You want to enjoy the holidays. But the holidays can bring up a lot of hard emotions.
And one of those emotions is STRESS. From planning extra events to dealing with family conflict during holiday gatherings, there is plenty about the holiday season that can be difficult.
Thankfully, there are practical things to do that will help reduce stress – so you can enjoy your holiday season more fully. Whether it’s you struggling with stress or you’re trying to minister to someone who is stressed out, these tips will help.
Join me today for a counselor’s perspective on some tips and strategies to help avoid stress this year during the holiday season.
RELATED: 4 Clinical And Biblical Tips For Fighting Sadness, Depression, And Hopelessness
Why do the holidays bring up so much stress?
There are many reasons why you might feel stressed at the holidays. In part, it’s because this is such a special time of year! But special times come with high expectations that can sometimes be unrealistic.
You might have many family traditions or required work obligations, which add to your schedule… and stress.
In fact, for pastors and those closely involved in the church calendar, the holidays are usually especially busy!
Our childhood memories, broken or lost relationships during the year, or big life changes can also add to the stress and emotions of the holidays.
But – there are things you can do to help avoid stress during the holidays! Try these 5 tips.
1. Plan ahead.
As you approach the holidays, make a plan. What activities and events need to go on the schedule? How will you plan for out-of-the-ordinary meals, family gatherings, or time for the kids off from school? You can also plan for your own emotional burdens of the holidays! If you expect stress, scheduling in your coping plan – when will you spend time with the Lord, work out, visit with friends, or take a break?
2. Know your priorities – and let God set them.
One of the main stressors during any season of life is that when you try to do too many things at the same time. You have the same boundaries of time and space that everyone else has… you can’t do it all! So consider all the elements of the holidays, and pray for God’s clarity in your priorities – considering home, family, work, church, extended family, and every area of life.
3. Keep your expectations realistic.
As you are setting priorities and planning ahead… be realistic! This is an important part of it. If your family has political arguments every year at the Thanksgiving table, there is no reason to expect something different this year, unless you try something different as you’re planning ahead. Consider your own limitations, the personalities of your family and colleagues, and be realistic about what you can accomplish and expect.
4. Get 1:1 time with your important people.
This might be my favorite stress-reducing tip! As you’re busy during the holidays, it can be easy to let your time with family slip. Date nights. Playing dolls with your girls. Taking your son out for ice cream. Whoever your important people are, make a point to get time with them. Yes, they might be included in your holiday gatherings and events. But when you’re working, surrounded by people, or focusing on a specific task, those are not relationship-building moments. You’ll feel better, and so will they, with a little 1:1 time during a busy season.
5. Talk about the GOOD stuff with people – not just planning
When you are in a busy season of life, it can be easy to over-focus on some of the things on this list. Planning ahead, setting priorities, understanding your expectations… these are typical time-management suggestions. And yes, they will reduce stress – but they can also fix your gaze on the to-do list instead of the meaning for the season: God’s graciousness and the birth of your Savior! Talk about the good stuff, talk about the gospel, don’t just talk about plans and schedules.
What’s next?
Emotions can be tough – and the holidays can bring up many of them! If you are struggling during the holidays, make sure to seek help. That might be “self care” time, it might be a heart-to-heart with your spouse or friend, it might be a counseling session. Don’t suffer through alone.
If you are in South Carolina and need help with these issues, we have counselors and life coaches available at The iHope Center. Reach out to us at The iHope Center if you would like some support with dealing with these related struggles. Our services are 50% below the local average cost of counseling and we do offer some virtual appointments if needed. Call (843) 702-0323 to get started.
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REFERRALS AND DONATIONS
Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors.
The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations are used to help us keep clients’ fees at 50% below the local average cost for services.
DISCLAIMERS
The blog, podcast, and other resources offered by The iHope Center should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others.
In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.