Despite the jolly and good cheer of the holiday season, it’s a stressful time. Between wrapping up work projects with ever-depleting motivational reserves, planning family gatherings, and crossing everyone from teachers to neighbors off your gift list, it can be a challenge to see the bright side of what should be a joyous time of year.
While it’s rarely possible to altogether eschew holiday stress, there are actions you can take to relieve and recover from much of it, preventing burnout. Here are 10 tips to help you truly enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.
10 Ways to Beat Holiday Burnout
1. Make it a family affair
With so much on your plate, getting your family, friends or colleagues involved is the simplest way to relieve some pressure. Some of the most stressed individuals are often also the ones that try to take on too much by themselves. While this may feel admirable in the moment, it certainly doesn’t help you to make the most of your holidays.
Instead of planning the entire office party or making every dish for a family gathering, delegate most of the work to others. There’s always more work to do than you expect, and taking on the role of delegator and planner is already a large and time-consuming task. Children can help peel and chop vegetables, wash dishes and set the table. Willing and able adults can bake, cook, run errands and assist with cleaning.
Likewise, older children and partners can get involved in choosing and purchasing or crafting gifts for teachers, colleagues, neighbors, relatives and friends. Set your expectations early and stick to your boundaries.
2. Don’t forget to nourish yourself
Stressful, busy times are when healthy habits tend to take a back seat. However, these are also the times when you need energy and nourishment. Skipping meals or eating refined sugary or fatty foods depleted of nutrients will only result in mood swings, cravings, and fatigue.
Make it a goal to ensure you eat well and take care of your basic nutritional needs. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats with plenty of micronutrients and fiber from veggies and fruits.
3. Move your body in ways you love
Whether or not you have a consistent exercise routine, the holidays are a tough time for most people to stick to one. If you usually work out but find yourself struggling to keep up with your training routine, cut yourself some slack. Instead, focus on moving your body in ways that you enjoy.
Think about asking your friends and family to join you for a walk around the neighborhood to look at the lights or take a trip to an ice rink. Turn on some holiday music and dance in your living room while you decorate. There are many ways to move your body that don’t look like traditional gym sessions but are still effective for abating stress, boosting your mood, and facilitating sleep.
4. Reserve time for peace
Although the holidays are prime time for socializing and being with family, for many, being around people and attending events can be overwhelming and lead to fatigue and overstimulation. If you are feeling peopled-out, it is a good idea to take some time for yourself.
Plan time daily to relax, breathe and be at peace. Practice some deep breathing techniques, take a bath, meditate, read a book or do something calming you enjoy.
5. Stick to your budget
Financial stress can be a significant factor in turning a joyous time of year into one of fear and regret. Some pre-planning of your budget can prevent the worry that comes with the season. Don’t forget to factor in gift exchanges, meals, baking, travel expenses, or other commitments that can creep into your spending.
Remember that those who love and care about you will understand your financial limitations. Discuss your plans with your family members and friends, and think of frugal ways to still enjoy giving this season. For instance, for large families, you can each draw a name to buy a gift, so everyone gets something without needing to buy something. Consider a homemade gift exchange or acts of service instead of traditional store-bought gifts.
6. Don’t over commit
There’s no shortage of events and charities to commit to this time of year. Instead of stretching yourself too thin, sit down and get a good idea of how much time you can feasibly give. If special charities, parties, or events mean a lot to you, put them on your calendar.
Don’t forget to plan much-needed downtime around these events and your daily health habits, such as exercise and nutritious meals. After factoring in these needs, choose a reasonable number of commitments to attend to and stick to them. You’ll be able to enjoy yourself more knowing that you can fully rest and recover before and afterward rather than overcommitting to several events and feeling depleted and resentful.
7. Prioritize sleep and rest
Sleep is the key to all other aspects of your life. It provides you with energy, helps balance cravings and mood, allows you to spend energy on exercise, increases productivity and focus, and reduces the stress response. You will have trouble enjoying yourself without sufficient sleep, and stress levels will likely rise.
Stick to a consistent sleep and wake routine as much as possible, reserving some late nights for special events. Consider the times you know you may lack sleep by factoring them into the rest of your week’s plans—leave time for rest and relaxation after a late night and make sure to eat well the next day to set yourself up for full recovery.
8. Shop online
One of the most significant time savers during the holidays is online shopping. While you may have already figured out online gift buying, going one step further and shopping for your holiday needs online can save you hours.
For instance, purchasing baking supplies, cooking ingredients, gift wrap, cards, stocking stuffers and all the little bits and pieces that typically take several trips to various stores can be done in a flash online. It starts with making a list of everything you need and adding things to your online cart. Save the cart and return to it over a few days so you can make sure you have everything you need.
Don’t forget about the little everyday things such as extra toiletries for the guest room, enough sugar and sprinkles for cookies, supplements you need to top up, meat and dairy alternatives for your plant-based dinner guest and all of those easy-to-forget items that will have you rushing out on last-minute stress inducing errands.
9. Let go of perfection
It may be difficult for some people, but letting go of perfection is an incredibly freeing and stress-busting practice. Instead of crafting the perfect cookie tin for an exchange, bake one unique item and buy the rest from a quality source. Purchase pre-made salads, beverages and desserts for dinner guests, and skip the perfectly crafted place settings.
If big dinner events are typically your responsibility, instead of elaborate dishes, make or buy some easy-to-serve appetizers, sides and snacks. Call on a previous tip and delegate food items for others to bring. Offer pre-mixed drinks instead of fancy cocktails that will have you stuck in the kitchen all night. Use compostable paper plates and napkins instead of fancy dinnerware. You’ll enjoy yourself more, and others will also have the privilege of your less-frazzled company.
10. Focus on making memories
The holidays are meant for making memories, but often, people get caught up in trying to craft them rather than letting them unfold. Time spent with loved ones is much more rewarding when you have something to give, rather than forcing yourself too thin and trying to meet too many demands. Think about your fondest holiday memories, and you’ll likely recognize that it’s the togetherness, laughter, and cheer that stand out the most.
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