It’s hard to believe the end of the year is quickly approaching! While most of us look forward to spending time with loved ones, the holiday season can also be quite stressful. While it is understandable to want to make everything perfect, you should also set realistic goals. Here are some tips for avoiding holiday stress.
Set a budget
On average, Americans spent nearly $1,000 on holiday gifts in 2017. To help alleviate financial stress, plan a budget ahead of time and do your best to stick to it.
Plan your shopping
You may feel overwhelmed when you think about how many errands you need to run in preparation for the holidays. Give yourself time to plan everything you want to get done ahead of time.
Set boundaries
Traveling is common around the holidays. Remember you get to choose who you’re visiting and for how long. Set boundaries for you and your family to make your time more enjoyable.
Make time for yourself
It’s normal to feel frazzled when you are busy preparing for family dinners, present shopping, or a million other things. Don’t forget to take some time for yourself! In the video above, Dr. Jo, a licensed physical therapist, demonstrates simple breathing techniques you can try to relieve stress.
Year’s end can bring joy but also a fair share of frustration, so it’s important to be mindful of your stress level. We hope these tips help you alleviate stress and focus on what is important.
