Here we are, now squarely in the thick of the holiday season, when our days seem to be consumed by a never-ending list of tasks to complete. Most of us find ourselves scurrying around on overdrive right about now, feeling more than a little bit overwhelmed.
Fortunately, there is a better way to approach the holidays that doesn’t involve burning ourselves out. Follow along as we explore some useful tips to help us thoroughly enjoy the holidays without becoming overwhelmed by the demands of the season.
How Stress Sabotages the Season
Stress is a part of daily life, whether we like it or not. During the holidays, stress levels tend to ramp up because we take on more than we can realistically accomplish. But when we allow stress to take the driver’s seat, it can ruin the beauty of the season in the following ways:
- Stress affects our mood. In a word, stress makes us grumpy. When we are facing too many demands on our time and energy, it’s not long before we’re lashing out at others.
- Stress harms our immune system. When we are stressed out, we produce a hormone called cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels then suppress immune function, which makes us vulnerable to illness and infections.
- Stress affects our sleep. Studies have shown that stress disrupts the sleep cycle, causing us to lie awake worrying or tossing and turning all night. The lack of quality sleep causes us to feel more stressed the following day, thus creating a stress-sleep cycle.
3 Practical Ways to Avoid Holiday Burnout
It is entirely possible to enjoy a festive, joy-filled holiday season without becoming overwhelmed. Follow these simple step-by-step tips:
- Get Organized. Yes, you have gifts to purchase and wrap, and parties to attend, so don’t fly blind – make a plan for the season. Be intentional about your schedule and accept there is only so much time in a day. Avoid over committing! Schedule time in your calendar for gift shopping, wrapping, baking, or sending cards, and work these around your social events.
- Make Daily To-Do List. The easiest way to stay on track during the holidays is to start each day with a list of tasks. Prioritize your to-do items and be realistic about how long each task will take.
- Follow Through on Tasks. While it is not always possible to complete a given task in one sitting, it is important to stay on top of them. Hold yourself accountable to following through and completing each task, and that will prevent them from piling up.
The Importance of Self-Care During the Holidays
While the holiday season is indeed a time for giving, practicing self-care is what keeps that giving-engine running. To avoid running out of gas before the festivities end, be sure to include self-care in your weekly routine.
Here are some self-care actions to help you slow down and savor the holiday season:
- Mindfulness. Mindfulness is a type of meditation that helps you rein in stress by shifting your focus from the worrying thoughts to becoming present in the moment.
- Naps. A short mid-afternoon power nap can totally restore your energy and help you tackle the rest of the day.
- Meditation. The Mindvalley meditation apps are a perfect diversion when you start feeling overwhelmed, with over 1000 guided meditations and soothing soundscapes to promote relaxation.
- Reading. Keep a couple of books handy to pick up and get lost in when you need a little break from the hustle and bustle of the season.
- Warm Baths. Treat yourself to a nice hot bath to help you unwind after a long day of shopping, decorating, or socializing. Add some salts or bubbles and enjoy.
- Gentle Exercise. To take your stress level down a few notches, engage in some physical activity. Take a brisk walk, a yoga class, or a bike ride to enjoy a calmer state of mind.
The holidays are a magical time of year, so don’t allow the busyness of the season to overwhelm you and steal your positivity. Instead, savor the holiday spirit by taking time out to rest and rejuvenate along the way.
