Overcoming Stress This Christmas

Overcoming ChristmasStress This

Words Sushmita Sharma

‘Tis the Season! It is the time of the year that is awaited by many. Christmas, the time when we finally use our annual leave from work to relax and refresh, meet up with friends and family again, indulge in a delicious feast, and give and receive gifts. Lovely! But for many, Christmas can result in increased anxiety levels and be extremely stressful, especially financially and mentally.

This year has already taken a big hit on our finances and mental health, and we are not in for any more surprises. With industries shut and people locked in their homes, our lifestyles and economy were greatly challenged. Thousands of women lost their jobs and healthcare professionals reported a dramatic surge in mental health issues. After all this havoc, we are now one-year deep in the pandemic and can only hope for some good news regarding the vaccine. As we approach Christmas during this pandemic, it is essential to take care of our mental health and finances to overcome the Christmas anxiety.

There can be multiple reasons that can cause anxiety or stress around Christmas. Meeting up with your family (it’s not always fun), overspending on gifts, making a meal, gaining extra weight, finding a date if you’re single, decorating your house, fulfilling your kids’ demands, and the list goes on! So, here are some easy tips that you can use to save your budget and protect your mental health this Christmas.

Plan, Plan, and Plan

Plan Your Expenses

Buying gifts, going out for fine dining, partying with friends, traveling to see your family, everything comes from money! In the festive flow, we tend to freely spend on so many little things that can add up to a big amount in the end. This Christmas, set a budget based on your expenses and try to stick to it. But first, set some money aside for your usual expenses like rent or mortgage etc. Nobody likes to pay huge bills in the beginning of a new year. Based on your budget, take out cash or use your debit card to make any payments. Set a reminder on your phone for every morning and once during the daytime that will remind you of your budget. This will keep you on track, but you must be personally dedicated to maintaining your budget as well.

Plan Your Schedule

Time management is the key to a comfortable and stress-free Christmas. You do not want to use up all days of your annual leave and then go back to work all tired. Plan your schedule so that you have some time to unwind, relax, and be refreshed for the next year. There are many obligations and responsibilities around Christmas. You must decide and plan a week ahead on which tasks are worth your time. Once you know your high-priority tasks, make a calendar. Creating a calendar will give you a quick snapshot of how busy your Christmas looks. This will help you organise your time better and have a calmer and more relaxed Christmas.

Plan Your Future

Christmas may not be the best time to worry about your future. However, it is always wise to think about how you want to welcome the New Year. When you organise your budget and schedule for Christmas, use some time to think about your plan for the first month of the next year too. This will make your transition to the New Year smoother.

Balance, Balance and Balance

Balance Your Diet

Cakes, candies, cookies, cocktails, Christmas puddings, yum! But they are all packed with calories that contribute to your ‘holiday weight’. Moreover, high calorie foods and drinks are exactly what you crave in stressful times. This Christmas, replace your sugary snacks with healthier options that are equally delicious. Try not to overindulge in the festivity by eating uncontrollably. Keep a count of your calories and balance your diet with some workout sessions.

Balance Your Work

We are all workaholics, and we are proud of it! But this is Christmas and you need a break. You have worked hard throughout the year and now you deserve some time to sit back and relax. Stop worrying about work and your upcoming projects. When you go for your leave, try to decrease your screen time. Give yourself a break, you deserve it!

Balance Your Social Life

Laughter is the best medicine! You will be meeting with your friends and family after a long time. It can be stressful. Remember to balance your social life and meet only the people you really care about. Respect yourself enough to distance yourself from people who do not make you happy! You do not have to feel guilty for not meeting the cousins that you do not like.

Love, Love and Love

Love Your Family

Big or small, families always have that one person you cannot stand for more than an hour, but they are still your family! Keep your differences aside for one day. Treat each member with love, respect, and kindness.

Love Your Kids

For most kids, Christmas is their favourite time of the year. Kids can increase your stress levels with their demands during holidays. Remain calm and do not let your stress set a bad example for the kids around you. Pour your love and attention on your kids, niece, and nephews. These times of childhood become some memorable moments in a persons’ life. Make sure that you play a happy role in their memories.

Love Yourself

Before you love someone else, love yourself. If you feel happy and positive, you will make others feel happy and positive. Buy yourself a gift too. Go to that restaurant that you have been wanting to go. Spend some time with yourself and introspect on life. Use the zest of festivities to explore and follow your deepest desires. Love others but love yourself first!

Give, Give and Give

Give Gifts

Buying gifts is probably the first thing that comes to mind when we sit to calculate the budget for Christmas. This may sound unconventional, but gifts do not have to be expensive, material purchases to be extraordinary. Gifts can be experiential too. You can gift a luxurious spa appointment to the important ladies in your life. For men, you can buy tickets to a sports game. Such gifts are more thoughtful and are worth every cent! Whatever you decide, remember to stay in your planned budget.

Give Peace

It is the season of giving. It is the season of spreading joy. This year has been stressful for everyone around us. Some people lost their loved ones while some have not seen their loved ones in months. Not everyone will be busy meeting people. Christmas can be a lonely time, especially for those who carry the memories of the lost ones. This Christmas especially demands for more peace and kindness from us. Don’t let your stress take away someone’s joy. Be more empathetic towards others’ feelings. Whenever you get a chance, make someone smile with your positivity and kindness.

Give A Future

You have worked hard to be where you are. However, there are people who are still struggling and striving to achieve success. This Christmas, contribute to someone’s success by donating to charities that support young aspirants. Give someone the gift of a successful future!

Christmas or any other day of the year is as beautiful as you make it. Remember to breathe in and embrace the beauty in every day. Kill the stress with your beautiful smile and have a fantastic Christmas!