With Halloween and Bonfire Night now firmly in the rear-view mirror, you’ve likely already noticed that the festive season is creeping into your everyday life.
You might have seen decorations in shop windows, noticed supermarket shelves filling up with mince pies, and spotted Christmas adverts have already taking over the TV.
For many, this time of the year is incredibly exciting. However, it can just as easily bring stress and exhaustion.
Indeed, between hosting loved ones, preparing vast meals, and shopping for gifts, the festive season can quickly become overwhelming.
According to Mates in Mind, 84% of people find the festive period stressful, while 77% think their mental health worsens around Christmas.
If this sounds familiar, then you’re not alone. The good news is that there are practical ways to manage the pressure.
Continue reading to discover 10 realistic ways to protect your wellbeing and beat the festive stress.
1. Plan ahead as much as possible
One of the simpler ways to reduce festive stress is to start planning early. You might want to start by creating a list of everything you need to do, then spread these tasks across the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Planning ahead this way could help you avoid the last-minute rush that often fuels anxiety, all while giving you a sense of control over your time and budget.
It could also be helpful to set spending limits before you start shopping. This might even allow you to focus on purchasing thoughtful gifts, rather than feeling pressured to overspend.
2. Remind yourself that the stress is only temporary
While it is certainly busy, the stress surrounding the festive period doesn’t last forever. When you start to feel overwhelmed, it might help to take a step back and remind yourself that the pressures will soon pass.
Focusing on this could help you keep things in perspective and stay calm as you try to plan everything.
You could even try grounding techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness. Even a few slow and deliberate breaths could help to reset your thoughts and restore a sense of balance.
3. Take time out for yourself
Among all the celebrations and selfless acts, it’s easy to forget that you deserve rest and recuperation too.
As such, you might want to try carving out short periods each day for yourself. This could involve going for a walk, reading, or simply enjoying a cup of tea.
These moments of calm allow you to recharge your batteries and approach demanding festive tasks with more energy.
4. Set realistic expectations
You may feel pressured to create the “perfect” Christmas for your loved ones. Indeed, you might picture the ideal meal, decorations, and gifts.
In reality, perfection is difficult to achieve, and chasing it could only lead to unnecessary stress.
So, setting realistic expectations could help you enjoy the festive season for what it is, rather than what you think it should be.
Remember that the people who matter most will value the intention behind your actions more than their outcome.
5. Stick to your healthy habits
The festive season often disrupts your daily routines, whether that’s your exercise or sleeping patterns.
Of course, it’s perfectly fine to indulge over Christmas, but maintaining some of your healthy habits could help you stay grounded.
You should continue to get enough rest, eat nourishing meals, and stay active in the ways you enjoy. Even just a short walk outdoors could boost your mood and ease tension.
6. Talk to someone you love
If the Christmas preparations start to feel heavy, opening up to someone you trust can make a big difference.
This might include a family member, friend, or even a colleague.
Sometimes, simply saying your piece is enough, and sharing your feelings could remind you that others might be experiencing the same stress you are.
7. Set boundaries and feel free to say “no”
It’s natural to want to please everyone during the festive season, but saying “yes” to every invitation or request can quickly lead to burnout.
As such, learning to set boundaries is a practical way to protect your wellbeing.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to decline an invitation or ask for help with hosting duties. The people who care about you will understand, and it’s vital to prioritise your mental health.
8. Don’t always assume the worst
Even the smallest disagreements can feel significant when tensions are running high. So, it’s worth reminding yourself that most situations aren’t as serious as they may first appear.
Approaching challenges with patience could allow you to defuse stress before it erodes your wellbeing.
9. Delegate planning tasks to your family
You don’t have to do everything yourself, and sharing the workload could ease your stress and help others feel included.
Asking family members to take on specific responsibilities, such as decorating the house, could turn preparation into a shared effort, making the season more enjoyable for everyone.
10. Appreciate what you have
Amid all the noise that tends to come around Christmas, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on what you already have. This might include time with loved ones, your good health, or even the joys of a warm home.
Gratitude can quickly relieve stress, helping you to focus on what truly matters.
Slowing down and recognising what you’re grateful for could even allow you to create more meaningful memories when the big day comes.
Get in touch
We could help you manage your finances so there’s one less thing to worry about this Christmas.
Please contact us by email at info@investmentsense.co.uk or call 0115 933 8433 to find out more.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
