to-do list, too.
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Plan your holiday menu
By planning your holiday menu in advance, it’s likely your pantry will be stocked. No more last minute trips to the store to pick up the chocolate chips you forgot on your other trips. Try using a month-view calendar to plot out your holiday menu, from your Saturday bake-a-thon to what you’ll prepare Christmas Eve.
Knowing what you plan to cook throughout the holiday season for get-togethers, parties, or weeknights alike will certainly help you keep your stress level at bay.
An ounce of prevention is a pound of cure, so make sure to take care of yourself next holiday season to avoid being burnt out by the time Christmas rolls around!
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