Effective Ways to Relieve Stress During the Holidays, From Work to Finances

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The holidays are supposed to be the merriest time of the year. However, while there is much to celebrate, not everyone gets excited about gift swapping, decorating, and cooking big meals. In fact, many people experience heightened stress as they inch closer to Christmas and New Year’s.

Relieving tension is essential if you want to enjoy all the holidays have to offer. Let’s explore everyone’s most prominent holiday stressors and strategies to stay calm and carry on throughout the season.

Holidays: The Most Stressful Time of the Year

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s December 2022 Healthy Minds Monthly Poll, 31% of U.S. adults anticipated feeling more stressed about the holidays than previous seasons. 

Fifty percent worried about their finances and affording presents, while 37% were concerned about actually finding gifts people wanted. Those with salaries under $50,000 were most on edge. 

Likewise, politics, family dynamics, and endless parties were other familiar sources of stress for many.

In a survey by healthcare marketplace Sesame, 41% and 49% of Americans felt increasing depression and anxiety during the holidays, respectively. The season may trigger depression if someone loses a loved one or holds onto sad memories around this time of year. Seasonal affective disorder and heightened stress itself could also make you more anxious than usual.

If you don’t nip holiday stress in the bud, you could experience frequent headaches, bodily aches and pains, irritability, and trouble sleeping.

7 Ways to Alleviate Holiday Stress

If the thought of overspending on gifts, upholding social commitments, and feuding with family members brings out the worst in you, you’re not alone. Holiday stress can wear you down before the cheeriest part of the season ever begins. Relieve stress during the holidays with these seven helpful tips.

1. Create Boundaries

Did you receive yet another holiday invitation in the mail? Perhaps you have end-of-year work deadlines you must meet as you prepare for your own gathering. 

Setting healthy boundaries is best for lowering stress levels amid the hustle and bustle of the season. Reflect on personal expectations and what you want from the holidays. What are you capable of handling, and how much of your time are you willing to give to everyone?

Of course, you can RSVP to some get-togethers — but maybe not all. Learn to say “no” when you’re feeling overwhelmed. The last thing you want to do is spread yourself too thin. 

2. Make a Plan

Life doesn’t stop when the holidays start creeping in. You must still show up to work, take the kids to after-school activities, and get dinner ready at a decent hour.

Making a plan for anything holiday-related — whether a schedule or a to-do list — will help you stay on track and get the most important tasks done.

If you’re hosting a holiday dinner, create a menu and shopping list in advance. Writing down gift wish lists and delegating tasks are other excellent strategies to relieve stress and ready yourself for the unexpected.

3. Create a Budget

There’s a reason people often worry about finances during the holiday season. According to a Deloitte survey, many shoppers spend one-quarter of their holiday budgets by Halloween.

Create a realistic budget and stick to it. While buying gifts for loved ones is fun, it is more vital for you to pay your electric bills or rent. You can log your expenses or download a money-saving app to track your spending.

4. Do Things You Enjoy

Remember to participate in activities you enjoy during the holidays. Many experience a jolt of energy from seasonal festivities — but if they induce stress or grief for you, focusing on self-care is necessary.

Throw yourself into one of your favorite hobbies or schedule a relaxing spa day for you and a friend. A massage releases serotonin for improved mood and less anxiety and could make a wonderful holiday gift for your friend, too.

Otherwise, simply curling up on the sofa with a cozy blanket and hot cocoa can help calm you down after a hectic day. 

5. Start Holiday Shopping Early

Some people embrace shopping for gifts, while others would prefer to do anything else. Gift shopping isn’t the most stress-free thing on your holiday to-do list.

Ask for everyone’s wish lists early to get a head start. If money is tight, consider playing the White Elephant game or limit everyone to a specific budget or number of gifts per person.

By asking for wish lists early, you can shop some of the biggest sales of the year. For example, around 125 million Americans participate in Black Friday shopping the day after Thanksgiving. 

Of course, if Black Friday presents its own stress for you, you can shop for excellent discounts on Cyber Monday from the comfort of your home.

6. Respect Differences

Political differences of opinion have ricocheted throughout households for the last few years. Attitudes around current affairs have many feeling stressed about bringing everyone together under one roof. 

The best way to overcome the stress and triggers of family gatherings is to set the ground rules. About 59% of Americans avoid political discussions with family during the holidays.

Recognize not everyone will share similar opinions and perspectives. You can partake in meaningful conversations or change the topic if it comes up. 

7. Stay Healthy

The most crucial way to relieve stress during the holidays is to prioritize your health. Regardless of what needs to happen in the weeks leading up to the festivities, you must never compromise your needs.

Remember to nourish yourself with healthy food. The holidays are filled with creamy, sugary, decadent flavors — not the best for maintaining good health. Likewise, exercise will boost endorphins, inducing a more positive mood and mindset.

Of course, getting enough sleep is equally essential. According to one study, 77% of participants reported poor sleep quality, and 63.5% also reported higher stress levels.

Have a Holly, Jolly and Stress-Free Holiday

There is much to do during the holidays. Therefore, it would be best to avoid putting your stress on the back burner. Having a plan in place to tackle holiday worries and tensions will help you get through the season in one piece.