Every year, we look forward to the holiday season: family time, homemade food, get-togethers, and the proverbial expectation of magic in the air. That’s the perfect picture. And that’s exactly why things may not turn out to be as great. It’s too perfect. Far too often, the holidays bring unwelcome guests: anxiety, stress, and expectations. Holiday time presents an unrealistic variety of demands that can transform a joyous occasion into another series of tasks. Your to-do list may grow to all or a combination of finding recipes and cooking meals, shopping, cleaning, hosting, entertaining, buying gifts – and related budgeting. This year, COVID-19-related challenges are adding more stress, bringing worries about our health, and making many reconsider their travel plans.
According to a poll by the American Psychological Association, nearly a quarter of Americans reported feeling “extreme stress” come holiday time, with 69 percent of people stressed by the feeling of having a “lack of time” and “lack of money.” 51 percent are stressed out about the “pressure to give or get gifts.” It’s a widespread problem, but do not despair: a little self-care and creativity can help you get the best out of this holiday season. Here are some tips and resources to help you prevent, cope with, and minimize holiday stress.
Eat, drink, and be merry, on your own terms! A lot of the anxiety, stress, and frustrations we experience come from unmet expectations we place upon ourselves. Take a break, find what works for you to reduce stress, and reconfigure your priorities. Your own happiness and well-being matter just as much as those you want to please. It’s okay to say “no” every once in a while when you feel overwhelmed. Reach out to others to share how you feel. No matter your obligations or how your plans will have to be adjusted, if this holiday season brings stress, sadness, or something that simply doesn’t feel right or makes you feel uneasy, don’t hesitate to tap into the resources available to you. Lyra Health is there to support you, whether you’re dealing with holiday stressors or other mental health challenges. Reach out to their 24/7 care team at (877) 505-7147 or care@lyrahealth.com. Make sure you also take advantage of our generous time-off policy and plan for more work-life (or life-life). Learn more about our time-off policy here.
Although they may not look the same, with a little planning and some positive thinking, you can make sure the holidays will feel the same. You can connect remotely with more family and friends, broaden your relationships, and create new traditions. You can dig up old pictures or ask everyone to share a nice memory (or a funny one) of something they loved or are glad it’s now behind. If you haven’t done it in the past, this year could be a great opportunity to send your loved ones a fun holiday card. For a good way to lift your spirits, consider dropping off a dish or dessert at a friend’s or family’s home during the holidays. Plus, when weighing risks and benefits between connecting remotely or in person, be mindful of the health and safety of those you’d be visiting. Check out this awesome Pinterest board for some fun holiday recipe inspiration.
The silver lining about holiday stress is that you know when it’s coming. Unlike many other types of negative stress happening as a consequence of the unexpected, this is predictable. This gives you an advantage: you can make plans and keep it under control. Set your priorities and make up your plans. Planning can help you save a lot of money, time, and stress. Set aside days to connect with people, prepare a nice meal, or shop. Establish which activities you want to do, gifts you want to buy, and foods you can’t go without. All things in moderation, as the saying goes. Make exceptions to your routines, but keep your healthy habits: don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all! Get some exercise in your schedule, plenty of sleep, and eat healthy meals.
Holidays are the time of abundance, often excess, that can lead to spending too much. Alternative and cost-effective ways to celebrate and find gifts can be wise for both your health and your wallet. During these unexpected times, going around to find the perfect gifts can get very stressful. This is where our exclusive discount program can come to the rescue and make your budget go a long way. Start by signing up or logging in at snowflake.perkspot.com and access thousands of discounts on apparel, fitness equipment, home goods, and electronics. Shop online, shop from the comfort of your own home, or on-the-go. On top of the proverbial holiday weight that lasts for months, carrying holiday debt is another tradition many would love to shake off.
Make the holidays a time for joy. Don’t let it become something you dread or look at with mixed feelings, like that periodical visit from that odd relative from out of town. Creativity, seeking support, planning ahead, and budgeting can help. In a year that seems to be upside down and things happen backwards, maybe the best way to move forward is actually going back to the basics: family, friends, and togetherness.
