Managing Holiday Stress Using Boundaries and Other Techniques
Thanksgiving is just days away, and after it follows Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, and the other winter holidays that focus on family, food, and togetherness. That said, the holidays (though they’re times of joy) can be times of high-stress when your boundaries are crossed and some loved ones don’t act so loving, and coming into the season prepared with boundaries set and intentions spoken can make all the difference.
If you’re wondering what boundaries you can set to help manage stress and make the holidays more joyful this season, read on and let’s discuss—
Setting boundaries to manage stress this holiday season
As you all know, I’m a HUGE fan of boundaries. I write about boundaries and how to set, enforce, and enjoy the rewards of them quite often, and during the holidays I’ve found that boundaries become more important than ever. Though this is the season of giving and caring for others, we should also remember to care for ourselves, and not over-extend ourselves to the point of bitterness and exhaustion (because that defeats the purpose of celebrating the season).
If you find yourself over-extended and “dreading” the holidays, you may want to exercise setting these boundaries (and other stress relief techniques) to ensure you’re enjoying yourself and being the best version of YOU for YOU and your loved ones this holiday season:
Hosting the holiday party or meal? Don’t do it all by yourself. Ask others to bring a dish (or two), or just to come over to help you prepare, or stay late to help you clean up. Your loved ones surely appreciate your time spent hosting, and they surely wouldn’t balk at helping out to ease your strain. It’s okay to ask for help, and you’d be surprised how much simpler things can be when everyone pitches in to enjoy the season together and create a shared experience.
Buying too many gifts? Suggest cutting back, like drawing names or playing a gifting game, etc. If you’re stressed about holiday finances, ask your friends and family or other loved ones if it would be okay to draw names, or cut back on spending in other ways. Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful— it’s truly the thought that counts! Discuss cutting back in some ways with your loved ones this gift-giving season, and everyone will surely have just as much fun receiving smaller, thoughtful gifts as they do receiving big, lavish ones (that can often break the bank and induce stress for all involved).
Take some “me” time, and remember it’s okay to say “no”. If you’re stressed about time, the pandemic, or anything like that, remember it’s okay (even during the holidays) to say “no” to some invites you receive, or to some questions you’re asked. Suggest spending time with loved ones another time if you truly can’t spend the time or money traveling in for that Christmas party (like a virtual party at a more optimal time), or simply say “no” to taking on extra work this season if you’d rather spend more time with your loved ones— it’ll be okay and the world won’t end if you decide to be more mindful of your time. I promise!
What other tips do you practice to stem stress during the holiday season? Let’s discuss!
Xoxo, MM.