How to Survive the Holidays When You’re Stressed Out

The holidays are a difficult time of year for many people especially if they are undergoing obstacles that cause a great deal of stress. Even if your life is a bucket of roses, parties, shopping for gifts, and traveling can be overwhelming. You may have family members or friends staying at your house or may even be dealing with illness.

Dr. Alyssa Dweck is a New York-based OBGYN and author of The Complete A to Z of the V. She shared several tips with me to survive the holidays and the “hangover” that comes afterward.

Take preventative measures to avoid stress

Be mindful of the activities you choose to partake in. Don’t overschedule yourself. It’s okay if you don’t attend every party and you certainly don’t have to over-extend yourself as a hostess or host. Say no, if it will cause you anxiety, like having to find the perfect dress or getting into fights with relatives. Angst is the last thing you need.

All the sugary treats sitting at your office or at parties can put you in diabetic shock. Don’t feel you have to eat everything because you will pay for those indulgences later.

Save your energy so you can use it when you need it

Drinking a triple-shot Gingerbread Latte or an energy drink can temporarily bring you out of a tryptophan stupor but it can also wreak havoc with your blood pressure.

Keep on moving

75% of annual weight gain occurs during the holidays. It’s not only from all the goodies we eat but also because we spend too much time glued to the couch. Get up from time to time to take a walk with your family to view neighborhood holiday lights or have a dance contest. Physical activity is the best way to wake up from an eggnog coma and you can still have fun.

Try to eat smart

Even if you gain only one or two pounds during the holiday season it can add up over time. Make smart food choices by eating plenty of vegetables and mostly lean meats. Limit yourself to one small treat a day and, if you want a cocktail, stick to wine instead of a sugary toddy. A bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy is hard to resist but choosing less starchy carbs like roasted root vegetables is better. Cheating during the holidays is expected but try to do it in moderation.

Take care of yourself

Self-care is essential throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. Nurture your skin by treating it to a skin-nourishing facial while you relax in a warm tub. Have a massage, meditate, and make sure to get plenty of sleep. Connect with friends who are far away. Sometimes we isolate ourselves from the world especially when things are not going well.

If the holidays make you severely depressed, get help. The new code for people contemplating suicide is 988. Memorize it and use it. Watch over friends and family members who may be struggling.

Don’t expect perfection

When you set the bar too high you will be disappointed. So what if your decorations don’t rival your neighbors? Who cares if your holiday party doesn’t come off as planned? Set realistic goals with small attainable milestones. Factor in obstacles that may get in the way. Be specific in how you express your goals. Instead of setting a goal to “get in shape” say, “I will exercise for at least 30 minutes, 5x per week.”

Go with the flow

The holidays are supposed to be joyful but if you are dealing with challenges it may be hard. Forego events and activities that cause you angst and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t live up to other people’s expectations.

Not having enough money is a huge stressor.  If money is tight don’t put yourself in debt buying expensive gifts. Hand out homemade items or take your family on a fun and affordable outing. Experiences often make better gifts than material objects.

I hope these tips help you survive the holidays, so you can enjoy the season with peace, love, and a sense of well-being.

What do you do to get yourself through the holidays in one piece? Please leave a comment below.