MINIMIZE HOLIDAY STRESS

whitneysavageau
Nov 8, 2019
5 min read

it's about that time again.

the holidays are creeping in on us and there's a lot to do, and a lot to get done.

i wanted to make a post on how to completely 'eliminate' the stress that the holidays bring, but lets face it, no matter what- there is something that catches us off guard or something we're going to stress about regardless. the end of the year is stressful; and so is getting everything together.

i go back and forth with loving the holidays.. it's a lot to manage. i want to see everyone, i have to travel home to do so and once i'm there - i have 2 sides of the family to see (like most, but a divorced family on the holidays makes it even harder) and even if i stay for weeks its never enough time [and never will be, but that's beside the point]. Even if you full on love the holidays - there is some stress that comes along with them. so here are my tips and ticks to at least... hopefully lessen the amount of holiday stress, before, during, and after. [even if that means you need to grab some of the hard liquor, find a closet, and take a shot.]

-- PRE-HOLIDAYS --

- DON'T FORGET -

know that everyone wants you safe more than anything!!
don't stress yourself out over what to 'get' for everyone, your company IS ENOUGH.
some people are missing loved ones on the holidays, be kind to everyone you cross... they might seem to be 'angry' at you but they might just be hurting.
if you're hosting - toys on the floor, and toothpaste in the sink, is OK. we don't live in a 'pristine clean' world; its okay to have a bit of a mess.
check on yourself.. your mental state and stress level. don't overwork yourself.
take the extra day off. if you need to have a personal day after [or before] a holiday event-TAKE IT. if you need help getting somewhere, or want someone to bring something - ask, don't just expect people to know you needed help, or would have liked them to bring something.
if you're a guest - ask if they need anything, help before, after, or to bring something.
try to focus on the excitement more than the stress.

-- [SOME TRAVELING REMINDERS] --

make lists. here are the ones i use for 'easy' travel.

majority of people are traveling too - they are also stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious as well.

- if you're driving -

pack the car the night before.. grab the random stuff and perishables in the morning

make sure you have snacks AND plenty of water for the drive

leave space in the back or trunk for random things. [extra food, small gifts, etc.]

- if you're flying -

have anything with pets prearranged

make sure you have a way to get there, and a backup just in case.

get there early -- everyone else is traveling too.

mind what you wear - it is a lot easier to get caught up in security with more bulky clothing.

leave a little bit of extra space in your carry on for a sweatshirt or sweatpants

leave a little extra space in your other baggage for things you might be bringing back

- if you're traveling with pets -

pack their main things first - paperwork, medications [things you cant just buy at the store]

leave it with your important items [wallet/purse, keys, phone]

- if you're renting a car -

have all your paperwork easy to get to

pay before if you can, so you don't have to wait in line. [even longer than normal]

try to avoid renting from the airport [there are extra fees when doing this]

if you're bringing a pet, bring an additional blanket. (so their hair isn't all over the rental)

-- BEFORE --

get things ready before, and early in the day. so you can relax before the event.

take a bath, or have a relaxing night to yourself before the chaos.

make a list for the morning

keep focus on gratitude.. the holidays aren't about the gifts, but the time together

-- DURING --

- IF YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED -

go in the bathroom.. look up a funny youtube video, or call a friend.
hide in the bathtub/shower with some headphones and listen to some music for a little.
go on a walk, grab some hot-chocolate [spike it] and walk around the block. try to only focus on breathing and the cool air.
honestly, sometimes i hide in the closet and take a 10 minute nap.. [or a shot.]
go to the bathroom, put a cold rag on the back of your neck, and sit down for a little.

- IF YOU GET BORED -

stop looking at your phone and include everyone in a game or conversation
go "old school", get the cards and board games out ... even go fish, or spoons.
go for a walk, or help around the house
make a game out of gift wrapping some things
go look at lights in the neighborhood

- HEATED DISCUSSIONS -

try to avoid conversations you prefer not to talk about, or just simply walk away
go for a walk (yes this is basically my answer to everything because it really does help.)

-- AFTER --

live in the moment.

appreciate everyone you have around you - even if you get into an argument

take in all of the joy that it is to be together with everyone - even if it was stressful

appreciate the time that was put into this - by you, and everyone else. be thankful for it.

look through some of the pictures,

-- PREPPING FOR THE NEXT --

- RELAX -

give yourself time to relax
"block out the noise" .. block out the stress that you're anticipating and enjoy the silence that you have now that all of the buildup for this event is done
have your favorite wine, or favorite drink.

- TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME -

dont count the days until the next one
dont think about the little amount of time you have left to get things done - even though it is hard, try to take baby steps.
dont forget about your stability (mental and otherwise)

- REPEAT 'BEFORE, DURING, AFTER' -

but also remember - the "pre-holiday list" is really what you should focus on, those really are the most important part of all of this chaos anyway.

i hope this helped, even a little. maybe try some of these things, i know some where kind of funny, and odd..but let me tell you, sometimes you need to find a closet and take a shot to recoup 😂 much love, for all of you. and i hope the holiday season is filled with nothing but love, happiness, a lot less stress than normal, and that you get to see everyone you love smiling.