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Holiday Anxiety and Stress
Without a doubt, the stresses of the holidays can trigger stress, anxiety, and even depression. While for most people, the holiday season is a time of fun with parties, gatherings, and get-togethers. For many though, it is a time of stress and anxiety. Whether the stress is born out of financial stress, fatigue, or even unhealthy habits like eating or drinking too much; the holiday stress can take its toll on many.
For many years, I hosted all (if not most) our family Christmas get-togethers. And for all those years, I convinced myself that I loved doing it. In hindsight, I was the wrong-est (don’t worry, I know that’s not a real word) type of person to host these big affairs. It wasn’t because I wasn’t good at it – but because I drove myself crazy aiming for perfection. Now – whose idea of perfection? I don’t know. But I strove for it anyway and found myself exhausted and ready for hibernation for the rest of the year!
So before this happens to any of you, it’s important to take the necessary steps in self-care to protect yourself.
BONUS: Get Your Free Christmas Holiday Planner 2018 HERE
Related Posts:
12 Tips To Keep Your Sanity During the Holidays
Keep Your Sanity Tip # 1: Get Ample Sleep
Sleep – or the lack it – is one of the biggest triggers of anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “anxiety causes sleeping problems; and new research suggests sleep deprivation can cause an anxiety disorder.” So whether it was the chicken or the egg that came first is not relevant in this instance. People who suffer from anxiety tend to suffer sleepless nights. And people who don’t get a good night’s sleep can well experience anxiety.
Related Post: One Solution to Help Ease Your Anxiety
Keep Your Sanity Tip #2: Keep it Simple
Coming together for the holidays is simply about that – getting together. Catching up with your loved ones and spending some quality time together. So many people get caught up in the glitter and glam of the holidays that the true meaning becomes lost on them. We tend to put so much unnecessary pressure on ourselves that we run ourselves down. Keep it simple.
Keep Your Sanity Tip #3: Don’t go overboard
Be realistic! Don’t go overboard. Overdoing it is a sure way to get yourself in a tizzy. Whether it’s planning a party, setting up decorations, cooking the meals – don’t do it. Don’t go overboard. Focus only what is important.
Keep Your Sanity Tip #4: Do Not Over-commit
Say, “no” if you have to. You’ve heard it before, right? It’s because it’s true. There is only one of YOU. Committing to 3 parties in one evening will only result in stretching yourself out too thinly, resulting in resentment.
Keep Your Sanity Tip #5: Prepare
Preparation is key. Begin now. Know what you are doing and what you have committed to, and prepare for it. Are you cooking a dish for a get-together? Perhaps you can try these make-ahead holiday recipes.
Keep Your Sanity Tip #6: Make Use of a Planner
The best way to keep on top of your schedule is to WRITE IT DOWN. This, in particular, is great because it is specific to planning for the holiday season.
Keep Your Sanity Tip #7: Start Early
Don’t be one of those people who wait to start at the last minute. Make use of your preparation and planning, and start early. Starting early will give you time to take a moment for yourself in between tasks.
Keep Your Sanity Tip #8: Stick to your budget
The Christmas holidays are rife with financial stress – but it really shouldn’t be. With careful planning and considered purchasing, sticking to a budget is always possible – no matter how big or small it may be.
Related Posts:
- What a Buffer Is and Why You Need One in Your Budget
- 6 Special and Thoughtful Gifts You Can Get for Under $15
- 12 Budget-friendly But Really Cool Christmas Gifts and Decorations You Can DIY
Keep Your Sanity Tip #9: Slow Down and Take Time for Yourself
Take some time out for your self. Before you begin to think of others – before you let the chaos into your word, take some time to look after YOU. Try these 20 Simple but Effective Ways to Love Yourself.
Keep Your Sanity Tip #10: Celebrate the Way You Want To
This is so important! Set realistic and fun goals for the holidays. Do not offer to host Christmas dinner at your place if you know that you won’t enjoy it! Celebrate how YOU want to – not how others expect it to be.
Keep Your Sanity Tip #11: Accept Help
Don’t be afraid to accept help. If you need help – ask for it. If someone offers help – accept it. Remember, it’s all about coming together as a family. You’re not hosting Christmas Dinner to showcase a “Pinterest-Perfect” occasion… you’re hosting it so that you can all come together during what is a very special time of the year.
Keep Your Sanity Tip #12: Enjoy Yourself
Set aside all of your expectations and just have fun!
Bonus Tip!
Warm Winter Joy Holiday Spirit Essential Oil Blend
This blend combines 4 essential oils ( Sweet Orange, Vanilla, Nutmeg, and Cinnamon) which resemble the warmth of orange cinnamon spice cookies. Just pop a few drops into a diffuser and let it fill your home with its warmth. You can also sprinkle a few drops on logs in the fireplace or your Christmas tree.
Metal Vintage Essential Oils Diffuser
Made with metal and premium plastics, this metal vintage diffuser is more durable than your bog standard diffuser. It uses whisper-quiet technology which means you won’t hear it bubbling away in the background, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scents of your oil blends. You can confidently use this special diffuser as it has a timer and sensor which shuts the diffuser off when the water is low. An attractive bonus is that it has 7 mood lights you can choose from so that you can create your own chosen atmosphere. (And – you get a hassle-free money back guarantee if you don’t like it!)
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