"It's the most wonderful time of the year." You would think. But for many people, the holiday season brings with it, above all, a hefty dose of stress.
The cause? Family dramas, mothers-in-law and the search for the perfect gifts, but also too much food, too much alcohol and too little exercise. And it does not help that it is gray outside (a white Christmas has been years ago).
All these factors combine to ensure that many people find the holidays stressful, according to research conducted by American scientists Holmes and Rahe on the 43 most stressful moments in a person's life.
So you can get through the holidays a little more carefree (with more peace in your mind).
1. Complete your work with peace of mind
Getting through the holiday season relaxed starts before the holidays. For many people, the days leading up to a vacation are mainly a race against the clock to complete the last tasks. But you then take that stress with you into the holidays.
A few days before your vacations begin, take the time to make a list of what really has priority. Be realistic about what you can still handle and what you can better postpone until after your vacation. Communicate this planning clearly with your colleagues to avoid unnecessary pressure just before your vacation.
2. Give the holidays more meaning
A study of satisfaction during the Christmas period shows that many people experience a decrease in joy of life and mental well-being during Christmas. Interestingly, this is not true for people who give religious or spiritual meaning to the holidays.
By consciously dwelling on what you are grateful for and reflecting on what this time of year means to you personally, you can build a deeper connection to the holidays. This shifts the focus from material things and high expectations to what is truly important.
3. Stay true to yourself
You don't have to suddenly put a three-course meal (including Christmas turkey and intricate pavlova) on the table during the holidays if you know yourself to be no kitchen prince(s). Having a nice gourmet dinner together, ordering something delicious or letting everyone bring something is also okay.
Doing something that doesn't suit you is stressful, so do what you are good at and what relaxes you, which is good for everyone - especially for yourself.
4. Be flexible with traditions
Traditions are nice, but can sometimes feel like quite an obligation. Why shouldn't traditions be allowed to change? Feel free to make your own interpretation of the holidays and discuss it openly with your family so no one feels short-changed.
For example, suggest a winter walk instead of sitting around the table all afternoon with wine and Christmas cookies. Or organize an afternoon of games with all kinds of small and large (board) games. Who knows, others might find it an incredibly fun idea, too!
5. Let go of the perfect picture
Many people have high expectations of the holidays and strive for the idyllic, perfect picture. Cosily cooking, talking and laughing together with a glass of red wine, dressed in a beige cable sweater or satin Christmas dress, while the children play quietly around the Christmas tree.
But life is not a Christmas movie. Striving for the perfect picture during the holidays often only creates more stress. Fill in the holidays in a way that suits you, your family, family or group of friends. And remember, imperfection is perfect.
6. Don't worry about the gifts
The perfect-gift search often leads to stress. Especially if you started it way too late. Try to be a little more relaxed about this this year and keep in mind that it's more about the intention of giving, rather than the value or perfection of the gift.
A homemade gift or something small chosen with attention often has much more value than something big and expensive. For example, bake something sweet or give a used book as a gift that you yourself think is special and really suits someone.
7. Keep taking good care of yourself
Holiday stress often comes from the combination: (in-law) family, too much food and not enough exercise. Enjoy the Christmas sweets at Christmas and the champagne at New Year's Eve, but keep taking good care of yourself.
Eat healthy before and after the holidays. On Christmas day, for example, go outside for a bit. Or even better: take your family with you. Still, it's better than staying inside in the Christmas circle all day.
8. Plan short breaks
Give yourself some breathing space! Do you feel the tension rising, for example while preparing a dinner or visiting relatives? Then take small breaks to catch your breath. Find a separate room or take a little longer on the toilet. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Relax in... Stress out... Relaxation in... Stress out...
In the Meditation Moments app are short guided meditations, but also nice short breathing exercises (already from 1 minute!) that you can easily do in between. For just a little more peace and quiet in your head. Because remember: the holidays are there to be enjoyed. So relax! It will be all right.
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