The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but for many people they can also be a time of stress and anxiety. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the holiday season, don't worry – you're not alone! However, it's important to remember that too much stress can have negative consequences on your health.

In this blog post, we'll discuss some ways to cope with holiday stress so you can enjoy each moment while keeping your best self a priority.

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but for many people they can also be a time of stress and anxiety.

There are a number of reasons why this may be the case. For some, the holidays may be a reminder of loved ones who have passed away. Others may feel the pressure to spend time with family or friends, or to travel to see them. Some may feel the financial strain of buying gifts or food, or feel overwhelmed by the preparations required for holiday parties or gatherings.

Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that you are not alone in feeling stressed or anxious during the holidays. There are a number of ways to cope with these feelings. First, try to focus on the positive aspects of the holidays. Spend time with loved ones, enjoy your favorite holiday foods, or take part in activities that you love. If you are able, take some time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate. Secondly, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. This can mean asking family or friends for help with holiday preparations, or reaching out to a professional if you’re feeling particularly overwhelmed.

Finally, remember that it is okay to say no. If you don’t want to travel or attend a holiday party, it is perfectly acceptable to decline. The most important thing is to take care of yourself and do what feels best for you.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the holiday season, don't worry – you're not alone!

It can be tough to try and juggle all of the different things that come along with the holidays, from buying presents and decorating your home to attending parties and trying to make everything perfect. But it's important to remember that nobody is expecting you to be perfect, and that it's okay to take a step back and relax if you're feeling overwhelmed.

Here are a 3 tips to help you manage the holiday season:

However, it's important to remember that too much stress can have negative consequences on your health.

According to the American Psychological Association, stress is defined as "the body's response to any demand. It can come from an event, thought, or feeling that makes you upset." Stress is a normal part of life and can be beneficial in small doses. It can help you stay alert and focused, give you energy to meet deadlines, and motivate you to achieve your goals.

Note stress in itself if not “bad”. I once had a doctor share stress also means having a lot going on in your life. You can use the “a lot going on” to be more focused with your time, or get things done that you might not have otherwise, or stress can be unhealthy depending on your coping mechanisms for stress.

However, it's important to remember that too much stress can have negative consequences on your health. When you're constantly under stress, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, which releases hormones like cortisol. These hormones are designed to help you deal with immediate danger, but when they're constantly activated, they can lead to problems like anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, and weight gain. (Personally I know this… The Self Improvement Box came out of the passing of my daughter, followed by my Grandma who was my biggest cheerleader in getting this company launched).

There are some simple things you can do to help manage stress in your life. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress; it helps to release endorphins that improve mood and reduce anxiety. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can also help to calm the mind and body. And finally, try to take some time for yourself every day to do something that you enjoy; whether it's reading a book, taking a walk in nature, or spending time with friends and loved ones.

Here are some tips to help you relax and enjoy the season:

 #1- Learn about yourself. (Self awareness). Identify your stressors: What is it about the holidays that stresses you out? Is it the crowds, the cooking, the cleaning, or something else entirely? Once you know what your triggers are, you can start to develop a plan for dealing with them.

Whatever the case may be, it's important to identify what your stressors are so that you can start to develop a plan for dealing with them. If you know that crowds make you anxious, for example, then you can start to look into alternatives like online shopping or getting your shopping done early in the morning or late at night when the stores are less crowded. If cooking and cleaning are your triggers, then perhaps you can enlist the help of family members or friends to pitch in.

No matter what your stressors are, there's likely a way to mitigate them so that you can enjoy the holidays instead of dreading them. So take a moment to think about what stresses you out about this time of year, and then start brainstorming some solutions. You might be surprised at how much better you feel once you have a plan in place.

#2- What is my comfort with speaking up? Am I ok to say no or to decline invitations if I am not feeling well and I am not in a good state of mind?

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time of stress and anxiety. There are gifts to buy, parties to attend, and expectations to meet. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget what the holidays are really about.

It's perfectly fine to turn down invitations and events during the holiday season. This time of year isn't just about partying and buying gifts, it's also about being thankful and spending time at home with the ones you love. We can still find ways to celebrate such as having a movie night with family or sending thoughtful cards to friends. The holidays are all about making memories, so let's make sure we enjoy the moments we have and create wonderful memories along the way.

#3- Know your time capacity. Take breaks. When things start to feel overwhelming, take a step back and take a break. Go for a walk, take a nap, or just step away from the holiday preparations for a few minutes. You'll come back feeling refreshed and better able to handle whatever comes your way.

When it comes to holiday preparations, it's important to take breaks. Things can start to feel overwhelming quickly and taking a break can help you reset and come back feeling refreshed.

There are plenty of ways to take a break during holiday preparations. You could go for a walk, take a nap, or just step away from the holiday preparations for a few minutes. Taking a break will help you come back feeling refreshed and better able to handle whatever comes your way.

So if you're feeling overwhelmed, don't forget to take a break. It'll do you good in the long run.

#4- Delegate.  Don't try to do everything yourself! Ask family and friends for help with cooking, shopping, wrapping gifts, or anything else that's stressing you out.

Delegating is the most important skill during these times. When you delegate, you are essentially giving someone else the responsibility of completing a task or tasks that you would normally do yourself. This can free up your time so that you can focus on other things that are important to you.

There are many benefits to delegating, including reducing your stress levels and making more efficient use of your time. Delegating can also help to build stronger relationships with family and friends as you work together to complete tasks.

If you find yourself feeling stressed during the holiday season, remember that you don't have to do everything yourself. Ask for help from those around you and delegate some of the tasks on your list. This will help you to enjoy the holidays more and reduce your stress levels.

#5- It is ok to not be ok. <3 Seek professional help. If you're struggling to cope with holiday stress on your own, don't be afraid to seek out professional help. A therapist can provide you with tools and strategies for managing stress in a healthy way.

It is particularly important to seek professional help during the holidays when feelings of stress, sadness, and loneliness can become more pronounced. The holidays can be a difficult time for many people, with the added obligations and expectations of the season often leading to additional stress. Professional help can provide an additional layer of support and guidance, enabling you to find new coping strategies that can help you manage the intense emotions that come with the holiday season. Whether it’s simply talking through your feelings or engaging in more intensive therapy, seeking out professional support can be a valuable tool in managing your holiday stress.

May you enjoy this holiday season, May all of the stresses feel like small movements on your lifeboat, verses a giant storm.

Here’s to a great holiday season and cheers for the upcoming 2023 year.