Simple Tips For Overcoming Holiday Stress

For many people, the holidays are a happy time — but they can also be a highly-stressful time. If you’re someone who feels more stressed than merry around the holidays, you’re not alone: The American Psychological Association found that 38% of people say their stress increases during the holidays. People experience these elevated emotions during the holidays due to a number of reasons: increased financial stress, an influx of social obligations, or even a heightened alcohol and food consumption.

While it may be impossible to completely eliminate holiday stress, there are ways to manage it. Here are some tips for overcoming stress around the holidays:

Pace yourself with whatever tasks you take on during the holidays, and don’t be afraid to say “no.” If you agree to responsibilities or activities that you simply don’t have the time or energy for, you may end up feeling frustrated and resentful — and that’s not the headspace you want to be in for the holidays.

It’s essential to set boundaries with your family, friends, and co-workers. If it’s not possible or realistic to say “no” to something (such as a work assignment), then try to remove something else from your agenda so you’re still able to take time for yourself. Remember to prioritize your mental and physical health, even during busy times of the year.

When you’re feeling stressed, say something. You can’t force yourself to be upbeat and happy just because it’s the holiday season. Ask for help when you need it. If feelings of loneliness or isolation strike, don’t hesitate to reach out to a relative, a trusted friend, or a health care professional. Consider seeing a counselor or a therapist. You can also seek out community or social events for extra support or companionship.

To help keep a calm, clear mind during the holidays, it’s important to stick to your routine as much as possible. Only plan a holiday-related event or activity one or two times a week so you’re not straying too far from your typical day-to-day. If you wake up each morning knowing exactly what’s on your plate, you’ll feel far less stressed when holiday events pop up on your schedule.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re human, and you can only do so much. Be aware of your limitations and expectations. Some things are simply out of your control. Accept that everything may not go according to plan. You may find yourself disappointed with something or someone over the holidays, but when this happens, understand the situation for what it is and try to move on. Don’t let one negative instance send you into a stress-filled spiral and affect your holidays.

For extra support around the holidays, consider taking a natural supplement like Nutrafol along with our Stress Adaptogen. These adaptogens help improve the body’s stress response. Chronic stress can affect your entire body — it can disrupt your hormones, deplete the key nutrients for hair health, and even affect your hair growth cycle; however, you can aid your defenses against the holiday season’s demands with adaptogenic ingredients.