How to Find More Peace and Joy This Holiday Season

End-of-year deadlines. School functions. The search for the perfect gifts. A constant stream of work parties, cocktail hours, and holiday get-togethers. The holiday season is a time of festive cheer and joyful gatherings, but it also often comes with a hefty dose of stress. Balancing all of the expectations, from work responsibilities to holiday shopping, cooking, and decorating, can sometimes seem impossible!

Here are some simple tips and ideas to help you reduce holiday stress and find more balance so that you can actually enjoy the magic of the season!

 

Don’t try to do it all

One of our primary sources of holiday stress is the unrealistic expectations we set for ourselves. From gifts to decorations to project deadlines to dinner and hors d’oeuvres—we want it all to be perfect (and look seamless). But the truth is, the perfect holiday simply does not exist, and embracing imperfection can actually make this time of year less stressful and more magical!

Prioritize your most critical tasks and focus on what truly matters to you and your loved ones. Remind yourself that it’s okay if everything doesn’t go according to plan. Letting go of the dream of “perfection” and setting more realistic goals can alleviate unnecessary pressure and give you permission to enjoy the holiday season easily.

 

And don’t try to do it alone!

Just like you don’t have to do it all, you also don’t have to do it all alone. There is absolutely nothing wrong with delegating tasks at work and home to lighten your load. Ask a colleague to share some of the responsibility for a project or talk to your manager about reprioritization. At home, enlist your family to help with cooking, baking, decorating, and other holiday tasks (after all, it’s their holiday, too!). Splitting the load helps everyone feel less stressed and creates a sense of teamwork and connection that aligns perfectly with the season’s spirit.

If the holiday stress is becoming so overwhelming that it’s starting to interfere with your daily life, don’t hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide valuable tools and strategies for managing stress and improving overall well-being. Your EAP has resources to help get you started.

 

Keep your boundaries strong

It’s essential to set boundaries to protect your time and energy, especially during the hectic holiday season. The most important is giving yourself to say, “No” to commitments that feel overwhelming or don’t align with your priorities. By establishing and sticking with strong boundaries, you can avoid holiday burnout and have time and energy to focus on what truly matters.

 

Take breaks

Remember to take regular breaks throughout the day (and the entire season) to rest and recharge. It could be taking a short walk outside (weather permitting) or getting in a quick workout, meditating or engaging in deep breathing for five minutes, or simply stepping away from your current task to stretch. Building in regular breaks will help clear your mind and improve both your productivity and your mood.

 

Don’t neglect your health

We all know the basics: exercise, nutrition, hydration, and sleep! It can be hard to carve out time during the holidays to prioritize our health, but keeping up with these basics is key to reducing stress and giving us a quick boost of well-being.

Make time for exercise, even if it’s just a quick walk or a few jumping jacks in the kitchen. Even 10 minutes a day of physical activity can make a huge difference! Keep a travel water bottle with you throughout the day so you remember to stay hydrated and try to stick with your normal sleep schedule as much as possible. And while it’s healthy to indulge mindfully in all of the delicious holiday treats, try to make sure you’re getting enough protein, fiber, and fruits and vegetables as well!

 

Remember what matters most

At the end of the day, the holiday season isn’t about the gifts or the decorations or the parties or the food. It’s about connecting with the ones we love and celebrating everything we’re blessed with in our lives. So don’t forget to make time for meaningful interactions with your family and friends. Remember, they don’t care if you’re perfect—they just care that you’re there.

 

Wishing you a season of peace and joy!