Whether it’s longer lines at the grocery store, more traffic and hurried drivers, seeing family members that you find difficult, or managing all your holiday plans; the holidays come jam-packed with stressful situations. So, it makes you wonder, is it possible to have a stress-free holiday?
The answer is both “yes” and “no.” On one hand, holidays come with their own set of stresses that will be presented to you no matter what. However, it’s still possible to manage the stress to the level where you have a happy and relaxing holidays season anyway.
It Starts with Intention
Having a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season starts with setting the intention or making a goal to reduce your stress as much as possible. Most of us have simply accepted that stress is built into this time of year and there is no way around it, but is that true? Or is it possible that we’ve never tried it any other way?
If you want to have a more relaxing holiday season, it starts with willingness to try a new way of operating your life during the holiday season. This requires taking an honest look at the choices we make and our motivation levels to try something new. If we don’t bother to set a goal of a stress-free holiday season, we’re much more likely to get caught up in the holiday rush ourselves.
Have a Plan
Before the season gets too hectic, take some time to sit down and come up with a stress-reduction plan. This plan would include daily ways to reduce stress along with solid plans for major triggers or situations you find challenging. This will ensure that you keep your daily stress levels down while also managing typical challenges that the holidays bring. Here is a step-by-step guiding for creating your plan:
Note: If you struggle with triggers or distressing emotions during the holiday season, please ensure you have all the proper mental health supports you need. This stress-free holiday plan article is not intended for treatment purposes, triggers, or distressing emotions; it’s to manage general stress. I recommend working with a therapist on a comprehensive coping and trigger management plan. If you find the holidays triggering, please work with a mental health professional, talk to your doctor, and call a crisis line if you are in distress (phone numbers are listed at the bottom of this article).
- Create a list of all the coping skills, activities, and hobbies that make you feel relaxed, calm you down if you are agitated, and/or help you to slow down or “stop and smell the roses.”
- Pick at least 2 of these items to do each day but ensure that it works for your schedule. Tip: Try adding a coping skill to a lunch break to save time.
- Make a list of the holiday challenges that you typically find difficult. Then, list 2 coping skills that you have found help you manage difficult emotions. Try to make sure these 2 skills are not already listed on your plan.
- Finalize your plan and have it written and posted in an area that you see daily. Such as, on your refrigerator or near the bathroom mirror.
- Talk to friends and trusted family about your stress-free holiday plan so that you get extra support.
Important Resources
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
800-273-2755
24 hours a day
LGBT National Hotline
Toll-Free
(888) 843-4564
NAMI Warmline Directory
Several NJ warmlines and warmlines in other states
Anxiety Support Line – NJ Mental Health Cares
866.202.HELP
Crisis Text Line at crisistextline.org.
Simple text HOME to 741741 and immediately be connected to a crisis counselor.