Disclaimer: If you are the type of person who LOVES every single second of the holidays, this post is NOT for you. This post is meant for people who feel heightened amounts of stress and anxiety during the holidays.

With visiting friends and family comes food preparation, shopping for gifts and cleaning your home.
Often, we end up having a few extra later nights than they are used to which creates havoc with our typical sleep routine. AND occasionally we end up socializing with people who don’t always make us feel comfortable.

For some people, the holidays bring up bad memories and uncomfortable situations and for others, the financial stress and certain obligations put additional pressure that is very difficult to manage.

Don’t get me wrong, the holidays are a joyful season, full of love, joy and hopefully peace (that is my one wish this holiday!).

Everyone experiences change to routine differently and everyone manages stress differently. For some people, they are able to easily manage quick changes to routine and for others, it is much more challenging to be flexible. We must remember that everyone is different and everyone experiences life differently. We also must remember that the holidays are not always a happy and joyous time for everyone, for a multitude of reasons.

Tips for How Adults Can Reduce Stress During the Holiday Season:

• Ask for help. – Ask your children and your partner for help. They can help with cleaning, tidying and even gift wrapping.
• Purchase Prepared Foods. – If your budget allows, ease some of your preparation by purchasing some prepared food, even if it is a vegetable or fruit tray!
• Cook and freeze foods and holiday baking ahead of time. – If you spread out food preparation over a couple of weeks, you will be less swamped the day of the event.
• Take care of your body. – Ensure you get enough sleep, rest, water and healthy foods in order to keep your body functioning at its best. Be sure to avoid overindulging at events or parties.
• Take time to enjoy the moment. – The holidays are all about making memories and enjoying time with people you love. Be sure to step away from the hustle bustle of life (including technology) and enjoy the company of the people who you care about.
• Consider natural remedies. – Orange Naturals has many natural tinctures and remedies to help people deal with STRESS
• Take some time to yourself! – You deserve a break too! Be sure to do a couple of things that you enjoy like read a book, listen to your favourite music, relax in a bath or picking up that craft project that has been sitting in your nightstand all year.
• Make a list of your priorities. – Making a list often puts things in perspective and allows you to stay organized.
• Manage expectations – perfection isn’t most important. – This is one that I need to force myself to remember and accept. For those perfectionists in the crowd, remember that the little details that we tend to worry about aren’t even noticed by others. Think about the popular saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”.
• Get sunlight every day! – Not only is the vitamin D important to your health, but it can also help to heighten your mood.
• Create a spending limit and stick to it. – This may take some planning, but if you create a budget and brainstorm your shopping list, you can stay within your means during the holidays.
• Remember it is OK to say NO. – This is very difficult for many of us, but it is so important to know our limits.
• Breathe – When you are feeling overly stressed or anxious, be sure to breathe!
• Slow down. – Life is so fast paced! Be sure to take a step back and enjoy some true down time. You deserve to relax!
• Have fun. – Allow yourself to have fun! Even if you are feeling overwhelmed or down, be sure to allow yourself the opportunity to laugh, smile and participate in an activity that makes you feel good.

Tips for How Children Can Reduce Stress During the Holiday Season:

• Manage Expectations – Children are notorious for having HIGH expectations, hopes and dreams when it comes to the holidays. Have a discussion about their expectations and talk to them about how they can handle disappointment if they don’t get what they want or expected. Remember that it is important to be a role model for your children too.
• Maintain routine. – While you may have a few special events or parties where you are out later than usual, be sure to maintain your childrens’ routine as much as possible in order to help them to feel stable. Children crave routine and when they are out of routine, this can lead to stress.
• Feed them healthy food. – Talk about the importance of healthy eating and provide them with healthy choices with every meal and snack, even if a treat is involved. Remember that your children are always watching you, so be sure to keep your treat intake in moderation as well.
• Provide them daily physical activity opportunities. – Children need to be active. It is good for their physical health, but it also helps them to manage excitement and stress.
• Involve your children in the holiday planning. – Ask your children what their favourite things to do during the holidays are and be sure to include some of their choices on your “to do” list.

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Disclosure: I am part of the Orange Naturals Mom Ambassador Program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own. The tips shared in this post are NOT provided for by a medical professional. If you are experiencing extreme symptoms, please seek professional assistance.