The holiday season is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, to take some time off work, or even to escape for a winter getaway. But stress also comes along with all the happiness and enjoyment, right?

The expectations of social events, gift shopping, and entertaining guests can become too much for even the most festive types. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, 8 out of 10 people expect to experience an increase in stress over the holiday season.

With stress comes a greater risk of anxiety and depression, and reports from the Mayo Clinic show that depression is frequently an unwelcome guest over the holidays.

All is not lost; however, there are many ways you can minimize your stress and anxiety to allow you to truly enjoy the season.

Set a Budget

Shopping can be fun, but spending money isn’t always easy, and Americans spend almost a $1,000 every holiday season on gifts alone. It’s unavoidable, but you can minimize the damage by setting a budget and sticking to it.

A lot of the stress that we experience during the holidays is due to financial pressure, and the Mayo Clinic suggests that setting a budget can be beneficial to your stress levels. Work out how much you truly can afford to spend on food and gifts, and stick to it.

Exercise

The American Heart Association encourages you to maintain an active lifestyle at all times, but it's especially critical to do so over the holidays. Any physical activity that you can fit in will help you feel happier and less stressed. It will cause your body to produce more endorphins and make you feel better.

Even though you may be busy, you will feel better as long as you can try to find two- three times a week to work out for 30 minutes. You can do sports, go swimming or bicycling, jog, or take a walk. These activities can be done over a lunch break, before you go into work or after work (you will be surprised at how fast 30 minutes goes!)

Take It Easy

The American Psychological Association reminds us that we need to take time for ourselves. There are parties and gatherings, and we are constantly surrounded by people. It’s great to be with the ones we love and laugh about the old days.

You shouldn’t miss all those great times, but what you should be careful of is setting unrealistic expectations. You can’t do everything, and it’s okay to take time out for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes.

If you do a whole lot of hosting, make sure you delegate, whether you ask everyone to bring a different dish or rope in family to take on certain tasks. 
*Bonus, if you’re one who battles with a lot of anxiety around the holidays too, consider taking a good magnesium supplement.

Stay Smart

The holiday season is a time of indulgence, but as the Mayo Clinic directs, it doesn’t mean you should abandon your healthy ways. There’s no need for a free-for-all at each and every gathering; you can certainly enjoy a couple holiday treats you don’t get the rest of the season, but there's no need to overindulge in the WHOLE event; that will just add to your stress levels and break down your immunity.

A suggestion: try having a healthy snack before the holiday gathering so you don’t over snack while you’re out. Make sure that you’re getting plenty of quality sleep and taking your daily vitamins , as you are more likely to overindulge after a poor night’s sleep.

Choose Your Battles

We all have someone in our circle who rubs us the wrong way. It’s only natural—not everyone can always get along. Allowing someone else to get under your skin, though, is only going to ruin your holiday and increase your stress levels. Learn to pick your battles, and don’t take the bait.

The Mayo Clinic suggests that if you have a real problem with someone, set it aside and save it for another day. Even the calmest people can lose their cool during the holidays. If you are of faith, my favorite motto is: let go and let God and just BREATHE!

When it comes to self-care during the holidays, making it a priority can truly transform the season. Amidst the hustle and bustle, consciously choosing to dedicate time to your well-being becomes paramount. Consider this: imagine the holiday season as a canvas waiting for your strokes of self-care to make it a masterpiece! Crafting a deliberate plan, even if it's penciling in moments for yourself amidst the chaos, can be the game-changer.

Remember, amidst the jingles and festivities, the holidays are an invitation to revel in joy, connect with loved ones, and savor moments that become cherished memories. It's about the laughter, the warmth, and those cozy moments by the fireplace. Don't let stress pull the curtains on these beautiful experiences. Embrace the power of self-care as your ally in preserving the magic of this wonderful time.

This season, let self-care be your secret ingredient to infusing every moment with an extra sprinkle of joy and peace. After all, the holidays are about creating heartwarming memories, and a self-care routine can be the thread that ties these beautiful moments together.

So, here's to a holiday season filled with not just presents but presence—where stress takes a backseat and the true essence of celebration shines through. Cheers to making this season not just merry and bright but also beautifully balanced and blissfully stress-free!
Blessings to you all~