Holiday Survival Guide 2020: Coping with Holiday Stress

Holidays can be a hit or miss each year. Most of the time we are more than excited over the perfectly picked gifts and wonderful food platters. However, family stress, traveling, and financial troubles get in the way of us enjoying ourselves. It’s not worth taking the risk – let’s put a solid plan of action together!

The holiday season becomes much more bearable when managing our stress and routine! So let’s get through the next few crazy months with this handy super survival guide that is sure to make this holiday season one to remember!

Coping with overstimulation.

Friends and family are what make life so beautiful. However, around the holidays, even our favorite pals and relatives can become the breeding ground for stress. Let’s go over a few ways to cater to your inner introvert and manage the kind of communication you have this holiday season. Our nearest and dearests deserve a heartfelt update – so let’s give it to them!

1. Holiday Cards: Personal, natural, and perfect for giving all our relatives an update on you and your situation! Include photos or create custom postcards – whatever works best! Office Depot, Staples, Walgreens, and your local pharmacy usually offer holiday deals for printing cards! Check your local area for savings now.
2. Video: Now you can literally be at any holiday event around the world from your phone! Pop in, say “hi” to the group, and get back to your own fun! Or, how about recording a quick video telling your loved ones “happy holidays!” Send it off the morning of the holiday and it’s even more personal than a phone call! Let’s be honest – sometimes family phone calls on the holidays never end. Videos are a perfect way to say what you need to say and get on with your day! Thank you, technology!

Fighting financial stressors.

Finances are probably the biggest thing on our minds during the holidays. Whether it’s accumulating trace costs or copious amounts of gifts, the holidays can put a real dent in our bank accounts. However, some see the holidays as an opportunity to reap the benefits of cashback and rewards for whatever credit card they may have. Let’s go over a couple of different ways to take the stress out of finances this holiday season.

1. White Elephant: This style of gift exchange may be the most economic and enjoyable option available! Each person attending brings a single gift. From there, playful games of swapping gifts ensue and becomes a night of friendly competition amongst those closest to you. The safest way to play this game is to set a budget for all those purchasing a gift. A common choice is to request gifts of a $20 value. Others insist on more – whatever your group prefers!
2. For Credit Card Users: The holidays may be the perfect time to consider changing your credit card. Everyone receives advertisements in the mail showcasing new and exciting reasons to switch your credit card. Some offer 0% interest financing while others give you cash rewards for money spent within a period of time after receiving the card. While debt is not fun by any means, it can be made more manageable with the right credit card. Check some options out here!

Awkward Family Conversations.

Now I know we’ve all been there – sitting at a dinner table and awkward deafening silence because of a rather serious disagreement. Of course, the obvious answer is, do not talk about politics, religion, or finances and all should be good… Right? Below is a list of conversation starters to use with the family, that we think won’t lead to an uncomfortable disagreement. Hopefully, these come in handy and help you enjoy the holidays as much as possible! We’ve pulled these great ideas from Six Sister’s Blog.

• What was the best part of your day?
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
• If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?
• If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
• If you had one wish (and you can’t wish for more wishes), what would you wish for and why?
• What is your favorite sport to play?
• What is the most beautiful place you have ever seen?
• If you could have dinner with anyone (past or present), who would it be and why?
• If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
• What is something you want to learn how to do and why?
• If you could have any pet, what would you choose and why?
• What three words would you use to describe yourself?
• What is the nicest thing a friend has ever done for you?
• What is your favorite movie and why?
• What is your earliest memory?
• If you could play any instrument, what would it be and why?
• What is your favorite holiday and why?
• What is one thing you are grateful for today?

Clean. Yes, seriously.

There is a ton of research to support the idea that cleaning helps bring calmness and mental clarity. You can check out articles, here, here, here, and even here!

This question simply explains itself. You may not be aware of how much stress a disorganized home can bring you. Start with your personal spaces – bedroom, bathroom, or even a closet! You’ll have more mental clarity to focus on getting through the holidays, when you see things out, away and in their place. If you have a family, make a holiday game out of it! Think of an Easter egg hunt – give the family a little incentive to muscle through that mountain of laundry or play space gone astray.

Some prefer to clean alone which can, at times, become more so stress relieving! Throw on some of your favorite music and dance around the house with some rubber gloves. Embrace your inner Monica Geller!

Stick to Your Personal Routine.

‘What’ you do does not matter here. It’s the repetition of a routine that can keep you and through the holidays! Follow the simple steps below to get your routines and check so you can stick to them and feel more in control during the holidays. We also have a comprehensive routine guide here! Might be a good idea to peek at this for some inspiration. 

1. Pick your morning routine. It’s simple. Brush your teeth, hop in the shower – the basics. There are also some natural ways to relieve stress in the morning, such as lavender oils or CBD! With daily intake, CBD can help you navigate through the stressors of this season without getting overwhelmed. Something to consider in the morning! 
2. Pick one exercise to do every day. Each day can be a new exercise, but just be sure to make one exercise happen. Whether it’s a walk in the park or some yoga, your mind and body will thank you. This isn’t meant to help you lose dramatic amounts of weight or improve your physique. Instead keeping your body in an active routine can help overall body process including stress levels!
3. Get settled into your evening routine. Skincare, reading a book and meditation are some awesome ways to naturally wind down and prepare your body for a meaningful night of sleep. The more prepared you are for bed, the more prepared you’ll be for the morning! 

With this survival guide, you’ll make it through the season like a champion. Holiday cards, talking to family, shopping, cleaning, and sticking to a routine can make the next few months actually feel like a holiday!