Are the holidays truly the most wonderful time of the year? Surprisingly, only 10% of individuals report experiencing no stress during the holidays, while 85% report feeling stressed out.

Amidst the joy and merriment, the holiday season can also come with a side of overwhelming stress. From the logistics of travel to the repetition of familiar conversations, the season’s demands can take their toll. 

How can you effectively manage holiday stress?  At WeCare Pharmacy, we understand the importance of staying healthy and stress-free, especially during the holidays. Here are some tips to help you manage your health and stress during the holiday season.

Start Planning Your Calendar Early 

With obligations piling up from co-workers, friends, and family, it’s bound to happen that some commitments will clash on the same day. Take proactive steps to prioritize your attendance for the events that really matter to you. In other cases when you need a break or can attend virtually, you can always FaceTime or video call your family instead of traveling. 

When hosting, streamline your planning process and list what’s needed using Notes app or even a holiday planning tool. For example, you may want to plan in advance to have a detailed menu for your holiday dinner party. This can help you organize and simplify your grocery shopping experience before the big event. 

Schedule Time for Yourself and Take Breaks 

It is essential to take some time out to relax and catch your breath. During the holiday rush, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Whenever you start feeling stressed, prioritize some time to do something relaxing that you like. Maybe it’s taking a walk around the park, yoga class, or even some quick meditation in a quiet space.

Any opportunity to distance yourself from the chaos can provide much-needed relief and clarity. Additionally, practicing focused breathing techniques can help calm your mind and body. Experiment with various breathing exercises, and see which one works best for you to offer effective stress relief. 

Walk Out the Stress

Another way to alleviate holiday stress is to head outside and get some fresh air. Despite the chill often associated with the end of the year, stepping outside can work wonders for your mood and self-confidence. 

Outdoor excursions present opportunities for engaging in various activities and fostering deeper connections with your loved ones, contributing to a more enjoyable holiday experience. It’s also something you can do with family or friends. Plan some time to meet up at the park or walk around the neighborhood to check out the lights. 

Don’t Keep Things In

In-laws? Burnt ham? No one’s helping with the dishes? While you may think bottling up your emotions will keep the peace, this actually is harmful to your mental health and increases stress. Instead, consider expressing your feelings calmly and respectfully, addressing specific situations as they come up. Having honest conversations can prevent misunderstandings and reduce stress, leading to better interactions and overall well-being during the holidays.

Can’t Make Everyone Happy 

While spending time with family and friends during the holidays, it’s common to feel pressure to accommodate everyone’s expectations and keep saying ‘yes.’. However, the first priority isn’t always other people and what they want.

Learning to say no and prioritizing your physical and mental well-being is helpful to set boundaries with other people. In addition to the other festivities, focus on participating in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. You can also decline invitations or commitments that may add unnecessary stress. In these instances, you’ll want to pay attention to your central nervous system and address when you feel uneasy or distressed. By setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, you can enjoy a more relaxed and fulfilling holiday season.

Keep Up with Healthy Habits 

During the holidays, we all want to have fun and relax. However, you probably know when you’ve gone overboard with shopping, parties, and pie.  While it may be challenging, keep up with your daily routine and strengthen your healthy habits around the holidays. 

If you were going to the gym every day and cutting back on sugar, it’s important to stay mindful of these goals so you can feel energized and rejuvenated after the holiday break.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to prioritize your health and well-being. By implementing the following strategies and practicing self-care, you can enjoy a stress-free and fulfilling holiday season. If you need additional support, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (540) 428-7002 or schedule an appointment at WeCare Pharmacy. Our team is dedicated to helping you stay healthy and happy all year round.