Stress reduction strategies include: If you have a large circle of extended family or friends to buy gifts for, it can be very costly. If you are cooking lunch at home, delegate tasks. Holiday Stress-Reduction Tip: Decide What Matters Most "The spirit of the holidays is gratitude and giving," says Patti Breitman, co-author of the book How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty . We are not all the same, and that’s a good thing. Christmas can be a stressful time. Work out a rough budget of expected Christmas costs as early as possible. Order Christmas Cards Early. Here are some tips and strategies to help you reduce your Christmas stress. How to Reduce Christmas Stress. A time when families and friends come together and have the most wonderful time … well, that is what we all aspire to and in reality, it is an idyllic vision of how we would like Christmas to be. √ Comprehensive symptoms section with each symptom described and explained. How to Reduce Christmas Stress. Being selective in what you choose to engage in during the Christmas season puts you in control of your life experience rather than having others dictate it to you. “No” separates your desires and preferences from someone else’s. For many families, the Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year. 4-minute read. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Looking for the secret to a stress-free Christmas?One of the best things you can do for your home and mental wellbeing is to declutter in the weeks leading up to the big day.. Managing your stress well during the Christmas season, however, can make the difference between having fun and feeling good, and racing to get things done and feeling poorly both during and after the season is over. With so many things that we need to get done in order to spread holiday cheer, it can be pretty easy to get overwhelmed. Furthermore, many of the “you” activities are effective stress reduction strategies. “Christmas stress often comes about because of the way our brains associate that time of the year with the stress of past experiences,” says Noosha. Family members involved in after-lunch activities (such as cricket on the back lawn) are less likely to get into arguments. God came to be with us to demonstrate His reality to the world and to make a way for us to come back into relationship with Him. Stretching out your holiday activities over a longer period of time can really help reduce Christmas stress. With so many things that we need to get done in order to spread holiday cheer, it can be pretty easy to get overwhelmed. - J.G. Limit alcohol and make sure to hydrate. Buy a few extras, such as chocolates, just in case you forget somebody or you have unexpected guests arrive bearing gifts. We have put together some top tips to stop stress in its tracks and make the season of goodwill more enjoyable. In fact, if you can’t sleep, rest. Christmas doesn't have to be a financial headache if you plan ahead. If you can't (or don't want to) step off the social merry-go-round, at least try to eat and drink in moderation. During the Christmas holiday season, having the ability to hear and respect someone’s “no” can not only prevent damaged relationships from unrealistic expectations and unhealthy boundaries but it can also reduce a lot of the stress and negativity that typically comes from relationships where “no” is viewed as unacceptable. A hard blow to the head from a fall, knock or assault can injure the brain, even when there are no visible signs of trauma to the... Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires urgent medical attention... Alcohol, medications, illegal drugs and some herbal remedies can all cause damage if an overdose is taken... Asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. Have a Kris Kringle, where everyone draws a name out of a hat and buys a present only for that person. Arrange to send cards or presents in the first half of December to avoid disappointments (and long queues at the post office). Learn how to reduce Christmas stress in a creative way. Some restaurants may be fully booked for months before Christmas, so don't wait till the last minute. But we’ve also overcome it and returned to normal and lasting health. Lock down a plan. How to Reduce Christmas Stress. Give yourself a few minutes to sit down and really think things through. We need to be armed with a plan for dealing with it. √ Information is updated and added to daily. But, the high expectations that come along with the holidays can lead to stress, depression or disappointment. 1. This doesn’t just mean presents – remember to include  expenses such as food bills and overseas telephone charges. Today we’re talking about holiday stress and of course the different ways to reduce stress on Christmas time: there is no more stressful time of the year than Christmas.It is true though people enjoy holiday vacation but there is a pinch of stress and certain amount of pressure too. Consider doing your food shopping online. It’s okay to decline the last party invitation you received. To reduce the stress of the Christmas postage experience: Write up a Christmas card list and keep it in a safe place so that you can refer to it (and add or delete names) year after year. For many families, the Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year. Keep moving – keeping up your regular exercise routine can give you the fitness and stamina to make it through the demands of the festive season. But, the high expectations that come along with the holidays can lead to stress, depression or disappointment. Also, it’s not selfish to take time out to rest. This doesn’t mean you need to accept or agree with all viewpoints, which would be unrealistic and patronizing. Kids need their normal routines. These came over time, but doing all these things has made the entire Christmas season so much more enjoyable. A time to just batten down the hatches and power through. If you save $5, $10, or $20 per week over a year, it can provide you with a hefty nest egg. Now brainstorm gifts based on those interests. Make a list of all the gifts and food you wish to buy and shop early. Exhale as if your whole body is exhaling. Plan to write your Christmas cards in early December. Being more deliberate about your holiday plans so that your holidays are less stressful can make a meaningful difference in how you will feel physically, psychologically, and emotionally during AND after the Christmas holiday season. Click the links to read how I used these strategies to reduce stress at Christmas. Tip 1 – Set Realistic Expectations. Plan for something to do as a group after lunch if necessary. It’s never going to be. And increased stress levels can lead to more serious physical and mental illnesses. And, know when to stop. To reduce Christmas stress and anxiety, try connecting with one or two like-minded people at parties or events.