Tips for Managing Holiday Stress
1: Make TTFY your holiday mantra. TTFY means “Take Time For You.” As tempting as it is to cram in that extra errand, to squeeze in another volunteer hour, or to visit one more friend you rarely get to see – make sure you plan some time to decompress between all your holiday errands. This is as simple as taking 15 minutes to read a magazine, enjoy a good cup of tea or chuckle while reading holiday cards. It’s important to plan some downtime so you can be “up” when you need to be.
2: “Help them help you.” It took an embarrassing amount of time to realize that when people ask, “How can I help?” they might really mean it. Rebuffing offers of help actually robs your helpmates of the opportunity to contribute themselves to you. Try graciously accepting any offers to help at this time of year. Cook together or wrap presents as a group. You’ll find you’re deepening a connection and that you’ll have more energy to help someone else who may need it even more urgently.
3: Lighten up– literally. Do you resemble those poor souls at the mall, laden down with packages and feeling uncomfortably bloated from super-sized holiday meals? Make it a practice to lighten the load in all facets of your season. Try eating light meals or snacks throughout the day to save your caloric splurges for when you’ll really want them. You’ll feel more comfortable and have more energy. Also, try not to overdo it at the shopping malls. Lighten your load by shopping online or purchasing gift cards. If you have the opportunity, you might even try taking public transportation to the mall. You can enjoy the time to read and look out the window while you’re saving all that gas money.
4: Space out. Even social butterflies occasionally need their own space for some private time. If you’re traveling to see friends and family and the prospect of cramming your entire brood into their extra sewing room– try another option. You can cost-effectively rent a multi-room apartment near your family through a provider like Oakwood, who provides thousands of options for holiday travelers. Whether you’d like studio efficiency with a kitchenette or a multi-bedroom apartment, Oakwood can provide you with flexible and affordable accommodations that support your holiday needs. Time with your extended family will be all the sweeter when you know you can retreat to your own private space at will!
5: Bring a piece of home with you. If you’re traveling away from home, be sure to bring some of your favorite comforts to help everyone relax. Whether it’s a favorite pillow, blanket, photos or a candle that smells like home – having some of your favorite sights, textures and smells around you will help you relax in new surroundings. Oakwood apartments differ from traditional hotel rooms because you’ll have in-unit kitchen facilities where you can fix your own cup of coffee and make yourself at home. Having multiple rooms really helps little ones (and big ones) adjust quickly to being away.
6: Get out a little. We often forget the benefit of a little sunlight and fresh air, even when it is cold! As human beings, we crave a connection to the outdoor world. In the winter, we keep ourselves cooped so up that we’re totally out of step with the real world. A quick walk in the garden, even if it’s frozen, can do wonders to lessen our disorientation. Getting some sunlight can help our bodies adjust better to jetlag and fresh air always makes us sleep better. Spending time in nature, at all times of the year, keeps us human!
7: Decide to decide: So much of our holiday stress simply comes from being in a perpetual place of indecision. “Should we travel or stay home?” “Should I get Cousin Doris a gift?” “How much should I spend?” or “Should I go to the party or not?” It goes on and on and can make you crazed and humorless. The quicker you make a decision you’ll stick to, the quicker your anxiety is resolved. Some terrific ways to decide are creating a gift list and budget at the outset of the season, blacking out dates on your calendar that you want to reserve for you and pre-choosing your splurge and diet days ahead of time. Once you decide, you’re ready to enjoy whatever you’ve decided upon.
8: Fill your mind with good things: While it’s true that “you are what you eat,” it is equally true that “you are what you read, listen to and watch.” We can unnecessarily stress ourselves out by ingesting too much negativity. I’m not suggesting that anyone shouldn’t be well-informed, only that they’re thoughtful about what they’re mentally consuming. Watching the 11’oclock news is probably not the best recipe for a restful night’s sleep. Consider your own life’s rhythms and when you need information that will lift you up rather than bring you down. The holiday season is filled with wonderful tales of inspiration and beauty. Try seeking some of these joyous stories out. Reading or listening to humorous, joyful or inspiring messages first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening may put more spring in your step all day long.
9: Do for others: One of the most enlivening things we can do as human beings is to help make a positive difference in the lives of others. During the holidays, it seems our awareness level is raised. Whenever you take the time or effort to lift someone else, it seems our own spirit is lifted tenfold. Find some ways you can make a difference in your own community this season. You may just find this to be a wonderful habit you want to keep all year long!
10: Savor the Season: Appreciation is the holistic remedy to stress. When you savor the delightfulness of anything – no matter how small – you cannot be distressed. Whenever you take a moment to savor the smell of a wood fire, the beauty of a light display, the warmth and taste of a good cup off coffee or the sound of a lilting melody; you are instantly transported to a place of joy. It only takes a minute and you will find the experience remarkably refreshing. Whenever you decide to indulge – give yourself to the experience 100 percent. Complaining about how fattening cake is doesn’t change the calorie count one bit. If you’re going to indulge, savor every bit of ecstasy it brings you.
When you have the mental and physical energy to be truly present to enjoy the time with your family is when you really are able to experience the magic of the season!
About Loretta LaRoche
This acclaimed speaker, author and international stress management and humor consultant has evoked wit and irreverent humor on her audience for over 30 years. Using humor to reframe a stressful situation, Loretta captures a new perspective on the difficult parts of life. Her teaching style, credibility and incontestable humor are integral parts to her compelling presence. Visit www.lorettalaroche.com/ to learn more